In a surprise statement, the longest-serving and current Vice President of Somaliland, Eng. Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail “Saylici,” (pictured) has made a groundbreaking announcement by declaring his support for an opposition-leaning political association from his own constituency.
The Vice President publicly called on all Somaliland citizens to back a different political entity than his own ruling party-Kulmiye which is fighting for survival at the helm.
The VP specifically urged those from the western administrative region of Awdal and the general public to support the Barwaaqo Political Association, led by a politician from Awdal, in its quest to become one of the upcoming three national political parties.
Furthermore, the Vice President highlighted that the country has strayed from the path of democracy and inclusion.
He implicitly criticized the successive governments, including his own Kulmiye-led two-term administrations, during which he served as the Number Two man.
“Over the past thirty-three years since Somaliland reclaimed independence from Somalia, we have made strides in security and the economy. We have overcome challenges through unity and collaboration,” he acknowledged. “Unfortunately, it appears that we have veered off course in recent years.”
Saylici who recently made public criticisms of the current administration and his boss, Muse Bihi-the President of the nation, has now taken what many are calling a political U-turn. He dispelled rumors of his imminent resignation but confirmed that he will not endorse either the incumbent President seeking reelection or the opposition candidates.
“I am a national statesman, and I am not advocating for anyone to vote for Kulmiye or Waddani,” he clarified his stance.
It is imperative, he noted, that we all take responsibility to ensure inclusivity in the political arena, especially in light of the recent declaration of unilateral independence by parts of the Sool region from Somaliland during President Bihi and VP Saylici’s tenure, following a deadly confrontation with locals.
It is unacceptable, he added, for the three main political parties to be led by “three cousins” from the same constituency. This is why he calls for all to throw their support behind the Barwaaqo Political Association.
It is noteworthy that the Vice President has endorsed the Barwaaqo Political Association while distancing himself from the Hillaac political association, led by the academic-turned-politician Ahmed I. Samatar, who is also from Awdal. The Vice President justified his decision by stating that Samatar lacks the seriousness needed to address challenges and lead the population of this region. It is widely known that Prof. Samatar implicitly supports the incumbent President, as he was a member of his campaign team during the 2017 general election.
“It is time for us to prioritize unity and progress in our political landscape; let us stand together in support of a more inclusive and effective leadership”, the VP urged all citizens.
The VP’s comments come at at time the country is demanding for change with the Waddani party being considered the vehicle to bring that change.
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