Freedom in the World reports assess the level of political rights and civil liberties in a given geographical area, regardless of whether they are affected by the state, nonstate actors, or foreign powers. Related, disputed, and occupied territories are sometimes assessed separately if they meet certain criteria, including distinct conditions for political rights and civil liberties and boundaries that are sufficiently stable to allow year-on-year comparisons. For more information, see the report methodology and FAQ.

Somaliland—whose self-declared independence from Somalia is not internationally recognized—hosts a political system that has allowed democratic transfers of power between rival parties. However, elections have often been postponed, and civil liberties are subject to some restrictions. Journalists and other public figures have come under pressure from authorities. Minority clans are subject to political and economic marginalization, and violence against women remains a serious problem.

• Somaliland authorities attempted to suppress critical public discussion of a memorandum of understanding signed in January by Ethiopian and Somaliland diplomats, under which Somaliland could grant Ethiopia access to commercial and military port facilities in the Awdal region. That month, intelligence forces arrested MM Somali TV journalist Mohamed Abdi Sheikh Mohamed as he hosted a live debate on the agreement; three others were also detained but quickly released, and Mohamed was cleared by a court and released in February after more than 40 days in detention. In September, intelligence officers arrested Mohamed Abib, a member of the House of Representatives from Awdal, for allegedly criticizing the government in meetings with Somalian and Djiboutian officials. The House of Representatives objected to the arrest and declined to lift Abib’s immunity, and he was released after about 30 days under orders from the Supreme Court.
• A presidential election that was originally due in 2022 finally went forward in November, and Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi—also known as Irro—of the opposition party Waddani won with nearly 64 percent of the vote. Incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye party placed second with 35 percent, followed by Faysal Ali Warabe of the opposition Justice and Welfare Party with about 1 percent. The election was competitive and resulted in a peaceful transfer of power after some 14 years of Kulmiye rule, but voting was not held in several conflict-affected districts in the east, disenfranchising some voters.
• Elections to determine which three parties would be officially recognized for the next 10 years were held concurrently with the presidential vote. The winners were Kulmiye, Waddani, and Kaah (Alliance for Equality and Development), while Justice and Welfare lost its status. Waddani and Kaah had notably formed a coalition in August to jointly support Irro in the presidential election.
• Dhulbahante clan militias maintained de facto control of territory centered on Las Anod in the eastern Sool region during the year, following 2023 clashes in which Somaliland government forces were driven out. The local Dhulbahante-led administration, which objected to the rule of Somaliland’s dominant Isaaq clans, sought to cultivate ties with the federal government of Somalia. Interclan tensions and the potential for violence in other regions persisted at year’s end.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.