Hargeisa, Somalia – Somaliland, the breakaway region, has sharply criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over his comments about the upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for Wednesday, November 13.
In a speech to parliament last week, President Mohamud said his government would be closely monitoring the elections in Somaliland.
In response, Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry blasted the remarks, calling it “absurd” for President Mohamud to claim credit for the region’s 34 years of democratic progress. It also accused him of unfairly linking Somaliland’s achievements to Somalia’s 60-year history, which, according to Somaliland, has been marked by a lack of elections.
The ministry also described Somalia’s government as an unelected administration based in the capital, Mogadishu. “They must respect Somaliland’s sovereignty and avoid any interference in our upcoming elections on November 13,” the ministry said.
Somaliland claims to have held nine free and fair elections since 2003, each resulting in peaceful transitions of power. It also reminded that Somalia hasn’t held an election in more than 60 years, suggesting it has no basis to comment on Somaliland’s democratic achievements.
The ministry said over 90 international observers will be present to witness the region’s commitment to democracy and the principle of “one person, one vote.” “This level of transparency further emphasizes Somaliland’s role as the only truly democratic country in the Horn of Africa and reinforces its dedication to democratic values on the world stage.”
No country recognizes Somaliland as an independent state, even though it declared independence from Somalia in 1991.Since then, Somaliland has managed its own government, conducted elections, and operated independently.
Earlier this year, Somaliland and Ethiopia reached an agreement granting sea access in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, condemned the deal, calling it a violation of its sovereignty. In response, Somalia downgraded its diplomatic ties with Ethiopia and excluded the country from the upcoming African Union mission in Somalia.
