Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic within Somalia, is set for a presidential election Wednesday amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has remained stable but unrecognized internationally.
Recently, President Muse Bihi signed a deal offering Ethiopia access to its Red Sea coast, sparking tensions with Somalia.
Bihi claims this will bring Ethiopian recognition for Somaliland, though Addis Ababa has not confirmed the agreement.
Bihi’s opponents, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (“Irro”) and Faysal Ali Warabe, have refrained from criticizing the deal.
Instead, they focus on local issues like economic stability and unity.
While Bihi emphasizes foreign policy, critics argue his leadership has intensified clan divisions.
As voters head to the polls, regional tensions and Somaliland’s internal unity hang in the balance.
