The political impasse in Somaliland created by the government unwilling to commit to holding the Presidential elections in the stipulated constitutional date of November, the international community is now showing its concern.
On Wednesday, a delegation from the European Union and Sweden paid a visit to Somaliland to facilitate a breakthrough to the election deadlock.
The ambassadors are set to meet both government and opposition leaders to discuss the political situation in the country which is threatening to tear the otherwise peaceful nation apart.
The opposition parties Wadani and UCID have accused the government of President Muse Bihi of reneging on the constitutional demand of holding presidential election by the end of the year.
“We welcome our international friends to come help break the ice before things get out of hand,” Wadani party presidential candidate Abdirahman Irro said adding that the international partners have been key to helping solving political conflicts in Somaliland.
The visit by the delegates comes barely a fortnight after eight ambassadors from donor countries held a virtual meeting with President Bihi who agreed to engage and open talks with the opposition.
However a meeting between the two parties held just over a week ago failed to bring forth any tangible result leading to threats by the opposition to go to the streets and hold mass protests.
In reaction, the government has outlawed any protests with the police chief Mohamed Aden Saqadhi Dabagale now saying any form of protests will be dealt with with full force
The political uncertainty in Somaliland stem from the failure to have the Guurti elections which were to be held in May.
Further, the five year presidential term and the ten year political parties term ends in November 13 and 26 respectively.
In what the opposition terms as putting the cart ahead of the horse, President Bihi is pushing to have the political parties elections before the Presidential polls. Thje opposition insist presidential elections must be held first and are accusing the president of creating the political confusion to favour his selfish interests..
