HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) WADDANI ruling Party Chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan returned to Somaliland on Saturday after completing a 45-day working tour of Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa, according to information provided by the party.
Hassan was accompanied by the party’s Deputy Chairman, Mohamed Yusuf Wabeye. Government officials, WADDANI leaders and members of both houses of parliament welcomed the delegation at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa. Party supporters also gathered at the WADDANI headquarters to mark the chairman’s return.
Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters, Hassan thanked those who welcomed him and his delegation. He also discussed the objectives and outcomes of the trip, which he said focused on strengthening Somaliland’s political and diplomatic engagement across Africa.
According to the party’s account, the delegation held meetings with Kenyan President William Ruto, senior officials from South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) and Ethiopian government representatives.
Hassan described the discussions as productive, saying they focused on expanding regional partnerships, economic cooperation and political dialogue with African countries.
WADDANI Chairman Comments on E-Visa Dispute
Hassan also addressed the ongoing dispute between Somaliland and Somalia over airspace administration and Somalia’s electronic visa (e-visa) system.
He criticized the e-visa arrangements and said the situation was creating difficulties for Somaliland travelers. He called for the problems to be resolved as soon as possible and urged the public to work through the challenges.
“The Somali authorities are still reluctant to trouble the people of Somaliland,” Hassan said, according to the remarks provided to HornPost. He called on the community to overcome the problems, drawing a comparison with earlier difficulties involving Somalia.
The dispute over visa requirements and airspace administration has become a point of tension between Somaliland and Somalia. The e-visa issue has also raised concerns about travel arrangements for Somaliland residents, members of the diaspora and international visitors.
The party did not provide further details on the specific agreements reached during the tour or announce concrete outcomes from the meetings.
Hassan’s return marks the end of the 45-day regional visit, which WADDANI said was intended to strengthen Somaliland’s diplomatic outreach and engagement with African partners.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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