Somaliland: NEC and Committee for the Registration and Restructuring of the National Armed Forces hold meeting

Somaliland

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March 3, 2025

By Goth Mohamed Goth

An important meetings that took place today (Sunday) between the National Election Commission (NEC) of Somaliland and the Committee for the Registration and Restructuring of the National Armed Forces, which was recently appointed by the President of Somalia, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro). The meeting was attended by high-ranking government officials, led by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Abdalle Mohamed Carab, the Minister of the Presidency, Mr. Khadar Hussein, and the Presidential Advisor on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mohamed Haji.

The meeting focused on key issues related to the registration of the national armed forces, particularly:

Report by the Registration and Restructuring Committee of the Armed Forces: The committee provided an update on their preparations and progress in implementing the registration plan. They confirmed the completion of the plan and the preparation of the necessary software and servers for the registration system.
Support for Registration Equipment (IRIS Biometric): The President of Somalia had previously requested the NEC to transfer 50 IRIS biometric registration kits to the committee for use in the registration of the armed forces. This matter was agreed upon by both sides.
Technical and Personnel Support: The committee requested the NEC to select 50 trainers with expertise in the IRIS biometric system to serve as operators for the armed forces’ registration process.
Technical Recommendations: The NEC shared important technical recommendations with the committee regarding the registration process, potential challenges, and how to ensure the system functions effectively. They also shared their experience in implementing the IRIS biometric system.
Technical Agreement: Both sides agreed to prepare a Technical Handover Agreement, which will formally outline the details of the equipment to be transferred from the NEC to the Committee for the Registration and Restructuring of the National Armed Forces of Somaliland.

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding of the need for collaboration and cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of the Somaliland national armed forces’ registration process.

The Somalia-Ethiopia MOU: Another Playgame Sparring of Abiy’s on a Somalia Leader?

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Goth Mohamed

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March 2, 2025

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On February 27, 2025, a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in Mogadishu between Somalia and Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic and strategic relationship between the two neighboring countries. This agreement comes at a time when both nations are seeking to enhance their cooperation in various sectors, including trade, security, and military collaboration. This article aims to analyze the key components of the MOU, its implications for regional stability, and the challenges that lie ahead.

The key components of the MOU, namely, cover trade and economic cooperation, security and military cooperation, and political dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Here is how these three critical spokes in the wheel are addressed on paper.

One of the central tenets of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is the commitment to facilitate trade between Somalia and Ethiopia. The agreement outlines mechanisms for improving access to ports and enhancing infrastructure connectivity. As a landlocked nation, Ethiopia has long relied on its neighbors for maritime access, making Somali ports crucial for its economic ambitions. The MOU includes provisions for granting Ethiopia access to Somali ports, particularly those along the Indian Ocean, to streamline trade routes. It also promotes collaborative projects aimed at improving transport and logistics networks, which are essential for bolstering trade. Additionally, the MOU encourages private sector participation from both countries in various economic sectors, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underscores the importance of security cooperation between the two nations, recognizing their interconnected destinies in fostering regional stability. It highlights several key aspects. Firstly, it promotes joint military exercises, where the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) engage in collaborative training and military drills to enhance their operational capabilities. Secondly, the MOU establishes a framework for counterterrorism efforts, focusing on sharing intelligence and coordinating actions against common threats, especially those posed by extremist groups that destabilize the region. Lastly, it emphasizes Ethiopia’s participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which aims to assist in stabilizing Somalia amidst ongoing conflicts.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underscores the importance of ongoing political dialogue to address mutual concerns and foster trust between the two nations. It includes provisions for regular high-level meetings, and scheduling frequent engagements between the leadership of both countries to review progress and address emerging issues. Additionally, the MOU establishes crisis management protocols to handle any disputes that may arise from the implementation of the agreement, ensuring that mechanisms for conflict resolution are in place.

