Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, is holding a presidential election on Wednesday during a period of heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Despite declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland remains unrecognised internationally, though it has maintained relative stability compared to Somalia.
Incumbent President Muse Bihi is running for re-election, having recently signed a controversial agreement to lease 20 kilometres of Somaliland’s Red Sea coast to Ethiopia, which he claims could lead to Ethiopian recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
This deal has sparked tension with Somalia and raised fears of conflict in the region.
Bihi’s challengers, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) and Faysal Ali Warabe have not opposed the deal but argue for greater unity and economic focus. If elected, Irro, a former parliament speaker and diplomat, promises to be a unifying figure.
As Somaliland faces economic hardship, inflation, and clan divisions, the election holds critical significance for its 1.2 million voters.
