The 69-year-old president-elect of the breakaway region of Somaliland will officially assume office on 13 December, with a reputation as a unifier and pragmatist.
The opposition leader of the breakaway region of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi – more popularly known as Irro – beat incumbent Muse Abdi Bihi with 64% of the vote in the 13 November polls. His victory puts the opposition party Wadani in power after 14 years of Kulmiye rule.
Born in Hargeisa in the then-British Somaliland, Irro served as speaker of the House of Representatives from November 2005 to August 2017 when he contested for the presidency and lost to Bihi in November that year. Known for his measured and inclusive leadership style, Irro’s tenure as Speaker showcased his ability to build consensus and navigate complex political landscapes, says Khaalid Foodhadhi, a journalist and founder of Hargeisa-based digital KF Media TV.
For many Somalilanders, it is Irro’s long career as a diplomat that resonates with Somaliland’s search for recognition from the international community and strengthened ties with the West. In a stint that started in 1981 before Somaliland broke away from Somalia, he served in the foreign service of the Somali Democratic Republic – first as a consular in Moscow and then as acting ambassador to the Soviet Union in 1991.
Finnish citizenship
Irro relocated to Finland in 1996 to join his family and became a Finnish citizen. Finland, which does not recognise Somaliland, has not congratulated him. However, Suldaan Said Ahmed, the Nordic country’s first lawmaker of Somali origin, noted Irro’s victory, saying his election exemplified democracy in Somaliland.
“I hope for a peaceful transfer of power and look forward to working with you, Mr. President-elect, in promoting peace and dialogue,” Ahmed, the Finnish Foreign Ministry’s Special Envoy on Peace Mediation in the Horn of Africa, posted on X.
Irro’s victory signals a potential shift in Somaliland’s political direction, reflecting the public’s desire for change and reform. His leadership, according to Foodhadhi, could rejuvenate domestic and international confidence in the country’s democratic processes, further solidifying its status as a beacon of stability in the Horn of Africa.
Political analyst Moustafa Ahmad tells The Africa Report there’s a window of hope in the air, citing Wadani party’s push for change rather than continuity in many of the policy issues in the country. Irro is [seen as] more conciliatory and diplomatic in his conduct of politics and opts to make decisions based on consensus. That’s a stark difference from Bihi’s style of governance, which is described by many as very centralised and pursued a zero-sum game in his domestic politics,” Ahmad says.
The elections, delayed for two years, had caused widespread frustration, protests, and political gridlock.
“Successfully concluding the vote, particularly with an opposition landslide, demonstrates Somaliland’s resilience and commitment to democratic processes — a rarity in the region,” says Khadar Mariano, development and policy analyst and CEO of consultancy firm Adans Consulting Group. “This is a moment of pride for Somalilanders, reinforcing their aspirations for continued stability and progress.”
New president, old problems
Irro inherits a government with significant challenges. The political deadlock, especially over the delayed election, has triggered an unprecedented level of social polarisation. There are tensions and an inter-clan conflict in regions like Sool in the eastern part of Somaliland. There’s also the issue of economy and high unemployment rate especially among the youth.
Irro and his Wadani party won the election with a promise to bring the much-needed reforms. He is now expected to lead with a focus on dialogue, inclusivity, and reform, likely striking a balance between traditional governance values and modern aspirations, according to Foodhadhi.
“The new administration will need to address the public’s high expectations for accountability and reform after years of perceived stagnation,” he tells The Africa Report.
As a seasoned diplomat, says Mariano, Irro is expected to be a consensus-driven leader who values unity and collaboration. “His track record suggests he will focus on bridging divides and creating an inclusive government that reflects Somaliland’s diverse interests.”
Mariano says the new administration must tackle the issues head-on, restoring public trust and addressing the socioeconomic needs of the population. “The real test lies in their ability to deliver on promises while navigating these complex problems.”
Considerable sympathy in Washington
Somaliland’s controversial MoU with Ethiopia over sea access increased tension in the Horn of Africa, creating a fresh feud between Ethiopia and Somalia. However, the quest for global recognition is the dominant agenda in Irro’s foreign relations checklist. He has been vocal about advancing Somaliland’s quest for international recognition.
“Irro has a new and strong mandate to strengthen relations with the US and Western countries as well as capitalise relations with the UAE. A lot is at stake in this matter, and Irro’s decisions and approaches to this complicated set of issues will be very consequential for Somaliland,” says Ahmad.
Donald Trump’s election victory in the US has reignited hope of recognition in Somaliland.
“There is considerable sympathy in Washington for Somaliland, probably more with Republicans than Democrats,” says former US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Tibor Nagy. “If you make a list of everything Somaliland is doing right, there is a mirror image of what Somalia (Mogadishu) is doing wrong,” he tells The Africa Report.
“The recent elections may be the most dramatic example: one-person-one-vote well run; problem free; and the opposition won and will result in a peaceful turnover of power,” he adds.