Implications for Regional Stability

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signals a broader shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa. The MOU represents a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations that have historically been fraught with tension. By addressing key issues of trade and security, both nations can work towards a more stable and cooperative future. However, the alignment of Somalia with Ethiopia could provoke reactions from regional adversaries, particularly Eritrea and Egypt. Both countries have historically viewed Ethiopian expansionism with skepticism and may respond with diplomatic or economic pressure against Somalia. The MOU could thus alter the balance of power in the region, necessitating a recalibration of alliances. Furthermore, improved access to port facilities and enhanced infrastructure could stimulate economic growth in both Somalia and Ethiopia. For Ethiopia, this is particularly crucial as it seeks to diversify its trade routes and reduce reliance on Djibouti. Somalia, on the other hand, stands to benefit from increased trade activities, which could foster economic recovery and stability.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimistic outlook, several challenges could impede the successful implementation of the MOU.

To begin with, both governments may face internal opposition to their rapprochement. In Somalia, lingering skepticism about Ethiopian intentions could lead to public backlash, especially given historical grievances. In Ethiopia, concerns about national sovereignty and the implications of foreign military involvement may provoke dissent.

Secondly, the geopolitical environment remains volatile, with ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and its neighbors. Any escalation of conflict in the region could jeopardize the commitments made in the MOU and disrupt collaborative efforts.

Most importantly, translating the provisions of the MOU into actionable plans will require significant political will and logistical coordination. Both governments must prioritize the establishment of frameworks for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability.

Despite the MOU’s focus on trade, the road ahead is fraught with challenges for it to work that require careful navigation and strong leadership.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has long played a strategic game of political sparring with leaders in the Horn of Africa, from his fluctuating relations with Eritrea’s Isaias Afwerki to his engagement with former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. His ability to maneuver between alliances and antagonisms often tests the political acumen of regional leaders. This latest rapprochement with Somalia may be yet another experiment in diplomatic gullibility, as leaders like Mohamud—blinded by their fixation on countering Somaliland’s aspirations—fall into the trap of petty rivalries at the expense of long-term national interests. Whether this deal stands the test of time or crumbles under shifting geopolitical winds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Abiy Ahmed continues to play a calculated and unpredictable game in the Horn of Africa. Many see it as nothing beyond a Hassan Sheikh gambit to copy-paste Somaliland’s similar agreement with Abiy of January 2024 which shook the slumbering Mogadishu chief to the roots.

As the Horn of Africa continues to evolve, the implications of this agreement – for better or for worse – will extend beyond bilateral relations, influencing the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.

Find the full text of the MOU here

Source: Somtribune.net

Dahabshiil: Innovation meets opportunity!

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Goth Mohamed

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March 2, 2025

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The Somalia-Kenya Trade Week is shaping the future of trade through powerful partnerships. From DahabPlus Digital Wallet offering fast transactions to strategic investments in Real Estate through Dahabshiil Bank and the ongoing expansion of Fiber Internet, this event paves the way for new opportunities for businesses and communities.

We believe that strong partnerships drive success. This event is the perfect platform to connect, collaborate, and create meaningful relationships that fuel business growth

Dahabshiil Group is proud to support this initiative, which empowers economic development and innovation in the region.

Let’s continue building a future of growth and innovation together!

Abiy Ahmed’s Visit to Mogadishu: A Diplomatic Dance or a Shift Away from Somaliland? Amb Bashe A. Omer

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Goth Mohamed

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March 1, 2025

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The recent visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu has once again sparked speculation about Ethiopia’s position on Somaliland. With the January 1, 2024, MoU still fresh in everyone’s minds, many are wondering whether Ethiopia is shifting its stance. The agreement suggested that Ethiopia might recognize Somaliland in exchange for access to the Red Sea, so Abiy’s visit to Somalia has raised a few eyebrows.

However, looking at the situation more closely, it’s clear that Ethiopia is not walking away from its engagement with Somaliland. Instead, Abiy’s trip to Mogadishu looks more like a diplomatic balancing act—reassuring Somalia while keeping Ethiopia’s long-term strategic interests firmly in place.

With June 2026 marking the end of his term, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is eager to solidify his position ahead of the next election. Strengthening ties with Ethiopia is one way to achieve this, especially as Somalia’s diplomatic relations with key regional players have remained fragile.

The Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU caught Mogadishu off guard and left Hassan Sheikh scrambling for a response. The agreement was a big win for Somaliland, giving it direct engagement with Ethiopia. But more importantly, it highlighted a truth that Mogadishu has long tried to ignore— Somalia has no real influence over Somaliland.

By hosting Abiy in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh is trying to show that Somalia is still a key player in the region. He has reached out to Turkey, the Arab League, and the African Union, pushing them to help reverse Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. But despite his efforts, no real action has been taken to change the situation.

For Abiy Ahmed, this visit wasn’t about choosing sides—it was about keeping Ethiopia’s options open. One of his key goals is to extend Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia under ATMIS (formerly AMISOM). Ethiopia sees its troops in Somalia as an important security tool, helping to counter threats like Al-Shabaab while also maintaining influence in Mogadishu.

At the same time, Ethiopia has not renounced its MoU with Somaliland. Abiy is keeping both Mogadishu and Hargeisa engaged, ensuring that Ethiopia has multiple options when it comes to securing access to the sea. This approach allows Ethiopia to stay flexible while avoiding direct conflict with either side.

Despite all the political maneuvering, one thing remains clear—Somaliland is still Ethiopia’s most stable and reliable regional partner.

Unlike Somalia, which continues to struggle with instability, Somaliland has built a functioning democracy, maintained peace, and held multiple elections. It has done what Mogadishu has yet to achieve—creating a secure and self-governing state.

More importantly, Somaliland offers Ethiopia something no other regional player can—a reliable trade route through Berbera Port. As a landlocked country, Ethiopia needs stable and long-term access to international markets. Berbera provides a secure and strategic solution that Ethiopia simply cannot ignore.

Given all this, it’s hard to see Ethiopia walking away from its MoU with Somaliland. Even as Abiy seeks to manage his relationship with Somalia, Somaliland remains a key part of Ethiopia’s long-
term strategy.

Abiy Ahmed’s visit may have caused speculation, but the facts haven’t changed—Ethiopia has not abandoned its agreement with Somaliland. Instead, Ethiopia is carefully navigating its relationships with both sides, making sure it doesn’t close any doors prematurely.

For Somaliland, this means the road to recognition is still open. The world is slowly starting to acknowledge Somaliland’s stability, governance, and economic potential. As long as Somaliland remains proactive, strengthens its diplomatic ties, and builds strong regional alliances, recognition is just a matter of time.

Bashe Awil Omar is a diplomat and politician. He served as the Somaliland Representative to the UAE (from 2015-2018) and Kenya (from 2018-2021).

VP welcomes first batch of militias being absorbed to mainstream national army

Somaliland

By

Goth Mohamed

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March 1, 2025

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By M.A. Egge

The Vice President His Excellency Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi has graced a most significant event of the nationalization of the first batch of the units of local tribal militia at Erigavo in the Sanaag region; which has been a priority issue for the President himself H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro.

The event is indeed a milestone one in the history of the nation in as far as pacification and peaceful stability is concerned, and marks the first phase in the stages of absorbing the militia and their hardware into mainstream national service.

Other units will subsequently be consolidated too.

The Head of State had all long promised in his political campaigns as he vied for the presidency to have all local tribal civilian militias in the country absorbed and become part and parcel of the main security arms of the nation.

Upon swearing in he repeated his pledges, constituted a national peace commission and at last dispatched his deputy to the eastern parts of the country in pursuit of the noble cause that culminated in the event on Saturday.

The VP and the delegation he led on their working trip to Sanaag Region where they have been for the best part of the past week welcomed the newly absorbed troops, their combat gears and hardware hence congratulated them for their patriotism.

The occasion was attended by several cabinet ministers, the chief of defense staff, the regional governor, MPs, customary traditional leaders and numerous eminent personalities from the region.

According to Presidential Spokesman Hussein Deyr, the occasion once more is a testament of the WADDANI administration government dubbed “togetherness and Action” fulfilling the promises and pledges they had given the populaces during the campaigns in its first 100 days.

