HARGEISA — A Somaliland political figure has addressed the public, saying that only a short period remains before what he described as the arrival of the territory’s seventh president, “Jokar Mahmoud Hashi.”
In his remarks, he told the people of Somaliland that political change was approaching and said those seeking political success had experience in organizing campaigns and pursuing victory.
He also issued a message directed at the government, particularly in relation to young people who have been detained.
“I tell the people of Somaliland that only a few days separate us from the seventh president of the country, Jokar Mahmoud Hashi. We have experience in pursuing victory. To the government, whether you say yes or no, I say: do not make the young people hate their own country by filling the prisons with them.”
The speaker appeared to be urging the authorities to exercise restraint toward young people and avoid actions that could deepen public dissatisfaction.
His comments come amid political debate in Somaliland over the direction of governance, political competition and the treatment of young people involved in political activities.
The reference to a “seventh president” and Mahmoud Hashi appears to relate to the territory’s ongoing political competition and discussions surrounding future leadership. The exact context of the statement and the circumstances behind the reported arrests were not independently established from the remarks provided.
The comments are therefore best understood as a political statement and should not be taken as confirmation of an upcoming change in leadership.
