Hargeisa (SD) – The second congress of the Somaliland opposition party Waddani has concluded in Hargeisa with Hirsi Haji Ali Hassan being elected as chairperson of the party.

According to statement issued on Tuesday, the participants also selected six deputies and secretary.

The deputies include Ahmed Omar H. Abdillahi (Hamarje), Abubakar Abdirahman Good, Milgo Mohamed Elmi, Hussein Abdi Boos, Saleban Duale Jama and Mohamed H. Yusuf Wabeye while Khadar Hussein Abdi was also re-elected party secretary.

Speaking at the conference right after his election, Hirsi pledged that he could lead the party effectively based on his experience and expertise.

“We believe that we have the knowledge and experience to prepare for the leadership of this party and any major institution, and here are the elders and party leaders we have worked with who can today measure my strengths and abilities, which I think led to this milestone today,” Hirsi told the Congress.

The development comes days after chairman of the Waddani Opposition Party Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) stepped down to give chances to new faces, affirming that he would run for presidency.

“I became the chairman of the party in 2012 when the party certification was given to the Wadani. Both Muse (Kulmiye) and Faisal (UCID) were the party chairmen before me. However, I am announcing today before the 2nd Congress of the Wadani Party that I will not run for a second term as the Chairman of the Wadani Party,” said Irro. “I am a candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Somaliland in the November 13, 2022 presidential election.”