Somaliland Police detain two officers after Bihi Airport incident

Former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi faced a tense confrontation on Monday at Egal International Airport, where security forces attempted to block several members of his entourage from entering the facility. The situation escalated when officers fired shots into the air, triggering widespread national outrage.

Videos that circulated on social media show the standoff ultimately forcing the former President to walk into the terminal on foot after an intense confrontation with airport security guards.

The incident drew immediate criticism from opposition groups. The Kulmiye Party, which Bihi led during his presidency, issued a statement expressing “deep sadness” over the conduct of the police. The party said it was “unacceptable” that live ammunition was discharged while a former head of state was present. The communiqué added that the actions “painted a distorted picture of Somaliland’s governance” and called on the government, particularly the Ministry of Aviation and security agencies, to issue an official explanation.

Later, leaders of the Kulmiye party reiterated their concerns during a press briefing, stressing that the incident should not be interpreted through a tribal lens. The current Kulmiye chair and former Minister of Interior, Ahmed Kahin, stressed that “this matter is not a clan issue, nor is it something for clans to be discussing.” His remarks followed statements by several traditional elders who had invoked clan-based narratives to describe the confrontation, accusing President Irro and members of his clan of “plotting an assassination attempt” against Bihi.

The Kaah Party also condemned the episode, saying it was “deeply distressed” by the shooting and obstruction at the airport. The party noted that forcing a former President to walk into the terminal under such circumstances was “a serious breach of protocol” and “an act of disrespect.” Its statement urged the government to issue a public apology.

Security forces later announced that they had launched an internal investigation. Abdiasis Ismail, spokesperson of Somaliland police forces, confirmed that two officers had been detained in connection with the gunfire, adding that the force “maintains respect for all former presidents, including Muuse Bihi,” and would take appropriate disciplinary measures.

Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation Fuad Ahmed Nuh described the confrontation as “unfortunate.” He said the ministry and airport administration had not been informed of the former President’s travel plans, which he explained contributed to the misunderstanding between security officers and Bihi’s entourage. The minister added that better coordination could have “prevented the escalation.”

The episode comes amid ongoing political unease since President Ciro took office. Clan-based rhetoric has grown increasingly pronounced in recent months, and the airport incident has further heightened these tensions. It has sparked strong reactions across Somaliland, many of which, including statements from traditional elders, have taken on a distinctly tribal tone. As of now, the former President has not issued a public comment on the events.