Hargeisa (SD) – Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has for the first time weighed in Somalia’s disputed elections, sending a strong message from Somaliland to the federal government and the presidential union of candidates.

Muse Bihi said the federal government should not interfere in Somaliland’s internal affairs, opposing the northern parliamentarians to be elected in Mogadishu.

The president also condemned the opposition and the government for agreeing that people who he said were working in the Somali capital, Mogadishu should represent Somaliland.

“To the Union of Candidates in Mogadishu, the President and the provinces, I say, since we are all Somalis, neighbors, and relatives, just our interests are different and our governments are not enemies, so when you all agree that the Somaliland Parliament will be elected in Mogadishu, you know those are offensive words to Somalilanders, why would you say them” said President Muse Bihi Abdi.

He noted that Somalia and Somaliland were not enemies, even though he had previously described the federal government as Somaliland’s number one enemy.

The President said Somalilanders in Mogadishu are there for work, and return their earnings and assets to Somaliland.

Somalia’s capital is set to host the election of members of parliament and senators from northern regions of Somaliland.