The Call for Transparency: Muuse Biixi’s Demand on Somaliland-Israel Agreement
On February 22, 2026, former Somaliland President Muuse Biixi Cabdi issued a poignant call to the Somaliland government, advocating for transparency regarding the agreement established with Israel. This call underscores a larger dialogue surrounding the legitimacy and implications of international agreements in a region fraught with geopolitical complexities.
The Urgency for Clarity in Agreements
Biixi’s appeal centers on the need for a clear and just agreement between Somaliland and Israel, one that upholds the interests of both parties equally. His insistence on transparency indicates that the government has not adequately conveyed the nature of its arrangement with Israel, which could range from a memorandum of understanding to a legally binding contract. He expressed concerns that if the content of the agreement were uneven or disrespectful to any party’s beliefs—particularly religious considerations—it would warrant public dialogue and protest.
Historical Context and Previous Agreements
The former president reflected on his own tenure, noting a lack of transparency regarding another pivotal agreement—the one made with Ethiopia at the beginning of 2024. Despite calls from opposition parties for detailed disclosure, the public remained largely in the dark about that agreement as well. This raises important questions about governmental accountability and the necessity for citizen awareness in matters that could significantly impact national interest.
Regional Dynamics: Egypt and Turkey’s Opposition
Biixi condemned the alignment of Egypt and Turkey against Somaliland’s quest for recognition. He pointed out the paradox of their collective stance, given their historical disagreements on various fronts. Interestingly, he highlighted Egypt’s early agreements with Israel, including the famous visit by former Egyptian President Anwar Al Sadat, marking a pivotal point in Arab-Israeli relations.
His remarks imply that while these two regional powers assert their opposition to Somaliland, they have their own historical ties with Israel that complicate their current stance.
The Question of Stability
Biixi voiced concerns regarding the involvement of Egyptian and Turkish military forces in Somalia, which he claims would not lead to lasting solutions. Instead, he attributed the ongoing tensions directly to Somaliland’s recognition by Israel, suggesting that international acknowledgment has triggered an array of unfavorable regional dynamics.
He further disputed claims from Somali leaders suggesting the influx of Palestinian refugees into Somaliland, branding these discussions as baseless and asserting that Somaliland’s government had already dismissed such notions.
Misconceptions about Military Intentions
Addressing rumors that Israel seeks to use Somaliland as a staging ground for military interventions in Yemen or Iran, Biixi dismissed these as exaggerated and unfounded—a “market rumor” rather than a reality. He reinforced the legitimacy of Somaliland’s constitution, which fundamentally opposes such military actions, thereby stressing the need for honest discourse about the agreement’s intentions.
An Invitation to the African Union
Ultimately, Biixi called upon the African Union to respect Somaliland’s borders, which he argues should be upheld according to the AU’s guiding principles that protect the territorial boundaries established during colonial times. This plea reflects a broader desire for recognition and respect within international and regional frameworks and norms.
Through his statements, Biixi highlights the difficulties Somaliland faces in asserting its identity and independence within a challenging geopolitical landscape, stressing that transparency and justice must guide its dealings with both regional neighbors and global powers.
