Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party won the Somaliland presidential election, earning over 50% of the votes. His opponent, incumbent Muse Bihi Abdi, received just over 30%. Somaliland, which has operated independently since 1991, has recently engaged in agreements that may impact its relationship with Somalia and Ethiopia.
In a notable electoral victory for the opposition, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party secured his position as the newly elected president of Somaliland, as reported by the electoral commission on Tuesday. Abdullahi garnered over 50% of the vote, outperforming incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye Party, who received slightly more than 30%. The election, initially set for 2022, faced multiple delays attributed to funding challenges and other logistical issues. Somaliland, which unilaterally declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 amid escalating conflict, has established its own governance, currency, and security apparatus despite not being recognized internationally. This region’s political stability contrasts sharply with the ongoing struggles faced by Somalia. Tensions have heightened following Somaliland’s recent agreement with Ethiopia, which allows the former access to the Indian Ocean in exchange for diplomatic recognition, a move that Somalia perceives as a challenge to its sovereignty.
Somaliland represents a unique case in the Horn of Africa, having declared independence from Somalia in the early 1990s. Despite its lack of international recognition, Somaliland has functioned autonomously, maintaining peace and establishing governmental structures that have led to greater stability compared to its southern counterpart. The region’s elections, although delayed, attract significant attention due to their implications for regional stability, especially given its strategic partnerships, such as the recent agreement with Ethiopia.
The election of Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi marks a significant shift in Somaliland’s political landscape, reflecting the electorate’s desire for change. As Somaliland contemplates its future, the dynamics of local and international politics, particularly in relation to Somalia and Ethiopia, will be crucial in shaping its forthcoming governance and regional stability.
Original Source: apnews.com
