(23/07/23) MOGADISHO – Mr. Yasin Haji Faratoon became the new Speaker of the House of Somaliland after receiving 46 votes in the election, defeating his opponent, MP Mohamed Khadar Dahir, who received 35 votes.
This election follows the resignation of the outgoing Speaker, Abdirisaaq Khalif Ahmed, who recently joined the self declared SCC-Khatumo administration in June. Mr. Ahmed cited the Somaliland army’s bombardment of Las’Anod, his constituency, as the primary reason for his decision to step down.
Mr. Yasin Haji Faratoon, hailing from Las’Anod, assumes the position of Speaker amidst ongoing conflicts in northern Somalia. The region has been a hotspot of tension since February 6, witnessing clashes between the forces of the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland and SCC-Khaatumo forces.
The election of Mr. Faratoon is being perceived as a triumph for the Somaliland government, which has been striving to assert its authority over the contested region. As the new Speaker, Mr. Faratoon’s responsibilities will include guiding the House of Representatives through a period of political and economic uncertainty.
