Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro held a meeting with the senior leadership of the opposition Kulmiye Party at the presidential palace in Hargeisa on Thursday.
Their meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to foster political unity, national cohesion, and democratic progress in Somaliland.
Open Dialogue and Consultation
President Irro reiterated his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy for all political parties, emphasizing the importance of consultation and collaboration. This gesture underscores his administration’s willingness to engage with opposition groups to address national issues.
Pacification and Security Efforts
The Kulmiye party leadership praised the President’s efforts to pacify Somaliland, particularly the integration of local militia in the Sanaag region into the national armed forces. This move is seen as a step toward strengthening national security and stability.
National Unity and Solidarity
Both sides agreed to set aside petty political differences to focus on unifying the nation. The discussions emphasized the need for solidarity and cohesion to drive progressive development and defend the country against common challenges.
Democratic and Electoral Processes
The meeting addressed the importance of advancing democratic and electoral processes in Somaliland. Both the President and the Kulmiye leadership stressed the need for transparent and fair elections to bolster the legitimacy of democratic institutions.
Recommendations on National Issues
The Kulmiye party shared recommendations with the President on various issues, including security, politics, economics, and social matters. They commended the nationalization of civilian forces and the headcount of national forces, which are seen as steps toward greater accountability and organization.
Overcoming Political Differences
The President and the Kulmiye leadership highlighted the importance of overcoming political differences to ensure a united Somaliland. This unity is crucial for development and for standing together against common threats.
Commitment to Cooperation
The meeting concluded with the President reaffirming his commitment to working with all national political parties, including the Kulmiye party, to address the challenges facing Somaliland and advance its democratic and developmental goals.
Overall, the meeting reflects a positive step toward political inclusivity, national unity, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Somaliland. It also demonstrates the government’s willingness to engage with opposition parties to achieve common objectives for the benefit of the nation.