Somaliland Opposition Leader Abdullahi Defeats Pre...

Somaliland Opposition Leader Abdullahi Defeats President Bihi in Historic Election

*Somaliland opposition leader* Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi

Zim Now Writer

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro”, leader of the opposition Waddani party, emerged victorious in Somaliland’s recent presidential election, defeating incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi. The electoral commission confirmed on Tuesday that Irro secured 64% of the vote, while Bihi garnered 35%, signaling a potential change in leadership as Somaliland intensifies its efforts for global recognition.

Although Somaliland has maintained de facto independence since its declaration of self-rule in 1991, it remains unrecognised by any international state. This lack of recognition hampers access to crucial international resources and restricts travel opportunities for its approximately six million citizens.

In a televised address, Irro emphasised the election’s significance beyond personal victories. “This election is not just a matter of win or loss for the candidates; it represents unity, fraternity, and the continued advancement of the Somaliland nation,” he stated.

Somaliland, located at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, views international recognition as increasingly achievable. This belief is bolstered by a preliminary agreement with Ethiopia, signed in January, that grants Ethiopia a land corridor to the coast in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty.

There is also optimism within Somaliland that the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may lend support to its bid for recognition. During Trump’s first term, several key officials with expertise in African affairs voiced backing for Somaliland’s cause.

The breakaway region has enjoyed relative stability for nearly three decades, unlike Somalia, which has been embroiled in civil conflict since the early 1990s. Despite Irro’s general support for the Ethiopia deal, his stance on its full implementation remains uncertain. Some analysts speculate that Irro may seek closer dialogue with Somalia, whose government opposes the agreement, potentially altering Somaliland’s foreign policy trajectory.

The agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia has strained Somalia’s relations with Ethiopia, which plays a key role in peacekeeping operations against Islamist militants in Somalia. At the same time, it has pushed Somalia’s government closer to Ethiopia’s regional rivals, Egypt and Eritrea.

Following Irro’s victory, both the Presidents of Somalia and Djibouti, nations that had tense relations with Somaliland under Bihi’s leadership, extended their congratulations. Ethiopia’s foreign ministry also praised Irro's win, with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Congratulations to the newly elected President of Somaliland… and to the brotherly people of Somaliland for their political maturity.”

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud acknowledged Irro’s victory and expressed hopes for continued reconciliation efforts focused on preserving Somalia’s unity. “While some worry that Irro might take a sharp departure from his predecessor’s policies and abandon the MOU with Ethiopia, there’s a big difference between campaigning and governing,” said Matt Bryden, strategic adviser at the Sahan think tank.