Somaliland: Civil Service Commission provides state with recommendations addressing temporary workers’ issue

Somaliland

By

Goth Mohamed

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February 28, 2025

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The weekly meeting of the council of the cabinet ministers, chaired by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, discussed and focused on key issues of priority for the nation, which according to a press release by the Presidential Spokesman Hussein Deyr went as follows: –

* First, the Council heard a detailed report from the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, a member of the Task Force recently appointed by the President to advise on the issue of temporary workers. The Chairman of the Civil Service Commission provided the Council with the Committee’s recommendations to manage the issue of temporary workers.

* The Council also heard a report from the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, a member of the Task Force recently appointed by the President to advise on the implementation and implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

* The Minister of Planning and National Development briefed the Council on the decisions and recommendations of the well-organized High-Level Forum (HLDCF) that brought together the Government of Somaliland, Donors and International Development Stakeholders. This meeting, which was of particular importance to the Somaliland Government, presented the priorities of the Somaliland Government, which were well received by the international development stakeholders who were present at the National Level Forum.

* The Minister of Water Resources Development also briefed the Council on the progress of the Ministry’s activities and the need for a unified government approach to reforming the country’s water agencies under the Ministry, in terms of administration, production and supplies, and quality of their work.

* The Minister of Public Works, Housing and Lands also gave the Council a long briefing on how to nationally protect the quality of government buildings, and monitor and follow up on construction projects owned by the Government of Somaliland. The Minister also reported on the latest efforts by the Government to assist those affected by the fire that engulfed the Idaa’ada Market.

* The Minister of the Ministry of Investment and Industrial Development shared with the Cabinet the latest information on the development of investment in the country and said that leading and coordinating investment issues is the responsibility of his Ministry, and therefore, other Ministries need to support and work closely with them to grow the economy and investment in the country.

* The Minister of the Ministry of Education, Training and Science gave the Cabinet a detailed report on the decisions and statements that emerged from the National Conference on Vocational and Professional Education held at the Ambassador Hotel on 26-27/02/2025. On the other hand, the Minister distributed copies of the National Education Policy to the Cabinet for the Ministers to peruse and then approve.

* Finally, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, has instructed the Council of Ministers to prepare, coordinate and implement important and proactive issues for the WADDANI administration government dubbed “Togetherness and Action”, the goals for the first 100 days of the Government.

Telesom Donates $250,000 Dollars to Gobanimo Fire Victims

By

Goth Mohamed

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February 26, 2025

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The Telesom Group has donated $250,000 to victims of the fire that had razed down the Ida’ada open air market recently.

In an event held on Thursday attended by the chairman of the national committee charged with the task of addressing the disaster, Minister of Public Works and Housing Hon. Hussein Ahmed Aideed, and Telesom officials, the company handed over $250,000 to the national committee for supporting the fire victims.

Telesom Group Deputy Chairman Mr. Mohamoud Abdirahman Gadyare, who addressed the occasion, said that the company was always ready to participate in causes that help alleviate suffering of the members of the public especially during their hour of need.

“Similar fires and blazes rampant that have repeatedly damaged businesses and our economy has been recurrent”, he observed, and advised, “we therefore imperatively need to delve into the matter and pinpoint the causes hence preventive measures should be put in place”.

The market happened to be one of the busiest in the capital city of Hargeisa.

This is not the first time that the Telesom Group has participated in aiding after similar disasters that have the country and its people.

The Telesom have made significant contributions beforehand to such afflictions, namely the monumental blaze disaster at the Waaheen Market in Hargeisa, the fires at Wajaale market, and even that of the Taiwan Market in Jigjiga.

The telecommunications giant noted that it their duty to eke in support at such times of need hence that they would continue to support and assist the community

Somaliland: Minister of Justice Concludes Inspection of 13 Prison Facilities Nationwide

Somaliland

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Goth Mohamed

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February 26, 2025

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa-The Minister of Justice of Somaliland, who oversees the inspection of the conditions of prisoners and the country’s prisons, has concluded an extensive tour during which he inspected 15 of the country’s prisons. This week-long tour aimed to reform the prison system and assess the conditions and fundamental rights of prisoners.

The tour included investigations and interviews regarding the living conditions of prisoners, their food, water, healthcare, and how prison staff treat the inmates. The legal status of the prisoners was also examined, including the duration of their sentences and their rights.

