Honestly, people usually overlook Somaliland when talking about African democracy. They shouldn't. While the rest of the world was looking elsewhere in November 2024, a massive political shift happened in Hargeisa. The 2024 Somaliland presidential election wasn't just another routine vote; it was a total overhaul of the status quo.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, better known to everyone as "Irro," didn't just win. He crushed it.
The numbers are pretty wild. Irro, leading the Waddani Party, pulled in about 64% of the vote. Compare that to the incumbent, Muse Bihi Abdi, who sat at around 35%. In the world of politics, that’s not a close race. That is a clear message from the people that they wanted a change of scenery.
Why the 2024 Somaliland presidential election was a big deal
You've got to understand the backdrop here. This election was actually supposed to happen back in 2022. It got pushed back two years because of some serious political bickering and a lack of cash. When things finally kicked off on November 13, 2024, the tension was high. People were frustrated.
The economy was a mess. Inflation was biting hard, and for a lot of young folks in Somaliland, finding a job felt basically impossible. Then you had the whole situation in Las Anod and the Sool region, which had turned violent and messy, costing the government control over some areas. Bihi’s administration was taking a lot of heat for how they handled that conflict.
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It wasn't just about domestic stuff, though. Everyone was talking about the Ethiopia deal—that Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) where Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland in exchange for sea access. It was a huge gamble.
The Man of the Hour: Who is Irro?
Abdirahman Irro isn't exactly a newcomer. He’s been around.
- Diplomatic Roots: He spent years as a diplomat, even serving in Moscow back in the day.
- Legislative Power: He was the Speaker of the House for 12 years.
- The Vibe: He’s often seen as a calmer, more conciliatory figure compared to Bihi’s more "strongman" style.
During the campaign, Irro stayed focused on "social cohesion." He talked about mending the cracks in society that had opened up under Bihi. He also made a point to reach out to women, promising more jobs and inclusion. It worked.
What went down on election day
The actual voting day was surprisingly chill. More than 600,000 people showed up, which is about 53% of registered voters. Not a perfect turnout, but decent considering the security issues in the east.
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International observers from places like the UK’s UCL and various African nations were all over the place. They did note some "procedural errors"—like the secrecy of the ballot not being perfectly protected in some spots—but generally, they gave it a thumbs up. They called it peaceful and credible.
"This election was not about one group being defeated while another emerged victorious; rather, it was an election of brotherhood," Irro said after the results came out.
It was a class act. Even Bihi, who had been a tough rival, eventually conceded and prayed for a peaceful transfer of power. In a region where elections often end in court battles or worse, this was a massive win for Somaliland’s reputation.
The Real Challenges Moving Forward
Winning was the easy part. Now Irro has to actually govern.
The big question everyone is asking is: what happens to the Ethiopia deal? Some think he’ll stick with it because the dream of international recognition is the "North Star" for almost every Somalilander. Others think he might try to smooth things over with the federal government in Mogadishu first.
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Then there's the internal stuff. He inherited a polarized country. The Las Anod conflict isn't just going to vanish. He needs to bring those eastern regions back into the fold without starting another war.
And honestly, he's got to fix the money situation. People can't eat "recognition." They need lower prices and actual paychecks.
Actionable Insights for Following Somaliland’s Path
If you're watching this space, don't just look at the headlines. Here is what to actually keep an eye on:
- Watch the "Big Three": The 2024 vote also decided which three political parties are legally allowed to exist for the next decade. Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye made the cut. This determines the entire political playing field until 2034.
- Monitor the Red Sea Geopolitics: Watch how the new administration handles the Port of Berbera. If Irro manages to secure recognition through the Ethiopia MoU without triggering a regional war, it’ll be the diplomatic feat of the century.
- Track the "First Recognition": Interestingly, rumors and some reports suggest countries like Israel might be looking closer at Somaliland now. Any movement on the "Abraham Accords" front would be a massive game-changer for Irro's administration.
- Domestic Unity: Keep an eye on his appointments. If he builds a "government of national unity" like some analysts suggested, it’ll show he’s serious about the "brotherhood" talk.
Somaliland has been doing its own thing since 1991 without much help from the outside. The 2024 election proved that their system, while not perfect, actually works. They’ve managed a peaceful transfer of power from an incumbent to an opposition leader—something plenty of fully recognized nations still struggle to do.