Somaliland: Ex-President, Rayale returns to country to attend the inauguration of president-elect

[Deeq A.]

 

By: Ms. Farrah Mohumed

HARGEISA—Former President of Somaliland, HE Dahir Rayale Kahin and former First Lady, Ms. Huda Barkhad Aden return home on Tuesday after spending years living in exile.

Rayale was welcomed by Somaliland government officials. Mr. Rayale ruled the country starting from 2002 and took office due to the unexpected death of the late Egal. Mr. Riyale stayed in power since 2010 and was defeated in the presidential polls by the incumbent president, Silanyo who is about to transfer power to his successor, the president Elect, Musa Bihi who will take the oath of office within days. The former president, Rayale is remembered as the only leader who spearheaded the implementation of multi party politics in the country and is labeled as the founding father of Somaliland’s thriving democracy.

Presidential affairs minister, Mohamoud Hashi who was among officials that greeted the former president and his wife upon arriving at Egal airport said that the ex-leader was invited to be in attendance of the upcoming inauguration of President-Elect, Musa Bihi who was elected in 2017 presidential polls. Mr. Rayale will be among the politicians who will deliver a speech at the swearing in ceremony.