High stakes for Somaliland’s presidential elections

Key political and security issues face Somaliland at the time of these crucial elections.

The stakes are high for Somaliland’s presidential elections scheduled for 13 November 2017. After more than two years of delays, voters will finally have the chance to be heard. Given that President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud ‘Silanyo’ is stepping down, the contest will result in fresh leadership. This report sheds light on some of the pivotal political and security issues facing Somaliland at the time of these crucial elections, providing a background on the process and raising some key concerns.

About the authors

Omar S Mahmood is a researcher in the Institute for Security Studies’ Addis Ababa office. He has an MA degree in Security Studies and Conflict Resolution from the Fletcher School at Tufts University in Boston.

Mohamed Farah is the director of the Academy for Peace and Development in Somaliland. He was educated in Somaliland and at the University of Pretoria, and is currently pursuing his doctoral degree at the University for Peace, Costa Rica.

Picture: Omar S Mahmood/ISS