By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Hargeisa, 18 August 2026 — A criticism of healthcare services by Somaliland’s KAAH opposition party has escalated into a broader dispute over the role of opposition parties, police powers and the rule of law.
The row began after KAAH spokesman Abdirashid Aydid Yasin faulted conditions at Hargeisa General Hospital following the death of a woman who had recently given birth. The party accused health authorities of failing to provide adequate care and called for action to address what it described as recurring problems.
KAAH said Abdirashid was speaking for the party. Political affairs deputy chairman Abdullahi Ibrahim Habane said the party did not oppose a lawful investigation, but argued authorities must follow formal procedures when seeking to question the spokesman.
Tensions rose after the party said its spokesman was being sought by the Criminal Investigation Department. Habane said police should notify the party of any complaint and specify allegations before summoning the spokesman, and that law enforcement should operate within the judicial process rather than exercise independent powers of arrest or detention.
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Information Minister Barkhad Batun on Tuesday accused KAAH of overstepping its role by challenging the legitimacy of security institutions. He said opposition parties have a duty to criticize officials, but argued KAAH had crossed the line with allegations that should be backed by evidence.
KAAH said exposing shortcomings in public services is part of its responsibility. Habane said the party would continue to highlight problems in healthcare, education, water and other sectors, and warned it could call for peaceful demonstrations if it perceived continued government failures and interference with the opposition.
The hospital case has now become the trigger for a wider debate in Somaliland over where legitimate political opposition ends and unlawful interference with state institutions begins.