Tuesday November 19, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — The United States has congratulated Somaliland President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) on his election victory, commending the region's strong democratic tradition.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the US Embassy in Mogadishu said, "The United States congratulates the people of Somaliland on their recent election and President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on his election. Somaliland's impressive record of elections and peaceful transfers of power is a model for the region and beyond," the tweet said.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre, and Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh have also congratulated Abdullahi and Vice President-elect Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, 69, of the opposition Waddani Party, secured over 50% of the vote. A former Speaker of Somaliland's Parliament in 2005, Abdullahi campaigned on a platform emphasizing democratic reforms and addressing economic challenges, including youth unemployment.
Outgoing President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye Party, who sought a second term, received just over 30% of the vote. The election was delayed twice since 2022 for a lack of funding and other reasons.