Somaliland government criticizes oppositions’ decision over Bihi’s legitimacy

Somaliland government has criticized in strong terms the decision by the opposition parties over Bihi’s legitimacy as the President of Somaliland following the ending official term in office of President Bihi on 13th November, although he was extended by two years from the house of elders.

The Interior Minister, Mohamed Kahin described the move as “a Political misfortune” and it is similar as not recognising the existence of any government in Somaliland. However, the opposition parties made the clarification and put their major target on the executive branch.

Minister Kaahin spoke about Irro’s 12 year term as the former Speaker of the house of representatives where his term was repeatedly extended and put a question mark on why he now rejects the Bihi’s term extension as President.

Meanwhile, the Police chief Mohamed Adam (Dabagale) threatens that if anyone tries to disrupt the security will be arrested by the police and brought to law even if he is a senior official.

Somaliland’s current dispute centers on which of the two elections will be held first: Presidential or Political Parties and Associations. The opposition parties claim the presidential elections should be held first, and have accused the President of deliberately delaying it by disbanding the previous National Election Commission.

President Bihi believes the opposite and favors the Political Parties and Associations’ election to come before any other ballot.