On November 13, 2024, Somaliland went to the polls in a highly anticipated election that coincided with rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over a controversial port deal, further complicating the region’s geopolitical dynamics. Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic in the Horn of Africa, has been operating autonomously since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. However, it has yet to gain international recognition, with the Somali government and many global powers still considering it part of Somalia.
The elections, which are set to determine the new president and members of parliament, are being closely watched not only for their potential to shape the future of Somaliland’s domestic politics but also because of the broader regional context, particularly the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding access to the strategic Berbera Port. This dispute has heightened tensions in the region, as the port is seen as crucial for trade and regional influence.
Ethiopia, a landlocked country, has sought to secure access to the port as part of its broader economic strategy, and in 2018, it entered into an agreement with Somaliland for the development of Berbera. The deal included Ethiopia’s plans to use the port for exports and imports, a move that has been met with significant opposition from Somalia, which views it as a direct challenge to its territorial integrity. Somalia has long claimed that Somaliland should be part of its national territory and has expressed dissatisfaction with Ethiopia’s involvement in the region, viewing the port deal as an affront to its sovereignty.
In the lead-up to the election, the political climate in Somaliland has been charged with nationalistic sentiments, as many voters continue to rally around the notion of independence from Somalia. Political parties are also divided on how to approach the issue of international recognition and how to balance relations with neighboring Ethiopia, which has provided Somaliland with crucial economic support and infrastructure investment.
The elections have unfolded amid a backdrop of economic challenges, security concerns, and growing frustration with the political establishment in Somaliland. The government, led by outgoing President Muse Bihi Abdi, has overseen significant investments in infrastructure, including road construction and improvements to the Berbera Port. However, many citizens continue to demand reforms, particularly in terms of unemployment, education, and governance.
With the Ethiopian-Somali port deal continuing to loom large over regional politics, the results of this election could have wider implications for Somaliland’s future, both domestically and in its relationships with its neighbors and the international community. The outcome will provide a clearer picture of how Somaliland intends to navigate its ongoing struggle for recognition while dealing with the complex regional dynamics that continue to shape the Horn of Africa.
