Abdalle Mohamed Arab
Abdalle Mohamed Arab | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Sandheere |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Known for | Minister of Interior of Somaliland (since 2024), Mayor of Berbera (2003–2012) |
Abdalle Mohamed Arab (), also referred to as Sandheere, is a political figure from Somaliland currently holding the position of Minister of Interior since December 2024. Previously, he served as the Mayor of Berbera from 2003 until 2012.
Mayor of Berbera
Abdalle Mohamed Arab was elected in February 2003 as the first local council-appointed mayor of Berbera in over three decades. Early in his term, he played a key role in resolving conflicts concerning investment interests in a newly proposed cement plant involving German investors and government representatives.
In March 2005, he sought urgent assistance from the United Nations to combat locust infestations threatening the eastern areas surrounding Berbera.
Throughout his mayoralty, Abdalle engaged with cultural matters, notably in 2009 when he addressed societal attitudes impacting the romantic life of poet Elmi Boodhari. The following year, he recognized Ali Hoor Hoor’s contribution to Somaliland’s independence, while simultaneously expressing reservations about his management capabilities at Berbera port.
In 2011, Abdalle initiated a community-driven effort to eliminate unauthorized street vendors, aiming to enhance the town’s visual appeal without resorting to coercive measures.
He transferred mayoral responsibilities to Abdishakur Iddin in December 2012. Although enjoying considerable backing within the Kulmiye party, Abdalle chose not to pursue re-election due to conflicts with central government authorities.
Affiliation with Waddani party
In September 2017, Abdalle Mohamed Arab officially aligned himself with the opposition Waddani party during a significant event held in Berbera.
Minister of Interior
Following the inauguration of Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) as President of Somaliland on December 12, 2024, Abdalle Mohamed Arab was appointed Minister of the Interior two days later.
By late December 2024, intense clashes erupted in Dawacaley, an Ethiopian village near Somaliland’s border, involving the Ogaden-led Liyu Police and residents primarily from the Isaaq clan, resulting in numerous casualties. In response, Minister Abdalle reached out to Ethiopian officials, conveyed condolences for those affected, and called for immediate de-escalation.
In April 2025, Abdalle announced governmental initiatives aimed at eliminating clan-based divisions and resolving tribal disputes within a one-year timeframe, while deliberately keeping his own clan affiliation private.
During May 2025 protests in Burao sparked by rumors concerning prisoner releases linked to the Las Anod conflict, Interior Minister Abdalle Mohamed Arab refuted these allegations and cautioned that measures would be taken against individuals disseminating misinformation.