The coalition between political association Kaah and opposition party Wadani has the potential to change Somaliland’s political climate before the elections in November. The collaboration, which was unveiled in Hargeisa two months ago, aims to challenge the dominance of the ruling party and garner support.
A strategic collaboration for the November elections is established by the agreement signed by Kaah leader Mahamud Hashi Abdi, Wadani presidential candidate Abdirahman Irro, and Wadani leader Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan.
Important aspects include Kaah’s support for Waddani’s nominee for president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, in return for governmental roles should Waddani secures victory. Both parties also decided to review Somaliland’s constitution to reconsider the seat allocation system and to resolve the Sool region’s problems through peaceful discussions.
Wadani spokesperson Mohamed Farah stated in an interview with the BBC that this landmark deal is advantageous for the citizens of Somaliland and paves the way for Wadani to gain power in the nation. Kaah spokesperson Hasan Abdillahi Mataan characterized the agreement as a major chance to rescue Somaliland and bring back harmony among its citizens
The alliance which was formed only 100 days prior to the elections, exerting political influence on the governing party. Dr. Ahmed Farah Idle (Ahmed Saki), a researcher and lecturer at the University of Hargeisa, highlighted the strategic timing with the approaching election.
Dr. Ahmed-Saki Farah informed the BBC that Waddani is employing all tactics to seize power in Somaliland, which is why they have partnered with Kaah in a coalition. The strategy that led to the current agreement has been in progress for almost a year.
The alliance brings fresh dynamics to the political landscape of Somaliland. It might pose a challenge to the incumbent Kulmiye party, which has been in power in Somaliland for the last fourteen years. Wadani and Kaah are both competing to uphold their political standing
Nonetheless, Dr. Ahmed Saki cautioned that Kaah’s leadership has engaged in a political gamble. He mentioned that if only Waddani’s followers vote for Waddani, Kaah could lose backing from the government and other opposition parties.
The partnership between Waddani and Kaah is just the second coalition deal in the political history of Somaliland. In 2010, the opposition party Kulmiye joined forces with the group Qaran to form a coalition before eventually uniting for the election.
Somaliland Republic where leaders are chosen through direct voting, is preparing for one of its most fiercely contested elections in recent memory. The result of this alliance could have a major impact on the future political layout of Somaliland.
