Introduction
In this investigative piece, Akhbar Media delves into the political journey of a man who has built a career on opportunism, shifting loyalties, and strategic betrayals. Known formally as Hassan Dhuux or Hassan Wacdi, he calls himself Abdirahman Hirsi Kulmiye, though most recognize him by the nickname Abdirahman Dheere.
This is a politician who has masterfully played both sides of every conflict, always aligning himself with whichever group offered him the greatest personal gain—without regard for political loyalty or personal friendships.
Abdirahman Dheere’s entry into politics dates back to his youth when he joined the Islamist movement Al-Itihaad, working closely with the notorious Sheikh Hassan Turki—a key figure in the Ras Kamboni militia and alleged Al-Qaeda representative in Somalia’s southern region. Turki had financial ties with Eritrea, and Dheere served as his financial aide.
But when warlord Indhacade discovered this Eritrean connection, Dheere switched sides without hesitation, offering his services to Indhacade instead. This flip-flop marked the beginning of a long pattern of political shape-shifting.
Later, as the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia held talks in Djibouti, Dheere—still working under Indhacade—approached Sheikh Abdiqadir Ali Omar to facilitate his participation. Reports claim he met with Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in December 2008 at Hotel Lafweyn in Mogadishu, asking for a parliamentary seat. His wish was granted, marking his formal entry into high-level politics.
In 2012, Dheere aligned himself with then-Parliament Speaker Sheikh Aden Madobe, becoming a close confidant who even he lived in his residence. But instead of loyalty, Dheere passed sensitive information to Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, the finance minister at the time and a rival of Madobe. This led to a no-confidence motion that ousted Madobe and installed Sharif Hassan as Speaker—a betrayal that shocked many.
By 2016, his bond with Sharif Hassan had strengthened. As a returning MP, Dheere became a key go-between for Sharif Hassan and the Dam Jadiid led by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He was appointed as a state minister after the 2012 elections and secured another MP seat from Kismayo in 2016, with Hassan Sheikh’s backing.
But in a typical twist, Dheere pivoted again—this time pledging loyalty to Farmaajo. He assured Hassan Sheikh he was still working on his behalf, all while aligning with Farmaajo’s camp. Once Farmaajo won the presidency, Dheere was rewarded with another state minister role.
Later, Abdirahman Dheere became a close aide and intelligence conduit for Fahad Yasin, then a powerful figure in Farmaajo’s administration. He remained loyal until Farmaajo’s defeat—at which point he abruptly distanced himself from Fahad and rejoined Farmaajo’s side, causing widespread confusion and suspicion among political insiders.
Those close to Dheere now believe he’s laying the groundwork for yet another betrayal, aiming to leverage a new political opportunity at the expense of Farmaajo.
What’s Next?
The burning question many in Somali politics are now asking is: Can anyone truly trust a man with so many faces, who has already betrayed nearly everyone who trusted him before?
And more importantly: What should former President Farmaajo do—stay the course or distance himself before history repeats itself?
