Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Mogadishu24)-The Ethiopian Government has congratulated President-Elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on his decisive victory in Somaliland’s November 13 presidential election, where over 1.2 million voters participated to elect a new president and deputy for the next five years.

In a statement, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “On behalf of the People and Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulates President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi-Irro on winning the Presidential election in Somaliland. Ethiopia applauds both the President-elect and President Muse Bihi Abdi for the exemplary democratic statesmanship they have exhibited. The Ministry wishes the incoming administration success in its endeavors.”

The announcement follows Somaliland’s electoral commission declaring Abdirahman Irro the winner with 63.92% of the votes, defeating incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye Party, who received 34.81%. The election marked a significant democratic milestone for Somaliland.

Ethiopia’s congratulatory message comes in the context of a January 1 port agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia, struck under President Muse Bihi Abdi, granting Ethiopia 20 kilometers of sea access in exchange for recognition.

The deal has been a source of tension with Somalia, which deemed it a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President-elect Abdirahman Irro now faces the challenge of addressing both domestic and regional issues, including the contentious port deal and Somaliland’s longstanding pursuit of international recognition.