Elections in Somaliland: change of power and new hopes for peace

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Am Horn of Africa has a remarkable political change: Somaliland, a state structure that has been unrecognized since 1991, conducts a unique change of power. In the presidential election from last Wednesday, the opposition prevailed. Abdirahman Abdullahi, the candidate of the Patriotic Party "Waddani", defeated the Muse Bihi, who has been in office since 2017, who officially admitted his defeat on Wednesday.

The handover of power is planned for December 13th. It is expected that the new president, a former diplomat, will pursue more diplomatic approaches than its predecessor. Bihi, who started his political career as a air force pilot, has been active in the political landscape of Somaliland since the fall of the Somali dictator Siad Barre. During his term in office, his government was often accused of acting against critics.

a latest step in diplomacy

Abdullahi, who worked as an ambassador in the Soviet Union before his career in politics, has in the past emphasized that Somaliland has to act as an equivalent partner in his relationships with Somalia. In an interview, he previously expressed concerns about military agreements that Somaliland received with Ethiopia, and warned of a possible escalation of the regional conflict, especially in view of the tense situation in Yemen.

The elections were a reflection of the dissatisfaction of many citizens about the previous government. While Bihi's "Kulmiye" party fell from 55.1 percent of the vote to 34.8 percent, "Waddani" was able to significantly increased and received 63.9 percent. This change could not only bring about domestic changes, but also have foreign policy effects.

global meaning and future prospects

Somaliland borders on an important trade between Asia and Europe, which is of great interest to the international community. The region has the potential to present a stabilizing force in an area that is characterized by political tensions and military conflicts. The new president must now accept the challenge of giving Somaliland more international recognition and at the same time maintaining its independence.

A positive development of diplomatic relationships could also influence the strategic balance in the region, especially in view of the proximity to Yemen, where Iran is involved in local conflicts. Somaliland's stability could gain relevance at a global level, especially if the new president effects his diplomatic skills effectively.

The next steps will be decisive: Will the new government be able to maintain stability and at the same time master the geopolitical challenges? The world looks forward to Somaliland and the coming months. More information on this topic can be found on taz.de