By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Irro’, the Somaliland National Party “Waddani” speaking to BBC Somaliland Language gave an in-depth interview on the overall situation of the country and the upcoming election.
The Presidential Aspirant when asked about the past elections said, Our party was the largest opposition organization in the country during the period and we won the majority of seats in both the local government and Parliamentary election in 2020.
When asked if the party was ready for upcoming political organizations and Presidential election said his party was ready for the election although the resurgence of intercommunity violence in some parts of the country. The present government has failed to reconcile the various communities living in the country thus has lead to some communities to form their own armed militias to protect their lives and property.
The Waddani Presidential Aspirant also revealed the reason behind the recent coailution on with Kaah political party led by former minister Hon Mahmoud Hashi saying that the current political situation calls for partnership between the various political affiliations.
Hon Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi was asked that if his party is elected in the upcoming election, what would be your position regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Somaliland signed with Ethiopia in January 2024?;
The Waddani Leader said, “Our party’s position is that we welcome any agreement that elevates cooperation and cultivates trust between the two brotherly peoples, Our party is confident that Ethiopia is genuine in its relationship with Somaliland,”Unfortunately, the current Somaliland administration has not shared the details of the MoU with the opposition nor the parliament, yet we are the majority in the parliament. Once those details are brought to our attention, we will make an informed view based on the Somaliland’s long-term national interest and the principles of good neighborhood relations.
Our party’s position is that we welcome any agreement that elevates cooperation and cultivates trust between the two brotherly peoples,
Our party is confident that Ethiopia is genuine in its relationship with Somaliland,”
The party is also optimistic that the partnership between Ethiopia and Somaliland will witness elevation under its leadership should the party win a national poll.
The Somaliland National party also seeks elevated ties with Ethiopia with or without power. “We welcome any agreement which enhances the two countries standing and mutual benefits,”
If the Waddani party gets elected in the next election, it plans to give a fresh boost to relations between the two neighbors in terms of economic engagement, security cooperation and people-to-people relations. Ethiopia has been by our side during Somalilanders’ turbulent years.
“The two sides have much room for cooperation with complementary interests.
The party is also optimistic that the partnership between Ethiopia and Somaliland will witness elevation under its leadership should the party win a national poll.
The Somaliland National party also seeks elevated ties with Ethiopia with or without power. “We welcome any agreement which enhances the two countries standing and mutual benefits,”
If the Waddani party gets elected in the next election, it plans to give a fresh boost to relations between the two neighbors in terms of economic engagement, security cooperation and people-to-people relations. Ethiopia has been by our side during Somalilanders’ turbulent years.
“The two sides have much room for cooperation with complementary interests.
Regarding the relationship between Somaliland and Taiwan , he said, “We welcome anyone and every nation that wants to work with us but we shall also evaluate every nation through merits.
The Waddani Presidential Aspirant lastly added, ,” Our party plans to reducing poverty is a priority: we will ensure high quality and affordable health care for all Somali landers. We will provide education and clean water for every child in the country. We will mobilize the nation to renew and protect our environment for future generations.
Together, we will help our families and communities flourish. Reducing Tahriib is a priority: we will engage the youth of Somaliland to harness their mental and physical energy to build their country; raise the standards of living of the citizens through improved transport systems, housing, adequate and affordable supply of water and electricity; mother and child care and protect rights of the vulnerable.
Together, we will reform our system government. Reducing inefficiency and corruption is a priority: we will deliver a transparent and responsible government serving the people of Somaliland. We will transform state institutions, the civil service and local government to serve the people with humility, integrity and the rule of law.
