Voters in Somaliland have headed to the polls to elect their next president, a vote seen as pivotal as the self-declared independent region of Somalia pushes for long-sought international recognition.
For over three decades, Somaliland has functioned as an autonomous state, but without formal recognition from any country. Securing this status could open doors to international finance and ease restrictions for its six million residents.
Strategically located near the entrance to the Red Sea, Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
However, its unrecognized status has limited opportunities, even as it has developed its own government and institutions. But recent diplomatic moves and changing political landscapes could bring recognition within reach.
One key aspect of Somaliland’s strategy is a tentative agreement with neighboring Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with aspirations for coastal access.
In January, Somaliland and Ethiopia signed a preliminary deal granting Addis Ababa access to Somaliland’s coast in exchange for diplomatic support. Somaliland’s government anticipates finalising this agreement after the election, regardless of the election’s outcome.
“We will finalise the deal after the election, whoever wins,” said Mohamed A. Mohamoud, Somaliland’s representative to Kenya, adding that both candidates support the memorandum.
The agreement with Ethiopia has already affected regional relations, straining Somalia’s ties with Addis Ababa. Ethiopia, which contributes heavily to Somalia’s peacekeeping force against Islamist militants, now finds itself closer to Somaliland’s cause.
The tensions have pushed Somalia toward a more collaborative relationship with Ethiopia’s historic rivals, Egypt and Eritrea.
President Muse Bihi Abdi, who has led Somaliland since 2017, is seeking a second term, facing off against main opposition candidate Abdirahman Cirro.
Originally scheduled for 2022, the election was delayed after lawmakers extended Bihi’s term by two years.
While the candidates diverge on some domestic issues, both support pursuing diplomatic breakthroughs, including with Ethiopia.
A change in U.S. leadership is also seen as a potential catalyst for Somaliland’s recognition efforts. Somaliland officials are optimistic about the incoming Trump administration’s approach, hoping it might challenge the longstanding U.S. stance on Somalia’s sovereignty over Somaliland.
“We are hopeful that the new administration will defy some of the traditional American policy,” said Mohamoud.
Several prominent former State Department officials who worked on African policy during Trump’s first term have voiced support for recognising Somaliland.
The election itself has drawn praise as a demonstration of Somaliland’s democratic maturity, especially compared to the ongoing conflicts and political struggles in Somalia.
Mohamoud highlighted Somaliland’s multi-party system as evidence of its democratic commitment: “This competitive, multi-party election is proof of Somaliland’s democratic credentials.”
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