Somaliland's Presidential Election: Muse Bihi Faces Uphill Battle Amidst Deputy's Defection and Recognition Push

HARGEISA, Somalia - Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi could potentially struggle during Wednesday's elections as over 1 million voters cast their votes to pick the next president, in what could be a historic election for the breakaway region of Somalia, which is fighting for independence.

Bihi, a former Air Force pilot, lost the support of his deputy Abdirahman Saylici, who backed Waddani party leader Abdirahman Irro, a frontrunner ij the polls. The ruling party; Kulmiye, is fighting to control the region but has significantly lost favour.

In his exit remarks, Saylici said Muse Bihi cannot be trusted, which could potentially affect the ruling party once votes start streaming in on Wednesday. He termed Irro as a transformative leader who should be trusted.

“Muse Bihi cannot be trusted with the nation; I was once his closest ally, yet he has reneged on the commitments we swore to uphold,” said Vice President Abdirahman Saylici.

“I call on the people of Somaliland to rally behind the transformative movement spearheaded by the Waddani party and its presidential candidate, Abdirahman Irro,” he added.

Saylici’s bold move, after 14 years as vice president, strikes a decisive blow to President Muse Bihi, who now faces a united front of political elites, widespread public discontent, and growing opposition just days before the upcoming elections.

The elections come at a time when Somaliland is fighting for identity, going to the extent of signing an agreement with Ethiopia, which if implemented, would see Somalia losing 20 kilometers of the Red Sea to Ethiopia for the construction of a military base and port.

But Somalia has challenged the agreement, accusing Ethiopia of annexation plans. Further, Mogadishu has ruled out the continued participation of Ethiopia in the stabilization mission, terming the country 'hostile'. Somalia wants the agreement withdrawn before any mediation talks.

GAROWE ONLINE