By Abdikarim H Abdi Buh

Member of Parliament Hassan Abdi Ismail – aka Xasan Yare or Firimbi, a vocal opposition figure in the House of the People, once again ignited a heated debate in parliament on March 1, 2025 during discussions about a motion raised by MPs from Jubaland concerning the ongoing aviation restrictions in Kismayo.

Known for his uncompromising and fearless approach, MP Hassan Yare has earned a reputation as one of the few MPs who consistently exposes government shortcomings, particularly under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s and President Mohamed Abdullahi leaderships and as consequence he was nicknamed as the whistle blower. While many MPs are seen as loyal to the presidents – MPs who are members of the council of ministers, often perceived to be on his payroll, Hassan Yare, along with a small but dedicated group of MPs, stands firm in shedding light on the government’s failings, regardless of the political fallout.

Today’s session became particularly fiery when MP Hassan Yare referred to MPs from Somaliland in a controversial manner, a comment that immediately sparked outrage. However, his statement wasn’t just an affront—it was a sharp critique of their lack of true representation. Hassan Yare’s remark highlighted that these MPs, who are based in Mogadishu, don’t actually represent any constituency in Somaliland. They have no real base, no constituents to answer to, and no power to influence Somaliland’s politics.

What my good friend, Hon. Hassan Yare, forgot is that the MPs from Somaliland are not just politicians—they are, in fact, unsung heroes who have chosen unity over comfort, principle over convenience, and sacrifice over safety. These MPs believe, with unwavering conviction, in the unity of Somalia. And for that belief, they have paid a price far greater than many can comprehend.

They have forfeited the simplest yet most profound human right—the right to be close to their loved ones. While others enjoy the warmth of home, these MPs are forced to watch from afar, unable to set foot in the land of their birth. They cannot return to Hargeisa, cannot walk the streets where they once played as children, and cannot even visit if their parents, siblings, or childhood friends pass away. To advocate for a united Somalia, they have knowingly embraced exile from the very soil that raised them.

The price of their loyalty is steep. They live in a perpetual state of political homelessness—strangers to the land they fight for, yet exiled from the land they were born in. Their votes may be mocked as transactional, their legitimacy questioned, but the truth remains: they are men and women who have chosen to stand for what they believe in, despite the heartbreak and isolation that comes with it.

Yet, it is also crucial to acknowledge that Somaliland is not a monolithic entity. There are many who believe in Somali unity, but their voices are systematically suppressed. The ruling class, dominated by the secessionist faction, controls the media and political parties, ensuring that only separatist narratives are heard and taught in schools. Pro-unionists are not allowed to form political parties or even openly express their views without facing harassment, imprisonment, or defamation. The fear of persecution has silenced many who would otherwise speak up for unity.

MP Gobsan, hailing from Hargeisa, reacted passionately, seizing the microphone to assert the dignity and presence of Somaliland within the federal parliament. She boldly declared that Somaliland’s voice must be heard and respected in national discussions, vowing to challenge anyone who dismissed its significance. Her reaction, though fiery, was a testament to her resilience and the deep-seated emotions tied to the issue.

Despite the difficult circumstances MPs like Gobsan face, they continue to serve with determination, believing in the promise of a united Somalia. Though they may be unable to return home due to political realities, their presence in the federal parliament symbolizes a bridge between two narratives—one of division and one of unity. These MPs remain steadfast, advocating for the interests of their people, even as their loyalty is questioned by those who seek to silence them.

In coffee shops and khat places, discussions about Somaliland MPs often revolve around their unique position in Somalia’s political landscape. While some may doubt their influence, others recognize the resilience it takes to navigate a system that often marginalizes their voices. Their continued presence in the federal parliament ensures that the unity perspective remains alive and that Somaliland’s concerns are acknowledged at the national level.

Having been born in Somaliland myself, I understand their struggle firsthand. My father was a proud SYL freedom fighter, leading the Western Somalia branch, and he sacrificed everything for the cause of Somali unity. He was sentenced to death and lived in exile, sheltered by the kindness of fellow SYL supporters based in Mogadishu. Growing up in such circumstances, I can deeply empathize with the plight of these MPs—the isolation, the sacrifices, and the unwavering belief in unity despite overwhelming challenges.

Yet, the very fact that they continue to stand and fight against the odds speaks to their unwavering commitment. While some may seek personal gain, others, like MP Gobsan, refuse to be silenced, embodying the courage it takes to advocate for unity in a fragmented landscape.

After the heated exchange, MP Hassan Yare returned to the floor, offering a public apology to the MPs he had offended. “I would like to apologize publicly to the honorable members here for any offense caused by my remarks regarding MPs from Somaliland. I deeply regret causing any disturbance,” he stated, attempting to calm the tension in the hall.

MP Hassan Yare’s bold statements and his ongoing battle against the mishaps within Somalia’s government have made him a controversial figure. He consistently challenges the status quo, calling out those who are complicit in the system, despite the attempts by government-aligned MPs to silence him. His steadfast commitment to speaking the truth, no matter how uncomfortable, continues to set him apart in a parliament filled with loyalists or opportunists that turn coats at the blink of the eye.

Despite our differing political allegiances—whether in support of or opposition to the sitting government—let us not forget that these divisions are fleeting. They are but the natural ebb and flow of human nature, driven by personal beliefs, ambitions, and the circumstances of the moment. Yet, beyond the transient nature of politics, there is something far more enduring—our nation. Governments rise and fall, leaders come and go, but Somalia remains.

Like a river coursing through a valley, administrations may pass swiftly, carving their path with force, yet when the waters recede, the valley stands firm—unchanged, steadfast, and eternal. Our duty, then, is not to be consumed by the turbulence of temporary struggles but to be guardians of the valley, protectors of the unity that binds us as one people. Let us remain unwavering in our commitment to preserving Somalia’s unity, for it is not the leaders of today who define our future but the enduring will of a people determined to stand together.

Abdikarim H Abdi Buh
Email: abdikarimbuh@yahoo.com