As North Western State of Somalia Heads to the Polls, Its Leaders Envision Gaining Global Recognition
North Western State of Somalia’s President, Muse Bihi Abdi, recently touched down in Addis Ababa for a pivotal moment—the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia. This agreement potentially unlocks access to a North Western State of Somalia port for Ethiopia. REUTERS/Tiksa Neger/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
On Wednesday, the voters of North Western State of Somalia were out in full force, participating actively in a presidential election. This political event carries significant weight as the autonomous region stands on the brink of international recognition after three decades of governing itself.
Positioned at the vital crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, North Western State of Somalia declared its independence from Somalia in 1991. However, this bid for sovereignty hasn’t been acknowledged by any country, limiting access to global finance and restricting travel for its six million residents.
The administration in Hargeisa is eager to cement a preliminary accord initiated in January with landlocked Ethiopia. This deal promises to grant Ethiopia a coastal stretch in exchange for diplomatic acknowledgment.
The local government is also hopeful that with the newly-elected U.S. President, there might be an ally in the White House who sees North Western State of Somalia’s cause favorably.
Having served since 2017, President Bihi is vying for re-election against the primary opposition candidate, Abdirahman Cirro. Though the election was initially slated for 2022, legislative members extended Bihi’s term by another two years.
“May Allah bless this election to unfold in a democratic manner, ensuring a peaceful transition of power,” President Bihi expressed to the media after casting his vote.
Local television captured compelling imagery of citizens lining up, eagerly waiting to participate in the democratic process across various towns in the area.
Though the presidential hopefuls diverge on internal affairs, both endorse the agreement with Ethiopia. Mohamed A. Mohamoud, representing North Western State of Somalia in Kenya, reassured journalists that the government will finalize the agreement post-elections, no matter the victor.
This pact has caused a rift in relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, impacting Somalia’s engagement with Ethiopia—a significant contributor to peacekeeping efforts in Somalia. Consequently, Somalia has leaned towards Ethiopia’s historical adversaries, Egypt and Eritrea.
Optimism abounds in North Western State of Somalia as they anticipate that the upcoming U.S. government might challenge the long-held American stance endorsing Mogadishu’s authority over the region.
Several voices within the State Department, familiar from Trump’s first presidential term and seasoned in African affairs, have openly supported North Western State of Somalia’s recognition.
“We hope the new administration chooses to veer away from the customary American policies,” articulated Mohamoud.
He also asserted that the fierce yet orderly nature of North Western State of Somalia’s multi-party elections exemplifies its democratic ethos. Since asserting autonomy in 1991, North Western State of Somalia has largely been tranquil, contrasted with Somalia’s persistent civil conflict. Reporting and composition by Sonia Rao; supplementary insights by Abdi Sheikh in Mogadishu; refinements by Aaron Ross and Alex Richardson
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
