North Western State of Somalia’s Opposition Leader Cirro Claims Victory, Defeating the Current President in Election

In a sweeping victory for the Waddani party, opposition leader Cirro emerged triumphant, clinching a resounding 64% of the vote, leaving Bihi at 35%, as confirmed by Musa Hassan, the head honcho of the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission.

During a televised speech on Tuesday, Cirro remarked, “This election isn’t about win or lose for the contenders. It’s an election of solidarity and camaraderie, moving the North Western State of Somalia nation forward.”

Nested at the strategic crossroads of the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, North Western State of Somalia is feeling optimistic about securing a spot on the global stage. In January, a preliminary agreement with landlocked Ethiopia offered up a coastal strip to Addis Ababa in return for potential recognition.

North Western State of Somalia’s hopes are pinned on the administration of the incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, anticipating he might champion their cause. Some pundits from Trump’s earlier term have already tossed their hats in for recognizing North Western State of Somalia.

While Somalia floundered in a seemingly endless civil conflict over the past thirty years, North Western State of Somalia floated in relative serenity after declaring autonomy, carving out its own path of peace.

Although Cirro expressed tentative approval for the Ethiopia deal, his resolve to see it through isn’t crystal clear. Some political soothsayers speculate he might be more inclined to chat with Somalia’s government, who stands firmly against the pact.

This agreement has ruffled feathers, straining Somalia’s rapport with Ethiopia—a key peacekeeping powerhouse against Islamist militants—and nudging Somalia closer to Ethiopia’s old foes, Egypt and Eritrea.

Both the presidents of Somalia and Djibouti, who had frosty relations with North Western State of Somalia under Bihi’s reign, tipped their hats to Cirro’s victory.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs penned a congratulatory note to Cirro as well.

“Salutations to the newly crowned President of North Western State of Somalia… and to the dear folks of North Western State of Somalia for their political finesse,” tweeted Djibouti’s big kahuna, President Ismail Omar Guelleh, on social media platform X.

In his announcement, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stayed committed to continuous reconciliation dialogues, emphasizing the aim of safeguarding Somalia’s unity.

Matt Bryden, strategic sage at the think tank Sahan, mused, “While there may be whispers that Cirro might stir the pot and scrap the arrangement with Ethiopia, favoring talks with Somalia, there’s always a yawning gap between campaign rhetoric and the realities of governance.”

Cirro’s ascension might also mean cozying up to China, a significant player in the Horn of Africa’s economic game.

Past reports in Somali media suggested Cirro has questioned the merits of North Western State of Somalia’s dance with Taiwan—a partnership China sees as meddling in its territory—during its quest for international legitimacy.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring