Northern Somalis judged the prime minister mainly on his Ethiopia and Djibouti policy.

Evidence

Abdirazak [Hussen] graciously extended an invitation to join his party. His warm, engaging conversation was a welcome contrast to the chilling night air. He seemed quite pleased with the reception Hargeisa had given him… . Politicking for the President and dealing with grievances of the hospital staff were major problems for the visitor, but the larger question to be answered in the North was the Prime Minister’s position vis-à-vis Ethiopia and Djibouti. Abdirazak displayed his concern in unequivocal terms by journeying to Zeila and by giving the issue prominence during his one major address. Speaking to a large crowd in Hargeisa’s Independence Garden, he reassured the people that their government’s stand was courageous and firm. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 915