Friday September 22, 2023
Hargeisa (HOL) - The United States government has applauded the political agreement in the Somaliland election dispute and has called for dialogue to de-escalate tensions in Las Anod town.
U.S. Embassy Mogadishu Chargé d'Affaires Shane Dixon concluded a visit to Hargeisa on Thursday, where he held meetings with various key figures, including President Muse Bihi Abdi, representatives from civil society, members of the Wadani and UCID political parties, and political association.
During these discussions, Dixon and the Somaliland political stakeholders addressed various topics, including regional security, human rights, civic participation, and upholding democratic processes. The United States encouraged adopting a political agreement proposed by clan elders, viewing it as a positive step toward achieving free and fair elections.
"Open dialogue and the commitment to democratic processes are foundational elements for any peaceful community," said Chargé d'Affaires Dixon. "The U.S. appreciates the efforts of all stakeholders in Somaliland working towards these shared goals."
On August 30, President Muse Bihi Abdi and opposition parties in Somaliland agreed to hold both the Presidential and political organization elections on the same day, effectively ending a long-standing electoral dispute. A committee of traditional elders brokered this agreement.
The primary point of contention in the political discord between the government and the opposition had been the sequencing of the elections for political organizations and the presidential election. President Bihi had advocated for the election of political organizations to precede the presidential election, a stance that had faced reluctance from the opposition.
However, the crucial decision reached by the committee was that both the political organizations' elections and the Presidential election will be held concurrently, specifically on November 13, 2024.