Tuesday November 19, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated Somaliland President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) and Vice President-elect Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi following their victory in November's elections.
In a statement released Tuesday, President Mohamud also lauded the electoral success of Somaliland's political parties—Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye—while praising the maturity and governance displayed by the Somaliland community during the election process.
The Somali President reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to advancing bilateral reconciliation talks to promote unity among the Somali people.
"We remain dedicated to completing the reconciliation process and working together to build a united Somalia," Mohamud emphasized.
Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre called on the newly elected President to prioritize aspirations for Somali unity and restart stalled discussions on national unification. "We congratulate my brother, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, on his election and pray for his success in leading Somaliland," Barre stated.
Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire also hoped that Abdullahi would steer Somaliland toward peace, development, and stronger ties with the broader Somali community.
Djibouti's President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, congratulated the President-elect, emphasizing his leadership's importance to regional stability.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the main opposition Waddani Party received more than 50% of the votes cast. Abdullahi, 69, served as Somaliland's parliament speaker in 2005.
The opposition party campaigned on a platform of democratic reforms and social cohesion. They promised to turn around the economy and resolve youth unemployment.
President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye Party, who was seeking a second term after seven years in office, came second with just over 30%.
The election was delayed twice since 2022 for a lack of funding and other reasons.
Somaliland's latest agreement with neighboring Ethiopia granting it access to the Indian Ocean in exchange for recognition has caused political tension with Somalia, which accuses Ethiopia of undermining its territorial integrity.