SOMDAILY – November 13, 2024 – The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has issued a formal congratulatory statement following Somaliland’s historic direct election scheduled on November 13, 2024, which will determine the region’s next leadership. Released by the Ministry of Interior, Reconciliation, and Federalism Affairs, the statement recognized the event as a significant milestone in Somaliland’s political development and referred to the region as a Federal Member State of Somalia in the northern part of the country.
The Ministry’s statement highlighted the importance of maintaining peace throughout the election process, urging the Electoral Committee to ensure transparency and neutrality to uphold public confidence and respect the oath of office.
“The peaceful conduct of the election is essential,” the press release stated. “We urge the Electoral Committee to be fair and transparent, as they carry the responsibility of fulfilling the expectations of the people of Somaliland.”
This gesture of recognition by the FGS comes amid ongoing tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland, particularly following a recent dispute over a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia. The Somali Federal Government has contested the legality of the agreement, asserting that Somaliland, which it considers a regional entity within Somalia, has no authority to enter into international agreements independently.
In response to the press statement, there has been no official comment from Somaliland, with analysts suggesting that President Muse Bihi’s administration is currently focused on the electoral process. Somaliland’s ruling party, which traditionally engages with the Somali Federal Government on diplomatic matters, has reportedly been preoccupied with the election campaign.
Meanwhile, public reactions to the FGS statement have been mixed, particularly on social media, where many Somalis expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s approach to elections. Critics pointed to the ongoing deadlock over direct elections in other parts of Somalia, especially the standoff with Jubaland, and questioned the FGS’s ability to reach a consensus on electoral matters within the broader Somali region.
The lack of direct elections in much of Somalia stands in stark contrast to Somaliland’s stable electoral process, which continues to distinguish the region as politically autonomous, despite its declared independence since 1991, which has not been recognized by the Somali federal government or the international community.
As Somaliland’s election process unfolds, all eyes remain on how the Federal Government of Somalia will navigate its relationship with the region and address the broader challenges of democratic governance across Somalia.
