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President of the
Republic of Somaliland
Flag of the President of Somaliland.svg
Flag of the President of Somaliland
Seal of the President of the Republic of Somaliland.svg
Presidential seal
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (cropped).jpg
Incumbent
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi

since 21 December 2024 (2024-12-21)
Style His Excellency
Mr. President
Member of Cabinet of Somaliland
Residence Presidential Palace
Seat Hargeisa
Appointer Direct election
Term length 5 years, renewable once
Constituting instrument Constitution of Somaliland
Formation 28 May 1991 (1991-05-28)
First holder Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur
Deputy Vice President of Somaliland

The President of Somaliland is the most important leader in Somaliland. This person is both the head of state and the head of government. This means they are in charge of the country and its government.

The president is also the top commander of the Somaliland Armed Forces. They represent the entire Government of Somaliland.

The first president of Somaliland was Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur. The current president is Muse Bihi Abdi, who started his term on December 13, 2017. A president can serve for two terms, with each term lasting five years.

Somaliland sees itself as the country that followed the British Somaliland Protectorate. This protectorate was an independent country for a few days in 1960, known as the State of Somaliland.

History of Somaliland's Presidents

Tuur-and-Egaal
Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur (left), the first president, with Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal (right), who became the second president.

The first president of Somaliland was Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur. He was one of the leaders of the Somali National Movement (SNM). He became president on June 7, 1991. This was just weeks after Somaliland declared itself a republic.

Since then, four other people have held the office of president. They are Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal, Dahir Riyale Kahin, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud, and Muse Bihi Abdi.

Who Can Be President?

To become President or Vice President of Somaliland, a person must meet certain rules. These rules are written in Article 82 of the Constitution of Somaliland.

Here are the main requirements:

  • They must be a citizen of Somaliland since birth. They cannot hold citizenship in any other country.
  • They must be a Muslim and follow the rules of Islam.
  • They must be at least 40 years old.
  • They must also meet other specific requirements listed in the Constitution.

Presidents of Somaliland

A President Who Died in Office

One president of Somaliland has passed away while still in office:

  • Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal died on May 3, 2002, when he was 73 years old.

Latest Presidential Election

See Also

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