Month: November 2024

Presidential Election will Bolster Somaliland’s Determination to Gain Recognition

Presidential Election will Bolster Somaliland’s Determination to Gain Recognition

On November 13, the 1.5 million registered voters of Somaliland Republic in the volatile Horn of Africa region went to the polls to elect a new leader.

Continue reading “Presidential Election will Bolster Somaliland’s Determination to Gain Recognition”

President-elect: Trump Election Campaign Blueprint Aims to Recognize Somaliland

President-elect: Trump Election Campaign Blueprint Aims to Recognize Somaliland

A lengthy document reportedly crafted by members and supporters of the US Republican Party ahead of the upcoming elections hints that if Donald Trump wins, Washington will grant official recognition to the Somaliland Republic

Dubbed “Project 2025: Presidential Transition Project,” the over 900-page document sets out a list of objectives to be accomplished over the presidential nominee’s first 100 days in the Oval Office.

The document states the importance of “the recognition of Somaliland statehood as a hedge against the U.S.’s deteriorating position in Djibouti.”

The presence of a dozen military bases belonging to foreign powers in the tiny nation has been an additional factor in increasingly complicated geopolitics in the Horn of Africa.

During the inaugural Red Sea Security Conference held in Addis Ababa a few months ago, Djiboutian representatives stated that hosting both Chinese and American military bases has posed difficulties as the two powers seek the expulsion of the other.

However, following the recent circulation of the “Project 2025” document on social media, Donald Trump, former president while running for the upcoming election, distanced himself from the document.

In a comment posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated “I know nothing about Project2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they are saying and some of the things they are saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”

Trump reportedly distanced himself from the document following strong backlash from American scholars and politicians. Some of the policies included in the Project 2025 agenda have been advocated for by Republicans for years or backed by Trump himself. These include slashing the education budget and introducing alternative schooling choices, tougher immigration and border laws, as well as cuts to social security programs and advocacy for mass deportation and the construction of a border wall, among others.

Project 2025 was prepared by the Heritage Foundation and other Republican affiliated groups. Various media outlets report the document is the fruit of Trump’s allies and political affiliates.

CNN discovered that at least 140 people who worked under the Trump administration were involved in the crafting of Project 2025. This includes “more than half of the people listed as authors, editors and contributors to “Mandate for Leadership,” the project’s extensive manifesto for overhauling the executive branch,” CNN reported this week.

The list of people with ties to Trump and Project 2025 includes close to 240 individuals ranging from ordinary White House staff members to senior US government officials.

The number is likely higher because many individuals’ online resumes were not available, according to CNN.

“In addition to people who worked directly for Trump, others who participated in Project 2025 were appointed by the former president to independent positions. The extensive overlap between Project 2025 and Trump’s universe of allies, advisers and former staff complicates his efforts to distance himself from the work. Trump’s campaign has sought for months to make clear that Project 2025 doesn’t speak for them amid an intensifying push by President Joe Biden and Democrats to tie the Republican standard bearer to the playbook’s more controversial policies,” reported CNN.

Project 2025 is spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, but includes an advisory board consisting of more than 100 conservative groups.

The document’s first pillar, an overhaul of the federal government, has drawn the fiercest criticism thus far.

“Called “Mandate for Leadership 2025: The Conservative Promise,” the book builds on a “Mandate for Leadership” first published in January 1981, which sought to serve as a roadmap for Ronald Reagan’s incoming administration,” reports CNN.

The changes outlined in the plan touch on virtually every federal office and agency in the US government.

During his presidency in office, Trump was often part of rows with African leaders. His outright rejection of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was particularly notable.

Analysts observe that even if Trump were to win the election and recognize Somaliland, the decision would be from the US point of interest, which is focused on combating China’s growing influence in Africa

Forecasts for the Somaliland Presidential Election Using Electoral Survey Data

Forecasts for the Somaliland Presidential Election Using Electoral Survey Data

According to recent sources and analyses in Somaliland, the following surveyed polls were conducted
to provide Somalilanders with an overview of the upcoming elections scheduled for November
13, 2024. The figures below were modeled research based, proof display held over the past few
weeks, as well as phone interviews with various citizens across all regions of Somaliland. These
numbers are averaged statistical calculations.
Below are 2024 Somaliland Presidential Election that will be held on November 13th, 2024.
Those numbers are estimated, forecast and predicted from analyses in different sources,
educated and open minded in all regions of Somaliland. I’m emphasizing those numbers are
modeled from statistical analyses (mean, median and average calculations).

