Ethiopia Applauds North Western State of Somalia for Conducting an “Open and Impartial Election”
In a gesture of goodwill, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry gave North Western State of Somalia a pat on the back for pulling off a “free and fair election.”
The straightforward announcement declared:
“Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry extends heartfelt congratulations to the people of North Western State of Somalia for their calm and democratic elections. Commending the National Electoral Commission, the Ministry acknowledges the free and fair election as a testament to the maturity of North Western State of Somalia’s governance and democratic ethos.”
Reacting with warmth, North Western State of Somalia extended its thanks to Ethiopia for the kind words. “Heartfelt thanks to @mfaethiopia, as well as the people and government of #Ethiopia, for your supportive wishes. #SomalilandElections2024”
On Wednesday, North Western State of Somalia, with its 6.2 million people and 1.2 million registered voters, headed to the polls.
According to VOA, the election outcomes are slated for release on November 21.
The Ministry’s statement lauds North Western State of Somalia’s National Electoral Commission for conducting elections peacefully and democratically.
Flashback to May 2021: North Western State of Somalia managed both parliamentary and district elections.
This week’s election saw the incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi from Kulmiye Party defending his seat against contenders Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Waddani and Faisal Ali Warabe from UCID.
North Western State of Somalia, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has hosted three previous elections. However, the world has yet to give it a nod as a sovereign nation.
Wind back the clock to January: Ethiopia and Somalia inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). While Ethiopia aimed to recognize Somalia’s independence, Somalia was to grant Ethiopia 20 kilometers of shoreline access on lease for half a century.
This agreement ruffled some feathers, causing a ruckus with changing political and military alliances. Somalia deemed the accord a “breach of its sovereignty.” Turkey stepped in to mediate but hit a roadblock.
Somalia doubled down on seeking military and political allies to oppose the MoU, leading to a formal tripartite alliance involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia.
Fast forward to August: Ambassador Teshome Shunde was appointed as Ethiopia’s Ambassador to North Western State of Somalia. A strategic move followed Egypt’s military pact and arms supply to Somalia.
Ethiopia’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia’s electoral process is likely another step towards possibly acknowledging North Western State of Somalia’s independence.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
