Somaliland Presidency Denies Adviser Claim by Ibrahim Yusuf After Israel Trip.
The Somaliland Presidency has publicly denied claims by Ibrahim Yusuf that he holds an official advisory role to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, following his recent trip to Israel where he reportedly introduced himself to Israeli media as a presidential adviser.
According to information obtained by WARYATV through Somaliland insiders, Ibrahim Yusuf is not a government official and does not hold any formal position within the Somaliland administration. Despite this, Israeli media outlets described him as an adviser to the Somaliland president after he presented himself as such during engagements in Israel.
Following an internal review, the Presidency issued a formal warning to Yusuf, cautioning him against misrepresenting his status and falsely claiming a government role.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro addressed the matter directly on Sunday in Hargeisa, stating that falsely claiming a position within the government is “an embarrassment to the individual and the country as a whole.”
“It is unacceptable for anyone to present themselves as part of the government without appointment,” the president said, underlining that official positions must be earned through proper legal channels and not self-declared.
Presidential Spokesman Hussein Ige also commented on the issue, telling the media that it is “inappropriate and misleading for anyone to claim a position they do not hold,” and warned that such actions could undermine the credibility of Somaliland’s institutions at a sensitive diplomatic moment.
The clarification comes at a time when Somaliland is experiencing heightened international visibility following recent diplomatic engagements, including recognition by Israel and the president’s participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Officials emphasized that Somaliland’s foreign engagements are strictly conducted through formally designated representatives and that unauthorized individuals claiming official status risk damaging the country’s international reputation.
WARYATV understands that the Presidency is reinforcing internal protocols to prevent similar incidents, as Somaliland seeks to project institutional credibility and discipline in its expanding international diplomacy.
