What is happening in Somaliland, in East Africa?

Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the northwestern region of Somalia, is presently mired in a political crisis that centers around a contentious dispute regarding the timing of the presidential election. This predicament is not only causing internal strife but also casting a shadow over Somaliland’s reputation as one of East Africa’s more stable and democratic nations.

The heart of this crisis lies in the fact that President Musa Bihi Abdi’s term expired on November 13, 2022 and yet the scheduled presidential election has not occurred. Opposition parties vehemently accuse President Abdi of attempting to delay the election to prolong his stay in power, a move they view as a direct violation of the constitution. In response, opposition leaders have called upon their supporters to take to the streets and protest this perceived threat to the nation’s constitutional order.

CLASHES BETWEEN SUPPORTERS OF OPPOSITION AND SECURITY FORCES

Unfortunately, these protests have not remained peaceful, resulting in clashes between supporters of opposition and law enforcement. This violence is a stark departure from Somaliland’s historical image as a symbol of peace and stability in a region notorious for political turmoil and instability.

Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has enjoyed relative peace. Moreover, since 2002, the country has taken pride in conducting consecutive one-man, one-vote elections, a remarkable achievement in a region where many nations grapple with the complexities of democratic processes.