Somalia: A New Chapter Begins as Muse Bihi is Defeated in North Western State of Somalia Election
HARGEISA, Somalia – The political landscape in North Western State of Somalia is reshaping itself. After a tense week of uncertainty, the election commission has crowned Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known fondly as Irro, as the new president. The election saw fierce competition and spirited campaigns.
Clad in optimism, Irro emerged victorious with 63.92% of the vote, decisively outmatching current leader Muse Bihi Abdi, who garnered 34.81%. In a far third stood UCID’s Faisal Warabe. The electoral process bristled with vigorous debates surrounding economic regeneration, democratic ideals, and foreign ties. Each candidate pledged to breathe life into the struggling economy.
Irro, a veteran diplomat with profound knowledge, plunged into Somali politics in 2002, vying for a parliamentary seat under UCID’s banner. His roles have been illustrious, including a 12-year stint as the House of Representatives speaker. In 2012, he established the influential Waddani party.
In 2017, Irro experienced a narrow defeat at the hands of Muse Bihi, a former Somali aviator who has governed the self-declared state for seven years. Bihi succeeded Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo, whose passing coincided with this pivotal election period.
An “impeccable and valid” assessment from the international community cast light on these elections, stirring some eyebrows over administrative hiccups. Participation was unprecedented, marking a milestone for universal suffrage, a rarity in Somalia’s electoral history.
Analysts from Axadle were astute, as their forecasts foresaw Irro’s triumph, albeit with slightly different figures than the final tally.
Navigating Post-Election Challenges
Irro’s inauguration signals a mature stride toward global recognition, a quest North Western State of Somalia has pursued since its self-proclaimed independence in 1991. Yet, the dream remains elusive.
Among Irro’s most formidable tasks is addressing a sticky geopolitical stew brewed by Bihi’s pact with Ethiopia. This deal, if executed in full, relinquishes 20 kilometers of Red Sea coastline to Ethiopia, earmarked for military and port usages. In return, Ethiopia pledges to acknowledge North Western State of Somalia as sovereign — a memorandum Mogadishu dismisses as “fraudulent and void.” The agreement has struck a chord of tension in the Horn of Africa.
Irro’s diplomatic savoir-faire, honed during his tenure as a Soviet Union representative, might guide him here, nurturing dialogue over division. “We must examine the accord carefully,” he commented to Addis Standard, hinting at potential collaboration on Red Sea access via Berbera port.
Meanwhile, Somalia courts Egypt as it readies for AUSSOM transition, sidelining what it dubs the “hostile” Ethiopia. Ethiopia, conversely, declares its motives as “innocent and diplomatic.”
Broadening Democratic Horizons
Irro is poised to usher in transparency in governance as peace and statehood aspirations persist. However, diminished freedoms in North Western State of Somalia loom as shadows, with restrictions on journalism being a primary concern.
Amid electoral fervor, Irro’s team regularly faced skirmishes, with authorities clamping down on reporters unearthing human rights abuses. The international community has taken notice.
In the legislature, Waddani boasts a commanding presence, holding 31 of 82 seats. An alliance with UCID fuels speculation of bolstered support for Irro. Experts suggest mindful governance to avoid the pitfalls of unchecked power. Critics often find themselves ejected, and unification advocates struggle to enter Hargeisa.
Yet, with sound governing structures, North Western State of Somalia positions itself as a notable influencer in the region. Local partners, including Kenya and Ethiopia, appreciate stability uncommon elsewhere in Somalia.
This historic election introduces direct democracy to the region. As plans for universal suffrage circulate Somalia, provinces like Northeastern State and Jubaland express hesitance, complicating the timeline.
AXADLETM
