Mahdi M. Gulaid, Somalia’s former Deputy Prime Minister and current Member of the House of the People, has publicly distanced himself from a letter issued by lawmakers representing Somaliland.
He expressed surprise and concern upon discovering his name included among the signatories, labeling the inclusion as false and misleading. Gulaid emphasized that he had no involvement with the letter and was unaware of its contents prior to its publication.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions within Somalia’s federal political landscape, particularly concerning the representation and political alignment of lawmakers from Somaliland. Gulaid, who hails from Hargeisa, has consistently advocated for the unity of Somalia.
He has previously condemned actions by Somaliland authorities, such as the use of excessive force against civilians in Las Anod, and has called for national solidarity in addressing common challenges like the threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants.
The misattribution of Gulaid’s name to the letter underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding Somalia’s federal dynamics and the broader discourse on national unity versus regional autonomy.
