Hargeisa, Somaliland –The Government of the Republic of Somaliland expresses grave concern over the alarming escalation of arms proliferation in Somalia, as evidenced by recent events. In the past three months, Al Shabab has successfully seized substantial quantities of weaponry from government forces in central Somalia. Moreover, the recent incident in Aabud Waq, where civilians and clan militias captured a large cache of weapons and ammunition from the Mogadishu government, further highlights the critical security situation.
These developments serve as a serious reminder of the Somaliland government’s and other frontline states’ longstanding concerns regarding the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia. Despite our fervent warnings, the embargo was lifted in December 2023. The subsequent proliferation of these captured arms, now widely documented on social media, raises serious questions about the wisdom and timing of this decision.
Given the Mogadishu government’s apparent inability to secure its arms stockpiles, and the potential catastrophic consequences of this situation, the Somaliland government calls upon the United Nations and the International Community to urgently re-evaluate their decision to lift the arms embargo.
We urge the international community to take immediate steps to address this crisis and prevent further destabilization of the region.
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research (SIAR) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy plan aimed at revolutionizing the country’s agricultural sector and enhancing food security. The plan outlines ambitious goals, strategies, and action steps to address the pressing challenges faced by Somaliland’s farmers.
At the heart of SIAR’s strategy is a commitment to boosting agricultural productivity, improving livelihoods, and building resilience to climate change. The institute aims to achieve this through cutting-edge research, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Key objectives of the strategy plan include:
Increasing crop yields through drought-resistant, short-duration, and high-yielding varieties, as well as improved agronomic practices.
Import and evaluate new high-value crop varieties suitable for Somaliland’s diverse agro-ecological conditions.
Reducing post-harvest losses to minimize food wastage.
Strengthening SIAR’s research capacity through human capital development and infrastructure upgrades.
Improving farmers’ incomes by promoting value-added agricultural products and facilitating access to credit.
Building resilience to climate change through the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices.
To achieve these goals, SIAR will collaborate with farmers, government agencies, research institutions, and development partners. The institute will also prioritize knowledge sharing, capacity building, and technology transfer to empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The strategy plan outlines a clear roadmap for the next three years (2025-2027), with specific activities, timelines, and responsible departments. It also emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluation to track progress and make necessary adjustments.
SIAR’s leadership expressed optimism about the plan’s potential to transform Somaliland’s agricultural sector and improve the lives of rural communities. They emphasized the institute’s commitment to working closely with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure the plan’s success.
As Somaliland strives to achieve food security and economic growth, the implementation of this strategic plan is expected to play a pivotal role in realizing the country’s agricultural potential.
Abdirahman Abdilahi
Head of field Crops and Researcher for Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research
The Interior Minister Hon. Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, chaired a meeting to discuss solidifying border security. Senior officials from the police, immigration headquarters, and Maroodijeex governor attended the meeting.
Minister of Interior , Hon. Mohamed Kahin urged the various arms of the security forces to enhance their vigilance at the country’s borders and jointly coordinate their tasks to combat any threat to the nation peace and security.
Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) unveiled a schedule of events that will culminate in the declaration of winners for this year’s presidential and party elections.
As previously determined, voters will visit polling stations on November 13, 2024, to elect the state’s leader for the next five years and determine the three parties that will be recognized as national parties for the next decade.
In stark contrast to Somalia, Somaliland has successfully conducted one-person, one-vote elections since 2001, including a public referendum for the national constitution. Since then, the country has held seven additional elections, comprising three presidential elections, two parliamentary elections, and three local council elections (see table below).
Since 2002, the upcoming elections on November 13 will mark the ninth instance of elections and the third occurrence of simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in a country often recognized as an established democracy and a beacon of stability and democratic values, not only within the Horn of Africa but across the entire continent albeit remaining poorly rewarded by an international community which appears to favor ‘rump‘ Somalia to the south – as a U.S. former diplomat calls it.
Last week, the Commission assured voters that the NEC was fully prepared for the November 13 elections and did not foresee any issues that would hinder the process, given its active communication with all stakeholders.
“Election Timeline, Operational Plans and Budget: NEC has developed a comprehensive work schedule to oversee election preparation which are progressing as planned. We are currently preparing all necessary equipment and ballot boxes for the election and making excellent progress. Additionally, training, awareness campaigns, and regional and district staff recruitment will begin shortly. The NEC has received a budget of $7.5 million for the election thus far. Along with the government, NEC have developed a detailed plan for the disbursement of the remaining funds. The NEC is also in discussions with international donors regarding their potential financial contributions to the election budget,” a statement the electoral body released last Sunday said.
In the statement, the Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) clarified that in the upcoming elections, the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS) will be employed to verify voters before they cast their ballots. This system, a pioneering technological breakthrough, is utilized by only a select few countries worldwide.
Currently, the government is the sole contributor to the available election budget. However, it remains uncertain whether the international development partners, whom the commissioners recently met in Nairobi, will actively participate in the process or if their role will be limited to exerting pressure.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi, received US delegation led by the American Ambassador Richard H. Riley at the presidential palace over the week.
They discussed issues pertaining to the good relations between the two countries and their bolstering, general security in the Horn of Africa region, the upcoming elections and also the agreement between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Ethiopia.
The Head of State informed the delegation about the elections slated for November pointing out that all the political parties and the people are in agreement of seeing to it that it is duly held as per cue.
He noted that the state has already facilitated, put in place and availed whatever incumbent upon it to have a successful elections to be held, saying that they have asserted all efforts directed towards it that are thereof required.
The President also briefed the ambassador on the security situation in the Horn of Africa, and highlighted the agreement struck between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Ethiopia, noting that what the two countries have agreed upon is their entitlement and for their own good and developmental positive progressive interests.
Furthermore, he explained, the venture in the MoU would fledge development of the region as whole and in par with the targeted millennial goals that are only a plus for all given that it will increase economic, security and trade cooperation.
The President observed that the nation of Somaliland has experience pacification and addressing of any conflicts within it, and that it always finds a peaceful management solution.
He made it clear that the insinuation by Mogadishu al Shabab menace will expand if the MoU made with Ethiopia becomes successful is not tenable since the security cooperation would be further bolster peaceful stability.
He maintained that Somaliland is always for bilateral relations peaceful cooperation with any entity hence it is steadfast in its aspirations as per African Union Charter in safeguarding its territorial integrity as at independence.
The American ambassador stated that his government was ready for cooperation between Somaliland and the United States, and welcomes the progress and democracy that Somaliland has taken.
The President was flanked by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Issa Keyd Mohamud.
The Ambassador was accompanied on his part by embassy officials Geoffrey Parker and Obermueller Martin
The Federal Government of Ethiopia, has commenced an extensive training program for approximately 8000 specialized personnel from the Republic of Somaliland, signaling a significant shift in regional security dynamics and spheres of influence.
In a landmark diplomatic maneuver on January 1st, a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia, marking a pivotal shift in Horn of Africa geopolitics. While the full scope of the agreement remains classified, credible sources indicate it encompasses comprehensive cooperation across economic, security, and infrastructure sectors. Regional analysts characterize this MoU as a potential paradigm-altering development, with particular emphasis on its provisions for Ethiopian maritime access and formal recognition of Somaliland’s sovereign status. The agreement is believed to include clauses on joint resource development, shared security protocols, and integrated transportation networks, though these details remain unconfirmed.
The ongoing large-scale military training program is widely interpreted as a direct manifestation of the MoU’s security cooperation framework. The rapid initiation and unprecedented scale of this initiative, underscores the urgency and strategic significance both parties attribute to solidifying their alliance. This swift operationalization suggests a coordinated effort to establish a robust security partnership, potentially altering regional power dynamics and challenging long-standing geopolitical arrangements in the Horn of Africa.
The training program aims to bolster Somaliland’s defense capabilities through advanced instruction in asymmetric warfare tactics, command and control with focus secure communication, weapons systems familiarity, and combat readiness. This initiative is crucial for addressing regional security challenges posed by non-state actors and evolving geopolitical tensions. Somaliland government sources emphasize that the program also prioritizes force protection and enhancing security measures ahead of upcoming elections.
