Crisis Group officials meet Speaker khalif to discuss political situation in Somaliland

Officials from the Crisis Group have made a visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abdirizak Khalif Ahmed to discuss the political, economic and security situation in the country.

The visit by the Crisis Group came at a time when there are political tensions in the country over the presidential elections.

The Somaliland opposition parties WADDANI and UCID have previously held street demonstrations to push the government of President Muse Bihi to have the elections held in November.

Currently talks are ongoing between the president and the opposition to unlock the impasse. The speakers of the two houses have been mediating the talks.

The Somaliland government has also been accused of abuse of human rights and freedom of the media.

A tweet by Speaker Abdirizak stated: “I received in my office a delegation from the Crisis Group, which is visiting Somaliland. The main purpose of their visit to Somaliland was to gather information on the current political, social and environmental situation in the country.”

In their CrisisWatch trends for conflict across the continent last month, the Crisis Group mentioned Somaliland political crisis as one of the main talking points.

It stated that political tensions over sequencing of elections reached boiling point.

Opposition parties Waddani and Justice and Welfare Party (UCID) 9 June staged demonstration in capital Hargeisa to demand presidential election be held as planned on 13 Nov before ten-year licenses of current political parties expire in December.

Security forces used live ammunition to disperse crown, leaving several protesters injured, including one MP and one senior Waddani official, and at least a dozen arrested.

EU and several European countries same day expressed concern, urged all sides to “de-escalate the situation” and engage in dialogue. Waddani and UCID 10 June postponed countrywide anti-govt protests scheduled for next day at request of elders to give mediation a chance.

Earlier in month, parliament 6 June approved last three members of Committee for the Registration of Political Association with view to selecting new political parties; MPs late May had exchanged blows during session on the matter. Meanwhile, electoral commission disbanded, with chairman Abdirashid Mohamud Ali Rio-raac stepping down 1 June, followed by three remaining commission members 4 June. Parliament mid-June approved four out of seven proposed new commissioners.