BORAME, Awdal (KAAB TV) – Waddani Party presidential candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Irro” intensified his campaign in Awdal Region, addressing potential voters in Borame town.
His speech touched on key concerns about the perceived marginalization of Awdal residents under President Muse Bihi’s administration, citing several unfulfilled promises related to infrastructure, including roads, airports, and social development projects.
Irro strongly condemned the ongoing detention of Member of Parliament Mohamed Abib, calling it illegal and describing the arrest as “kidnapping.”
Despite no formal charges and the Somaliland parliament’s refusal to revoke Abib’s immunity, he remains detained since early this month.
Irro emphasized the government’s disregard for due process and criticized the handling of the lawmaker’s case.
The opposition leader also raised concerns about a local clan elder reportedly being blocked from visiting his hometown of Borame, calling it a further sign of the government’s suppression of local autonomy and rights.
Awdal, an important region in Somaliland’s political landscape, has been a point of contention, particularly after the Somaliland-Ethiopia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 1, 2024.
The agreement, which allows Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, has sparked tensions, with some local communities questioning its impact on regional stability amid Somalia’s ongoing dispute over the issue.
As Somaliland’s election campaign heats up, political parties continue to exchange accusations, raising the stakes ahead of the upcoming election.