The training initiative is strategically linked to Ethiopia’s interests in safeguarding potential maritime operations, including the protection of naval assets in the region. This aspect underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the partnership.
Djibouti, a key regional stakeholder traditionally serving as a critical maritime logistics hub, has responded to this developing partnership with significant countermeasures. These include the closure of Somaliland’s diplomatic mission and indications of potential support for destabilizing elements in Somaliland. Economic measures against entities involved in the partnership are under consideration, potentially impacting regional trade dynamics and broader geopolitical alignments. Intensive diplomatic efforts are being pursued to counter the growing influence of the partnership.
The potential escalation of tensions, particularly Djibouti’s consideration of proxy warfare, could have far-reaching implications for foreign military presence in the region, including AFRICOM operations. The Horn of Africa hosts several strategic foreign military bases, crucial for counterterrorism efforts, maritime security, and regional stability. Any destabilization or proxy conflict could significantly impact these installations, potentially compromising their operational effectiveness and forcing a reassessment of their strategic value and sustainability.
Moreover, the introduction of proxy elements could create a more complex and unpredictable security environment, potentially leading to increased terrorist activities or regional instability that would directly challenge AFRICOM’s mission objectives. This could necessitate a recalibration of U.S. and allied military strategies in the region, potentially requiring increased resources or a shift in operational focus to maintain strategic interests and regional stability.
Somalia, contesting Somaliland’s autonomy, has also voiced opposition to the bilateral agreement, adding complexity to Ethiopia’s regional engagements and challenging established spheres of influence.
The comprehensive training program reflects multifaceted objectives aimed at enhancing regional security and safeguarding critical interests. By elevating military readiness, the initiative seeks to reinforce regional stability, counter external pressures, and maintain strategic positioning in this crucial area.
This training initiative underscores Ethiopia’s strategic intent to reshape regional security architectures amid escalating tensions and rivalries. Conducted under a formal bilateral framework, it reflects a proactive approach to security policy formation and efforts to address emerging challenges posed by various actors.
The program is poised to significantly impact security dynamics in the Horn of Africa, potentially redefining stability paradigms in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape characterized by shifting alliances and power contestations. Ongoing monitoring and analysis of these developments remain crucial for understanding the evolving regional landscape and its broader strategic implications, particularly in light of the potential for proxy conflicts and their impact on international military presence and operations in the region.
The Third President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Dahir Rayale Kahin has once again cautioned Somalilanders and residents of Awdal regional in particular to be wary of Somalia and rest assured that indulgences with them are detrimental to the aspirations of the nation.
The largely respected former head of state was speaking at a function on Tuesday held in his honour whose luncheon was thrown by Sultan Abdiwahab Egge Hassan.
Attendees who graced the luncheon included the Minister of Trade of Somaliland who is the Vice Presidential candidate of the Kulmiye Party in the upcoming elections, the Minister of Education, the Director of Civil Service, the Deputy Minister of Information, Members of Parliament, and other guests.
The former president talked about his honorable role in promoting democracy and establishing the electioneering processes in the country.
He warned Awdalians not to fall prey to what he termed ‘political whirlwinds that sought to stir the community to agitations”.
He urged them to maintain and preserve the stability and harmonious setting that they cherish and prevail, coaxing them to participate duly in the chores of nation-building.
He pointed out that the Awdal community plays an important role in the government, visibly well represented in the administration of the day, and that they ought to take their cue in achieving progress.
He noted that the ill-fated union with the Mogadishu government 64 year ago was detrimental to Somaliland for they are never just nor righteous and only out to engulf Somaliland.
He made it clear that they were not sincere before nor will they ever be, in equitably distributing resources.
Furthermore, he quipped, ‘I solemnly believe that the next three decades would see Somalia in quagmires and political doldrums hence they will never ever hold free and fair elections’.
He made it clear that the country needs nothing from Somalia and it is capably charting its future and aspirations unhindered.
