Abdirahman Cirro’s Path to Leadership as Somaliland’s Next President

HARGEISA – Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, commonly known as Cirro, is anticipated to become the next President of Somaliland following the presidential election held on November 13, 2024. Preliminary results indicate a substantial lead for Cirro over incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 24, 1955, in Hargeisa, Cirro completed his primary and secondary education in Sheekh, graduating from SOS Sheikh Secondary School. He pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Diplomatic Career

In 1981, Cirro began his diplomatic career with Somalia’s foreign service, serving as the First Counselor at the Somali Embassy in Moscow. During the Somali civil war in 1991, he became the acting ambassador to the Soviet Union, playing a crucial role in assisting Somali citizens in the region. After the collapse of the Somali government, Cirro continued his diplomatic efforts in Moscow until 1996, focusing on supporting Somali expatriates. He later moved to Finland to reunite with his family and obtained Finnish citizenship.

Political Career in Somaliland

Cirro entered Somaliland politics in 2002 as a co-founder of the Justice and Welfare Party (UCID). In the 2005 parliamentary elections, he was elected as a member of parliament and became the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position he held for 12 years until 2017. In 2012, Cirro founded the Waddani Party, which has since become a significant political force in Somaliland. He was the Waddani Party’s presidential candidate in the 2017 election, where he was defeated by Muse Bihi Abdi. In the 2024 election, Cirro once again ran for the presidency, receiving substantial support from citizens and political organizations, including the newly formed Kaah political association.

Anticipated Leadership

With preliminary results favoring Cirro, he is expected to lead Somaliland for the next five years. Supporters believe his extensive experience and vision will guide the country through its current political and economic challenges.

Public Expectations

Many Somalilanders hope that under Cirro’s leadership, the region will experience significant progress, particularly in economic development, reconciliation, and strengthening international relations.

Stay tuned to Garowe Online for more updates on Somaliland’s political developments.