CEEL AF-WEYN (KAAB TV) – The Habar Jeclo clan elders, one of Somaliland’s prominent clans, wrapped up a key meeting in Ceel Afweyn, Sanaag region, on Wednesday, where they made pivotal decisions ahead of the country’s upcoming presidential election.
In the discussions, which centered on Somaliland’s political situation, the elders declared their endorsement of Waddani party’s opposition candidate, Abdirahman Abdillahi Cirro, committing their votes to him in the November 13 election.
Additionally, they announced support for the Kaah political organization, led by Mohamoud Hashi, with the intention of assisting it in gaining full political party status.
These decisions are expected to influence the political dynamics of Somaliland’s election next month.
Sultan Hassan, the chief of the Habar Jeclo clan, declared that the decisions were reached collectively and urged the community to rally behind them.
The clan gathering was attended by Waddani candidate Abdirahman Cirro, as well as King Osman Buur Madow, a key figure of the Habar Jeclo who recently returned from exile after years of conflict with the Somaliland authorities.
The elders called on other clans in Somaliland to adopt a similar stance.
Shifting Alliances with President Muse Bihi
Historically, President Muse Bihi – from the Sacad Muuse clan – maintained alliances with the Habar Jeclo clan. However, tensions between the two have deepened in recent times.
The elders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of a conflict in Las Anod, where several Habar Jeclo officials, including military general Feysal Abdi Bootaan, were captured and still held by SSC-Khaatumo, and many others lives were lost.
The Habar Jeclo clan accused Bihi’s administration of neglect and fostering unrest in their region, particularly due to their proximity to the Dhulbahante clan.
Prominent Habar Jeclo politicians, such as Mohamoud Hashi Abdi and Hirsi Ali Haji, had already broken away from Bihi’s Kulmiye party and formed alliances with Waddani, further widening the rift.
The Highly Anticipated Somaliland Election
The upcoming presidential election has generated immense interest, with three major parties in the running: the ruling Kulmiye party, led by incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi; the opposition Waddani party, represented by Abdirahman Cirro; and UCID, with Feysal Ali Waraabe as its candidate.
Alongside these three parties, seven political organizations are vying to achieve full party status.
Only three out of the ten will be granted legal recognition for the next decade based on the election results.