North Western State of Somalia’s Deputy President Defies Convention, Endorsing Opposition Waddani Party Before Election

In a surprising twist in North Western State of Somalia’s political scene, Vice President Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail Saylici threw his weight behind the Waddani Party, a move that could stir up quite the ripple in the upcoming elections slated for November 13. After being in the vice-presidential saddle for what feels like a solid 14 years, Saylici stepped into the limelight in Hargeisa, where he took a shot at President Muse Bihi’s regime during a news conference with Waddani’s president wannabe, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro.

“Trust in President Muse has gone out the window; he’s bailed on his promise to the people,” declared Saylici, a sentiment that is indeed a rare and gutsy public stand from someone in his shoes.

Diving deeper into the mix, Saylici also tossed his endorsement to Barwaqo, a political outfit rooted in the Awdal region, which stands in opposition to Hilaac, with ties to the ruling Kulmiye Party. His nod to Waddani couldn’t come at a better time as Irro’s campaign gains momentum, rallying support from big cheeses in business and other significant backers cheering for change.

Taking Saylici’s backing as a solid win, Irro encouraged the citizens of North Western State of Somalia to cast their votes not just for Waddani, but for all reform-minded allies keen on shaking up the government. This election is shaping up to be quite the nail-biter, with plenty of buzz and an ever-growing clamor for change, steering away from the status quo.

Analysts chewing over the political landscape reckon Saylici’s endorsement might just be the nudge Irro needs to topple the incumbent party, potentially reshuffling the whole deck in North Western State of Somalia’s power corridors.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring