Sunday August 4, 2024
Leaders of Waddani and Kaah sign a coalition agreement in Hargeisa, Somaliland. The agreement aims to strengthen their political influence ahead of the November elections.
Hargeisa (HOL) — Opposition party Waddani and political association Kaah have joined forces in a coalition that could reshape Somaliland's political landscape ahead of the November elections. Announced today in Hargeisa, the partnership expects to consolidate support and challenge the ruling party's dominance.
The agreement, signed by Waddani leader Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, Kaah leader Mahamud Hashi Abdi, and Waddani presidential candidate Abdirahman Irro, establishes a strategic partnership for the November elections.
Key points include Kaah's endorsement of Waddani's presidential candidate, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, in exchange for government positions if Waddani wins. Both parties also agreed to reopen Somaliland's constitution to review the seat allocation system and to address the Sool region's issues through peaceful dialogue.
"This historic agreement benefits the people of Somaliland and sets the stage for Waddani to win control of the country," said Waddani spokesperson Mohamed Farah in an interview with the BBC. Kaah spokesperson Hasan Abdillahi Mataan described the agreement as a significant opportunity to save Somaliland and restore unity among its people.
The coalition comes just 100 days before the elections, applying political pressure on the ruling party. Dr. Ahmed Farah Idle (Ahmed Saki), a researcher and lecturer at the University of Hargeisa, noted that the timing is strategic as the election approaches.
"Waddani is using every strategy to gain control of Somaliland, which is why they have formed a coalition with Kaah," Dr. Ahmed-Saki Farah told the BBC. The plan leading to today's agreement has been in development for nearly a year.
The coalition introduces new dynamics to Somaliland's political scene. It could challenge the ruling Kulmiye party, which has led Somaliland for the past fourteen years. Both Waddani and Kaah are vying to maintain their political status.
However, Dr. Ahmed Saki warned that Kaah's leadership has taken a political risk. "If Waddani's supporters vote exclusively for Waddani, Kaah might lose support from both the government and other opposition groups," he said.
The Waddani-Kaah alliance is only the second coalition agreement in Somaliland's political history. In 2010, the ruling Kulmiye party, then in opposition, formed a coalition with the association Qaran, which later joined Kulmiye for the election.
The self-declared Republic of Somaliland, where citizens elect their leaders through direct voting, is set for one of its most competitive elections in recent history. The outcome of this coalition could significantly shape the future political landscape of Somaliland.
Leaders of Waddani and Kaah sign a coalition agreement in Hargeisa, Somaliland. The agreement aims to strengthen their political influence ahead of the November elections.