There are currently 13 operational prisons in the country, with two additional prisons expected to become operational this year. The plan is to transform these prisons into rehabilitation centers that produce skilled individuals and educated citizens who contribute positively to society.

The journey, which started in Baki and ended in Erigavo, covering a distance of 2000 KM, demonstrated the commitment to reintegrating citizens who have violated the law back into society.

The inspection concluded at the Maroodi-Jeh Regional Prison, which houses some of the most serious offenders. Valuable insights were gathered on how to improve the prison system and safeguard the rights of prisoners. This information will be forwarded to the relevant authorities responsible for reforming the country’s prison system.

The 100-day plan of the WADDANI government, led by President H.E Dr. Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro, includes the enhancement of the justice system and prisons. The Minister of Justice is responsible for implementing policies and advancing the justice system.

This tour highlights the government’s and the minister’s efforts to improve the prison system and ensure the rights of prisoners are protected.

Somaliland: President urges both local and foreign entrepreneurs to invest in Somaliland agricultural sector

Somaliland

By

Goth Mohamed

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February 26, 2025

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By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Wednesday urged the country’s top entrepreneurs and foreign ones too, to invest in Somaliland’s agricultural sector for it had a lot of opportunities.

The President made the appeal as he opened the Somaliland Farmers Conference that focused on the indispensable role of agriculture in development and the economy.

The conference is aimed at encouraging farmers to increase their production, in order to avoid dependence on imported subsistence farm produce.

At the conference, organized by the Ministry of Agricultural Development, the President delivered an esteemed and worthwhile speech emphasizing on the importance of domestic production for the development of the nation.

He disclosed the fact that his administration is formulating national plans to increase agricultural production in the country and also bolster agricultural techniques.

He said, “The government is formulating a plan to develop agriculture and strengthen its production and also establish high schools to teach agricultural sciences hence provide farmers with training to improve their knowledge of modern farming, pest control, climate change adaptation, and to develop economic infrastructure such as roads so that they can transport their products to domestic markets.”

The President called upon the nation’s top entrepreneurs to invest in agriculture, in order to increase domestic production, and that it had a lot of opportunities.

He urged them, “There are great opportunities for investment in agriculture in Somaliland and we encourage businessmen to invest in agriculture and industries that process agricultural crops. We also welcome foreign investment in agriculture.”

Earlier on the same day President Abdirahman Irro launched a symposium conference on the promoting, establishing and fledging of TVET school programmes in the nation.

President Abdirahman Irro launches National Symposium on Vocational and Technical Education

Somaliland

By

Goth Mohamed

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February 26, 2025

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By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has underscored the fact that there was a need to equip the youth with technical and applied skills to cater for the demands of skilled manpower in the country.

The Head of State made the remarks as he inaugurated on Wednesday a symposium on the National Conference to Promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in the country.

The congress was convened under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Training and Science.

It was attended by several members of the cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, academicians and associated dignitaries.

President Abdirahman Irro noted the imperativeness and the importance of skills for development and the need to equip young people with the technical know-how needed as he addressed the conference.

He stated, “In order to reduce unemployment, we must teach our youth vocational and technical skills and invest in them and the sector hence further encourage them to come up with their own ideas to create necessary jobs.”

The President disclosed that his administration would increase the budget allocated to the TVET sector.

He said, “The Government of the Republic of Somaliland will increase the budget for the technical and vocational education and training related to industrial, agricultural, constructions, and associated technologies.”

He was convictional that the government is committed to equipping the youth with the skills necessary for the development of the nation.

The President pointed out that aligning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with the needs of the labor market is not merely an educational reform but indeed investment in the future of the country.

According to a press release by Presidential spokesman Hussein Deyr, the conference is expected to yield recommendations and guidelines that would contribute to the reform and modernization of the Vocational and Technical Education and Training Curriculum in order to produce skilled citizens who can meet the needs of the labor market.

SomalilandCurrent.com

Somaliland: NEC and Committee for the Registration and Restructuring of the National Armed Forces hold meeting

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