In a powerful and compelling speech, President Muse Bihi Abdi addressed thousands of Kulmiye supporters across Somaliland, emphasizing the party’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s sovereignty and progress. The rallies showcased significant support for Kulmiye, underscoring the party’s robust position as elections approach Burao city of Somaliland.
President Muse Bihi Abdi’s Speech:
“We are currently in the election period. We are not merely choosing between three presidents but rather between the distinct political manifestos of the running parties. Among the running political parties, there is a party whose political agenda seems to be hostile to the promotion of Somaliland’s sovereignty. Nowhere in Waddani’s political strategy can it be found that they are seeking Somaliland’s recognition. Their actions over the last seven years have been deliberately against the development and the nation of Somaliland. I implore you to read the political strategy of the Waddani party; nowhere will you find intentions to secure Somaliland’s recognition. They have written they would start dialogue with Hassan Shekh (Somalia). Should we not move on from expecting recognition from Somalia? We have already lost 12 years to 13 to unproductive and futile meetings.
Somaliland is thirty-four years old; we have shed blood, lost both human capital and wealth for the reassertion of sovereignty. Is it justified to beg a man in Mogadishu every day? We have our own established government. We have made it clear to the international community who Somaliland is. Based on our legal territory and history, we have been self-governing for 34 years.
Let me tell you where we stand today. Overcoming all the odds and obstacles, we are the only nation in the region that has dared to hold democratic elections single-handedly and self-reliantly. Is that not a victory we achieved with the strength of our people?
Today we stand at a crossroad; we must choose between two options: either following Waddani’s undermining direction back to Mogadishu or continuing the preservation and promotion of our sovereignty and nationhood as we are making progress and the world is aware of us today.
Let me provide you an example with three state visits we carried out. Guinea-Conakry was preparing to recognize us, Somalia interfered by cutting ties with them and complaining to the international community. The second was Kenya, where Uhuru Kenyatta was ready to acknowledge our sovereignty, and Somalia severed ties with Kenya, pleading with every nation and Arab nations including Egypt to intervene.
We had secured a deal with the US on our visit. There was a planned joint US-led military exercise with Somaliland Armed Forces at Berbera. Both Houses of the US Congress passed the Somaliland Partnership into effect under Article 25 and the new upcoming government may not suspend it as the bill has ratified by the US Department of Defense and cannot be denied. As the first officials arrived, all the enemies of Somaliland waged an assault, which the Waddani-elected former speaker of Somaliland House of Representatives played a key role in, and which is still ongoing. We are in two different directions and I believe the people of Somaliland understand and will not accept.”
President Bihi’s speech resonated deeply with the crowd, highlighting Kulmiye’s commitment to ensuring that Somaliland remains steadfast in its quest for international recognition and self-governance. The contrasting political strategies between Kulmiye and Waddani were laid bare, emphasizing the choice before the electorate: to continue the path of sovereignty and progress with Kulmiye or to risk regression under Waddani.
As the nation heads to the polls, the vibrant support for Kulmiye, combined with President Bihi’s compelling vision for Somaliland, positions the ruling party favorably to secure another term in office. The elections will not only determine the presidential leadership but also shape the political landscape of Somaliland, with three national political parties emerging from a competitive field of ten.
The coming days will be decisive, and for the supporters of Kulmiye, the message is clear: a vote for Kulmiye is a vote for the continued sovereignty, development, and international recognition of Somaliland.
Source: www.theadvocatepost.org
