Bihi Rallies Support for New Gov’t, Pledges Strong Opposition

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HARGEISA: Outgoing Somaliland President Muse Bihi has called on his party supporters and the people of Somaliland to support the new administration headed by the Abdirahman Irro who was recently elected.

Speaking during a farewell ceremony in the capital Hargeisa, President Bihi said the now opposition Kulmiye party will play an active role in holding to account the government. Irro was elected on a Waddani party ticket.

Bihi said his administration had accomplished major developments, including holding elections at local and national level which were ‘90% funded by Somaliland.’ “Though we lost the election yesterday and the day before, we are still focused on nation-building,” Bihi said.

He urged the people of Somaliland to be patient and supportive of the new administration.

“While we haven’t yet transferred power, when we do, we must observe a period of restraint. Just as a newborn needs forty days, new governments need their first hundred days – any destabilizing criticism from you is forbidden.”

Bihi served as President of Somaliland from December 2017.