THE opposition leader of the self-declared republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has won the territory’s presidential election.
More popularly known as Irro, he won with 64% of the vote to become Somaliland’s sixth president since it broke away from Somalia in 1991.
The 69-year-old, a former speaker of Somaliland’s parliament, beat incumbent Musa Abdi Bihi, who took 35% of the vote.
During campaigning, Irro said his party would review a controversial deal to lease landlocked Ethiopia a 20km (12-mile) section of its coastline for 50 years to set up a naval base – an agreement that has caused a diplomatic feud in the region.
As part of the deal, announced on New Year’s Day, Somaliland expects to be recognised by Addis Ababa as an independent nation.
This has upset Somalia, which regards Somaliland as part of its territory – and it has said it views the deal as an act of aggression.
Irro has never rejected the deal out of hand, but when discussing it has used diplomatic language, which suggests a change of tack.
Somaliland is located in a strategic part of the world, and is seen as a gateway to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Despite its relative stability and regular democratic elections, it has not been recognised internationally.
“We are all winners, the Somaliland state won,” Irro said, commending everyone for the peaceful vote on 13 November that was witnessed by diplomats from nine European countries and the US.
He also thanked outgoing President Bihi, who has led the breakaway region since 2017.
Critics say Bihi lost support because of a paternalistic style – saying he had been dismissive of public opinion at a time when economic difficulties have undermined the value of the local currency.
The president-elect, who will be sworn in on 14 December, is seen as a more unifying figure.