He noted that the political retrogressive and de-capacitating intricacies in Somalia is deep-rooted and has no remedies in the near future at all.
The 2nd meeting of the National Budget Policy Committee was held over the week at the Ministry of Financial Development headquarters in readiness for the one of the next year, 2025.
Several issues under the scope that were discussed and analyzed include:-
Partners to be prioritized in the 2025 budget, in line with the priorities of the 3rd National Development Plan,
Increasing government revenue, with priority given to income tax revenue,
To adopt a progressive taxation system,
To make a fixed allocation in the budget for development projects, as previously decided by the Council of Ministers.
That the pension program under the Pension Act be implemented,
To implement the government employee salary payment system, to be facilitated concertedly by both the Ministry and the Public Service Agency.
That all government vehicles be insured, according to the National Insurance Act.
The Somaliland Government Budget Preparation Committee held its first meeting on the preparation of the 2025 Government Budget policy on July 2, 2024 at the Presidency.
The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Rooda Jama Ilmi, has strongly criticized the statements and propaganda that the government of Hassan Sheikh of Mogadishu taking a swipe on the lies peddled about Somaliland.
She took issue with the claim that the accord struck in the end of December last year between Presidents Musa Bihi and Hassan Sheikh in Djibouti was very successful, something she said was in fact grossly false and extremely far from the truth.
The deputy minister confirmed that the said summit was not able to reach the points in contention discussed; “and the only agreement reached was to issue a diplomatic statement reflecting on the previous meetings, which was requested by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, who was the host”.
She said that it was quite surprising that within Somalia described the conference as a success that achieved its obligations, and furthermore, she said that they have relentlessly been repeating the claims which would, inevitably, not be binding at all.
On the other hand, Hon. Rooda Jama Ilmi reminded the Mogadishu government that the times when Somaliland’s coasts and ports were used by Somalia for political and economic purposes are over, and now it is time to realize that the nation of Somaliland is at the helm of charting its cause and course hence have complete control over its territories.
She called upon the majority of Somalia population, most of whom have never set foot in Somaliland, and are against the Somaliland –Ethiopia MoU accord not to waste their time and words in utopia that only reveals and underscores their deep-rooted animosity towards because there is nothing they can do about it at all to change the facts.
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland is intent on defending the nation against allied enemies who are out to undermine the country, in the wake of new threats from novice antagonists.
It has officially notified the nation to prepare and be in readiness for the holding of the presidential and political parties come November 13th and at the same time called upon the vigilante defense of the country to the hilt.
The announcements of the notification of the elections being held timely and the defense the nation in the wake of new threats was contained in a press release from the Presidency on Wednesday following an extra ordinary meeting of the members of the cabinet chaired personally by the Head o State H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi, in their 130th session.
“The council of ministers has vividly clarified and declare that the upcoming elections will be held on time and the country should be strongly defended against alliances of novice antagonists who threaten to harm the nation.
The state has severally reiterated the need and desire of the timely holding of elections and has now made it even more vivid through a resolution of the cabinet itself.
The Council of Ministers was given general briefing on the country’s security by the Minister of Interior, Honorable Mohamed Kahin Ahmed who also updated them on the security situation in the Horn of Africa.
Further briefs and reports were heard from the Minister of Finance Mr. Saad Ali Shire who said that his ministry was in the process of embarking on the 2025 financial estimates and Health Minister Hassan Mohamed Ali who dwelt on thevarious itutaion of health issues with the dengue malaise affliction being prioritized.
On his part, Fisheries and Coastal Development minister Hon. Mohamud Warsame Jama shared with the council the plan to increase the development of fisheries in the country which is in great need of the Somaliland community and to find new markets for fish in the country.
Of note is the fact that the Council of Ministers has for the first time in the country’s history delving into the drafts bill of the general penal code of the Republic of Somaliland that the country will have.
They were tabled by the Minister of National Assembly Relations Abdinasir Muhammed Hassan Buuni and the Attorney General Abdirahman Jama Hayan. .
