Political Crisis In Somaliland?

The self-declared Republic of Somaliland has in recent years been lauded for its stability, largely avoiding the violence of Somalia. The UK Government has described Somaliland as a “beacon” for democracy.

However, it is currently in political turmoil, and the International Crisis Group think tank says Somaliland’s “hard-earned stability is at risk”.

Postponement of Presidential election

During 2022, political tensions emerged between the Government and opposition parties over the sequencing of the presidential elections (scheduled for November 2022) and the election to decide which political associations would become the three official political parties (Somaliland has a constitutional limit on the number of political parties, designed to promote inter-clan dialogue).

Following the postponement of the presidential election, Somaliland’s Parliament extended President Muse Bihi Abdi’s term of office by two years. The main opposition parties have refused to recognise the extension. The UK Government has urged Somaliland’s political actors to “agree on an electoral roadmap.”

Fighting in eastern Somaliland

In early February 2023 over 82 people have reportedly died in clashes between regional government forces and local militias in Las Anod (also known as Laascaanood), in a region where some clans are pushing for the area to re-join Somalia. The UK Government has condemned the violence and urged all sides to adhere to a ceasefire and allow unhindered humanitarian access. 82 people have been killed have been reported to have been killed, and thousands of people displaced.

About Somaliland

A former British Protectorate, British Somaliland briefly declared independence in 1960 before uniting with Somalia. The outbreak of civil war and the collapse of President Siad Barre’s regime prompted Somaliland to declare independence in May 1991. Somaliland is self-governing, with an independent government and regular democratic elections. The capital is Hargeisa.

Somaliland is not recognised as an independent state by Somalia or any other country. However, it has been lauded for its political stability and democratic handovers of power. A UK Government Minister said “in recent years, Somaliland has made great strides towards an inclusive democratic process, and that forms the bedrock of its stability.”