Ocean County Leader

U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, has extended his congratulations to Somaliland following its presidential election. In a statement, he acknowledged the successful conduct of "free, fair and credible" elections in Somaliland.

Smith also congratulated President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and the Waddani Party for their victory. He praised outgoing President Muse Bihi Abdi's commitment to ensuring a peaceful transition of power, noting that it underscores Somaliland's stability in an otherwise troubled region.

The congressman expressed hope for increased American engagement with Somaliland and emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding ties with Taiwan. He stated, "Taiwan’s engagement with Somaliland presents a good governance model for all of Africa—unlike so-called engagement by Communist China, which only leaves corruption and debt bondage in its wake."

Smith concluded by asserting that both Somaliland and Taiwan are democracies deserving greater recognition from the global community.