Somaliland opposition parties meet with US delegation in Hargeisa

The top officials of Somaliland’s opposition parties; Waddani and UCID have met today with a US delegation including former diplomats, military officers and scholars in Hargeisa. Statements from the opposition parties said they discussed the strained political situation in the country.

The 11th August protests by the opposition that resulted in the death of 7 civilians was among the agenda of their meeting, according to the statements issued by the opposition. The case of Somaliland’s recognition which has been the center of the country’s foreign affairs ministry seemed to have been discussed by the two sides.

However, the opposition parties have separately clarified the position of their parties to the delegation about their commitment of readiness to reach a political solution through dialogue and in accordance with the law. The opposition had announced they temporarily suspended their protests in order to make a state funeral for the people who died in the protests.

Bihi’s administration and opposition parties have not yet reached agreement regarding the election after several mediations ended with no positive results. Both sides blamed each other for the death of civilians in recent protests.