Two deputy ministers in Somaliland’s government have resigned, signaling a shift in political alliances just weeks before the pivotal November 13 presidential election. The officials, previously loyal to the ruling Kulmiye Party, announced their support for opposition candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), citing the need for change.
Nasir Aydid Mohamed, the former Deputy Minister of Fisheries, stated that while he remains a member of the Kulmiye Party, his vote will go to Irro. “In 2017, I supported Muse Bihi, and he appointed me Deputy Minister. I’m thankful for the opportunity, but after considering the current situation, I believe Irro is better suited to lead Somaliland now,” said Mohamed.
Mohamud Elmi Yusuf, the former Deputy Minister of Education, also announced his resignation after consulting with his constituents. “There is a growing call for change from the people, and it is my responsibility to support that. I believe Irro represents the change that Somaliland needs,” Yusuf explained.
Former Ministers Boos Mire Mohamed also decamped to the opposition Waddani party.
Waddani presidential candidate Abdirahman Irro candidate welcomed Boos to the early Thursday morning.
Abdi declared his support for Waddani Candidate Abdirahman Cirro, signaling a shift in his political allegiance.
At the same time, the secretary of the central council of Kulmiye Mustafe Waxdad and the former general secretary of the party Hassan Siciid Yuusuf resigned from the party.
“We resigned from Kulmiye, because we have seen the party did little for the people since we won in 2017 ,” the secretary of the central council of Kulmiye Mustafe Waxdad.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Abdirisak Qaraf has also quit the ruling party. He was the ambassador of Somaliland to Denmark. He called on the citizens to support the Waddani party candidate Abdirahman Irro who he sees as the best leader the country needs to unite the country.
The resignations are part of a wave of defections from the ruling Kulmiye Party as the opposition Waddani Party gains momentum ahead of the election. In recent weeks, several high-ranking officials have switched their support to Irro’s campaign, increasing pressure on the ruling party. Among those who have defected are Hussein Dayr, a prominent political figure, and MPs Ahmed Isood Ahmed and Mursal Mohamed Jama, both representing Gabiley district.
Politician Hussein Dayr and Borama community leaders and the chairman of the Kulmiye in Haji Salah district, Guray Dhamac also moved to join Waddani with Dayr saying: “We left Kulmiye because of lack of respect. ”
The political landscape has become even more charged this week as the Somaliland Electoral Commission imposed fines on both the Kulmiye and Waddani parties for premature campaigning. Each party was fined 10 million Somaliland Shillings. The official campaign period for the upcoming parallel presidential and party elections will commence on October 19 and run until November 10, just two days before the election.
With the November 13 election drawing closer, the stakes are higher than ever for both parties. President Bihi, who is seeking re-election, faces a mounting challenge from the opposition, which has managed to consolidate support from disillusioned members of his own party. Political analysts believe that the upcoming election could be a turning point for Somaliland.