North Western State of Somalia’s Presidential Race: Muse Bihi Confronts Challenges as Deputy Defects and Struggles for International Recognition

North Western State of Somalia’s Upcoming Election: Muse Bihi Grapples with Defections and Sovereignty Struggle

HARGEISA, Somalia – Muse Bihi Abdi, the leader of North Western State of Somalia, faces considerable challenges in the upcoming election as over a million voters prepare to choose their new leader. This vote is poised to be a pivotal moment for the self-declared autonomous region, which is pushing hard for global recognition.

Bihi, who once piloted jets in the Air Force, now witnesses the departure of his deputy, Abdirahman Saylici, who has thrown his weight behind Abdirahman Irro, the Waddani party leader seen as a formidable contender. The governing party, Kulmiye, finds itself battling dwindling support.

As he parted ways, Saylici remarked that Muse Bihi had become unreliable, a sentiment that threatens the ruling party’s prospects as voters make their decisions this week. He praised Irro as a visionary who deserves the public’s trust.

“Muse Bihi cannot be trusted to lead this nation anymore; I, who was once his closest associate, have witnessed firsthand his failure to honor the promises we vowed to keep,” stated Vice President Abdirahman Saylici.

“I urge the people of North Western State of Somalia to support the transformative cause championed by the Waddani party and its presidential hopeful, Abdirahman Irro,” he continued.

This daring shift from Saylici, after serving 14 years as vice president, delivers a substantial setback to President Muse Bihi. Now, Bihi confronts a united opposition, simmering public dissatisfaction, and a strengthened adversary alliance merely days before the critical elections.

The electoral contest is taking place amidst North Western State of Somalia’s quest to assert its identity, highlighted by a controversial agreement signed with Ethiopia. The pact, if enforced, would result in Somalia ceding 20 kilometers of its Red Sea coastline to Ethiopia for the construction of a military installation and harbor.

Somalia, however, has challenged the accord, accusing Ethiopia of harboring territorial ambitions. Furthermore, Mogadishu has deemed Ethiopia’s continued involvement in the stabilization efforts unacceptable, labeling the neighbor as antagonistic. Somalia insists on the withdrawal of the agreement before any negotiations can happen.

AXADLETM