Somaliland Opposition parties determined to hold mass protests

The Presidential candidate of the Waddani party in Somaliland Abdirahman Irro alongside senior officials of his party met with some of his supporters at Hargeisa Market. The opposition party which has been gearing up for nationwide protests reiterated its commitment to hold the mass protests despite the government’s objection.

Irro said in strong terms that he will lead the protest by example and will not allow the government to attempt to prevent it. He further emphasized that the national constitution guaranteed citizens to participate in “peaceful” protests.

He repeatedly said his party will not accept President Bihi to seek a term extension and should hold the presidential election on time. Abdirahman Irro accentuated that the incumbent president will either be in office or leave by the public vote.

As the last three national electoral commissioners resigned on Saturday, the Presidential candidate of Waddani party alleged the President of pressuring members of the commission to resign to delay the electoral process.