In the midst of increasing tensions in the region, voters in Somaliland will be participating in their fourth general election since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. Despite having its own government, parliament, currency, and other attributes of an independent nation, Somaliland’s sovereignty is not recognized internationally, with Somalia still claiming it as part of its territory. The ruling Kulmiye Party’s supporters in the capital city of Hargeisa have been showing their enthusiasm for the upcoming election, with President Muse Bihi Abdi seeking re-election against his main challenger, opposition candidate Abdirahman “Irro” Mohamed Abdullahi of the Somaliland National Party.
The election is also being influenced by international factors, particularly a landmark port deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia that could potentially lead to global recognition for Somaliland. Ethiopia, Africa’s most populous landlocked nation, has long sought direct access to maritime routes and views the port deal as crucial for its future. The deal involves a 50-year lease of the Berbera Port, with Ethiopia gaining access to the Red Sea coastline for commercial and naval operations. This agreement could pave the way for other countries to recognize Somaliland and establish trade relations with the region.
However, the port deal has sparked regional tensions, with Somalia and Egypt expressing opposition to Ethiopia’s involvement in the agreement. Egypt, in particular, has signed a defence pact with Somalia and delivered military equipment to bolster security in the region. Additionally, Ethiopia’s exclusion from a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia has further strained relations between the countries.
Other nations, such as Turkey, have attempted to mediate the conflict, but tensions between various actors in the region continue to escalate. The outcome of the election in Somaliland and the implementation of the port deal with Ethiopia are likely to have significant implications for the region’s stability and future diplomatic relations.