According to our analyses, this surveyed poll aims to highlight reasons and arguments presented by
supporters:

  • UCID – This party is viewed as outdated and fatigued. Chairman Feysal Ali Warabe has
    shown little interest and appears unwilling to invest in re-election efforts. UCID is the
    oldest of the three existing parties.
  • Waddani – As the youngest party, Wadani is highly popular. It garnered 42% of the
    vote in the 2017 presidential election. Its supporters advocate for change, as the
    Kulmiye party has led Somaliland politics for the past 14 years. Analyses and reports
    from Somaliland critics reveal that many of Wadani’s leaders previously belonged to
    0.83% 52.13% 47.04%,  including its chairman Hirsi “Hirsi Gaab,” a former Minister under
    Kulmiye’s administration. Critics note that this party maintains strong ties with the central government of Somalia, which still desires Somaliland’s reintegration. Some citizens also recall the genocide perpetrated by the Siad Barre regime during the 1980s war. Wadani has not distanced itself from such associations, leading people to believe that the campaign resources may be coming from the Somali government.
    Kulmiye – This party has led Somaliland for the past 14 years and, according to predictions, is expected to secure another term in the November 13, 2024, elections. While its popularity has waned, especially due to issues in Las Anod, its recent slight gains in the polls suggest that the party remains strong on security matters. Additionally, Kulmiye has made strides toward Somaliland’s recognition and sovereignty, particularly through a recent Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia.

Reasons Given to Choose a Party

According to our contacts on the ground, most people base their presidential choice on tribal affiliation. Tribalism remains a significant issue in Somaliland, with politicians exploiting it to fuel polarization among citizens. However, the more educated segment of the population, according to our sources, considers factors like security, international recognition, economic growth, and development in making their choices.

Below chart summarizes these findings:

 

Following are the most popular parties “URUURO” are the following:

  1. Kulmiye
  2. Wadani
  3. Horseed
  4. Kaah
  5. Hilaac

According to Article 9 of the Somaliland Constitution, political parties (“Xisbi”) shall not exceed three (3) parties: “1. The political system of the Republic of Somaliland shall be based on peace, cooperation, democracy, and plurality of political parties. 2. The number of political parties in the Republic of Somaliland shall not exceed three (3). 3. A special law shall determine the procedures for the formation of a political party, but it is unlawful for any political party to be based on regionalism or clannism.”
Our research and analysis indicate that the two main parties, Kulmiye and Wadani, will retain their status as “Xusbi.” Horseed, Kaah, and Hilaac will compete for the third position, potentially replacing UCID.
Let’s examine these three “Urur” closely:

  • Horseed: Chairman Abdillahi Hussein Dirawal was a member of the SNM group, which fought for Somaliland’s freedom against the regime of Siad Barre (“Afweyne”). The party is popular in the capital, Hargeisa, which has a substantial voter base. It’s noteworthy that both Dirawal and President Muse Bihi were part of the SNM and are well-connected. If Horseed succeeds in becoming a “Xusbi,” it could serve as a strong ally to Kulmiye.
  • Kaah: Chairman Mahamoud Hashi Abdi, a former Minister of the Presidency during the Silaanyo administration, leads a party popular in the Burco region. Support for this party is largely clan-based. Critics of Chairman Mahamoud cite allegations of corruption during his tenure with the Silaanyo government, particularly in connection with projects like Hargeisa Airport and the Xuba Weyne irrigation project, as well as various other initiatives. Critics argue that he cannot be trusted.
  • Hilaac: Chairman Prof. Ahmed Ismail Samater, a recent returnee from the United States, joined Somaliland politics after a challenging experience in Mogadishu, Somalia. He recently withdrew from the Somaliland elections, citing the exclusion of his party from the presidential race. His recent return to Somaliland has left him with limited time to rebuild trust among supporters, particularly in the Borama region.

In conclusion, based on information gathered from key political figures and influencers in Somaliland, Horseed, led by Chairman Dirawal, has the potential to become the third official party in the upcoming election on November 13, 2024.

SOMALILAND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HISTORY:

All figures and data in this report were sourced from the National Election Commission of Somaliland. The first election in Somaliland was held on April 14, 2003, with 488,035 registered voters

In June 26, 2010, presidential election was held with voter registered election at 538,146 votes

 

2017 SOMALILAND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS:

What does Somaliland historical data tell us today?

According to the charts above, Somaliland voters have spoken:

  • Party UCID is in declined and is getting closer to an elimination in 2024
    election.
  • KULMIYE party is also losing supporters as WADDANI is getting more
    popular

Author: Abdulkarim Musse Maygag – Toronto – Canada –
abdulkmu@hotmail.com

US Bans Imports of Somaliland Frankincense by Asli Maydi Due to Forced Labor Practice

US Bans Imports of Somaliland Frankincense by Asli Maydi Due to Forced Labor Practice

A Somaliland company that manufactures frankincense, an aromatic resin that the wise men gifted to Jesus in the Bible story of his birth, will see its products confiscated at U.S. ports under sanctions issued Friday. Continue reading “US Bans Imports of Somaliland Frankincense by Asli Maydi Due to Forced Labor Practice”