Somaliland Opposition leader arrives in Washington

WASHINGTON (Somalilandpress) — The leader of Somaliland’s main opposition Kulmiye Party arrived in Washington on Friday for talks with Somaliland community in the US and American officials.

Mr Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Silanyo), who flew from Addis Ababa after holding talks with Ethiopian and British officials arrived 7:30am at Dulles International Airport. He was met by Kulmiye’s foreign Secretary, Dr Mohamed Abdullahi Omar and members of Somaliland-American community.

Before his departure from the Ethiopian capital, Mr Silanyo held talks with British Deputy Ambassador, Mr John Marshall and second Secretary at the British Embassy, Mr Matt Woods.
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The two sides discussed the current political situation in Somaliland, including preparations for the elections and relations with Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

Mr Silanyo was accompanied on the trip by his wife, Mrs Amina Sheikh Mohamed Jirde.

Mr Silanyo hopes to meet with American officials to discuss issues of common interest including security, election and to promote ties.

In a related development, a pro-government website said Mr Silanyo was deported from Washington by US officials back to Italy, where he originally entered from the US, they also added that the opposition leader is expected to hold talks with individuals opposed to Somaliland’s self-determination. A statement political analysts dismiss as propaganda by the government.

Somaliland election is expected to be held in April 2010 after 27 September elections were postponed, the electoral commission announced that the election could not be held on the planned date, due to “current political, economic and technical conditions”.

The ruling party United Peoples’ Democratic – UDUB party will go to poles against Faysal Ali Warabe’s Justice and Development – UCID Party and Mr Silanyo’s Peace, Unity, and Development – Kulmiye party.

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Source: Somalilandpress, 10 January 2010