By M.A. Egge
The outgoing Mayor of Hargeisa, Cllr. Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, cautioned Somalilanders that the international community was closely observing the nation to see whether it would be tripped by the dejure status it recently achieved.
The cautionary note was in essence an appeal to the people and the nation of Somaliland to uphold and safeguard peaceful solidarity and national cohesive tranquillity such that the country may prosper at a faster rate.
The pragmatic politician who happens to be a darling of the populaces was expressing the sentiments as he was addressing a gathering that grace the occasion of his handing over the mantle of the city helmanship, a post that he held for the past five years and opted to resign from at a time his populism soared.
On top of his acclaimed legacy, he is leaving office without incurring debts, a landmark in the nation’s administrative acumen. He is leaving office with his head held high for the formidable progress he has achieved.
Mayor Mooge called on the people of Somaliland to demonstrate unity, maturity, and responsibility in order to show the world that Somaliland is a nation built on 35 years of resilience, stability, and state-building.
He said, “The world is now watching us closely. People are asking whether Somaliland will successfully uphold this first recognition it has received. Let us show the world that we will not fail”, and added, “lets show that we are a responsible people who have patiently built and sustained Somaliland nation for the past 35 years and brought it to where it is today. Let us also demonstrate that we can take it even further, by the Grace of God”.
The former Hargeisa mayor has stated that throughout the five years he served in the office, he regarded the position entrusted upon him as a sacred trust of responsibility held on behalf of the people.
He noted that serving one’s community and country is one of the highest honours a person can be bestowed upon.
He expressed his gratitude to the people of Hargeisa for the trust and confidence they placed in him during his tenure.
He said, “After five years of serving you, I have always viewed this office as a trust. There is no greater honour than serving your people and your country. Today, I stand before you returning the trust you placed in me, and I do so with great pride and satisfaction.”
It is worth noting that the outgoing mayor has had his legacy hailed widely and the most vast and tangible progress has been witnessed in his rein.
On his part, the newly inaugurated Mayor of Hargeisa, Cllr. Abdirizak Farah Wiiwaa, has pledged to serve all residents of the capital equally, declaring that his administration will focus on strengthening public services and advancing the city’s development.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Mayor Wiiwaa emphasized that the office of mayor belongs to all citizens and carries a responsibility to serve the entire community.
“Starting today, I am the Mayor of Hargeisa, and all residents of Hargeisa are equal in my eyes,” he said.
During the ceremony, Hargeisa Municipal Executive Secretary Mukhtar Mohamed Gahnuug (Boosh-Adde) revealed that outgoing Mayor Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge left office without any outstanding municipal debt.
“Mayor Mooge did not hand over any debt today,” Boosh-adde stated.
He also praised Mooge’s tenure, describing him as a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the development of Hargeisa and consistently prioritized the city’s progress.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Deputy Mayor, Eng. Aadan Jama Mideeye, acknowledged the weight of the responsibilities ahead, stressing the need for hard work and cooperation to meet the expectations of residents.
“Today we feel a growing weight of responsibility, one that we ourselves sought and willingly accepted,” he said.
The ceremony marked the end of Mooge’s five-year administration and the beginning of a new chapter under Mayor Wiiwaa, who now faces the task of building on recent achievements while addressing the evolving needs of Hargeisa’s growing population.
Wiiwaa’s remarks came as municipal leaders and officials gathered to mark a transition in the leadership of Somaliland’s capital city.
During the ceremony, Hargeisa Municipal Executive Secretary Mukhtar Mohamed Gaxnuug (Boosh-Cadde) revealed that outgoing Mayor Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge left office without any outstanding municipal debt.
“Mayor Mooge did not hand over any debt today,” Boosh-Cadde stated.
He also praised Mooge’s tenure, describing him as a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the development of Hargeisa and consistently prioritized the city’s progress.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Deputy Mayor, Eng. Aadan Jama Mideeye, acknowledged the weight of the responsibilities ahead, stressing the need for hard work and cooperation to meet the expectations of residents.
“Today we feel a growing weight of responsibility, one that we ourselves sought and willingly accepted,” he said.