The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Somaliland has initiated an assessment of the Customs and Excise Administration System.

This international assessment follows the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT), a methodology for assessing domestic taxes developed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Taxpayers’ Association.

The Customs assessment is based on the standards set by the World Customs Organization.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, who opened the meeting, noted the special importance of the government to know “where we are in the administration of various taxes and how the ministry is committed to obtaining a reliable and accurate assessment so that we can protect ourselves from existing gaps, as well as to know the taxes we collect, those we miss, the existing system and the development we need whether it is in terms of the system and the personnel and training they need”.

The Director General of the Ministry of Finance also noted the importance of this assessment and how it is of particular importance as a Ministry to conduct a comprehensive assessment that touches on every aspect, which will enable us to know where we are in terms of internationally recognized standards.

He said, “The assessment is intended to determine where we stand as a country in terms of international standards, this is the first time that an international assessment has been conducted in Somaliland regarding the system we use to manage the various taxes collected by the government”.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Finance is engaged in various efforts aimed at accelerating and modernizing the tax administration and management process and identifying loopholes.

The assessment programme is being conducted by a company called Parker Russell, hence supported by the African Development Bank, specifically the ISEGP project.

The Vice President H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi and the delegation he leads who are on pacification a working trip to Sanaag Region once again graced yet another occasion whose event witnessed the absorption of more local militia to the mainstream national armed forces.

In his speech the VP welcomed the nationalized army and reminded the nation that Erigavo is the peaceful place and that in place is still the extended olive branch for peace and urged populaces to reconcile.

The Vice President said that the nationalization of the civil army in Erigavo is nearing completion and that there still remains a few.

He pointed out that the absorption process has been handled quite well.

He characterized the processes and the efforts of the nationalization of the local militia dubbed civilian forces as a great victory for the entire Republic of Somaliland.

He stated the fact that the chief of defense forces Brig General Nim’aan Gahnuug has always been on hand to receive the combatants and their subsequent military hardware and armour.

While the VP was emphasizing the convictions and commitment of the Head of State in prioritizing peaceful stability, reconciliation and dialogue in addressing whatever conflicts that abound, he made it clear that as much as Erigavo is now stabilized, the olive branch for continuation of dialogue remains open.

He said, “The purpose of the nationalization of the army was to restore peace in Erigavo and Sanaag hence the reconciliation efforts should concertedly continue.”

By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro hosted an iftar (breaking the daily fasting) consultative meeting with former Presidents of the country, Musa Bihi Abdi and Dahir Rayale Kahin.

The President briefed the two former Presidents on the general situation in the country.

The meeting followed previous ones that the Head of State had with the former Presidents of Somaliland to exchange information and discuss the general situation in the country.

Speaking about the meeting he had with the two former Presidents, the President of Somaliland posted on his social media account, saying, “This evening we had a meeting and iftar together with the former Presidents of our Republic of Somaliland, the 3rd and 5th, Mr. Dahir Rayale Kahin and Mr. Musa Bihi Abdi.

He continued, “The two former Presidents exchanged views on the overall situation of the country in terms of development, economy, peace, and the changes that my government is implementing”.

The President noted that he and his predecessors spoke at length at the history of the reconstruction of this country, the long journey that has been made towards the process of handing over power to the country and our electoral system.

He concluded, “God willing, we will continue with the national consultation meetings that are being held to jointly move this country forward.”

Since he took over the reins of the government H.E. Abdirahman Irro has had several similar tête-à-têtes with both former leaders.

People in Buq-darkayn area dealt a heavy blow to insurgency groups who attacked a livestock camp on Friday and the government warns of serious consequences would abound.

The government of the Republic of Somaliland has on Friday evening warned that it would no longer tolerate blind perpetrations of attacks against its people and degrading security.

At the same time the state reiterated its stance of solving issues of conflicts through peaceful and conciliatory means.

The statement comes as once again a new spate of careless, blatant and reckless attack was meted against the pastoralists herding their livestock in the Buq-darkayn area of Saraar region hence ambushed on Friday by armed Khatumo militia bandits who wanted to, again, rob and harm the pastoralists.

This recent attack against pastoralists in typically similar fashion happens for the umpteenth time in recent months, at a time that the government is focused on peaceful reconciliations and reformation of the security arms of the forces.

As abhor-able as the timing of the attack may be, the local residents did their best and repulsed the attack in a battle whose fighting went on for much of the sacred day of the first Friday in the Holy Month of Ramadan.

They managed to contain the attacks and repelled the marauding attackers to further areas afield. They not only defended themselves from the attack but dealt a heavy blow to the group that carried out the attack, driving them back to where they had come from.

The Somaliland government, which issued a statement about the fighting that lasted for many hours, warned of the consequences of the insecurity and conflict being fueled by armed groups in the Sool region in a press release issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Security, signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson Bashir Abdi Abdillahi.

The press release stated that the Somaliland government would no longer tolerate such ambushes carried out by the armed militias as per their whims.

“Armed militias that are allied to Khatumo insurgency have attacked civilians who are collecting water at their wells in the Buqdarkayn area; with the intent of rustling the livestock that were being watered.

“The residents have fiercely defended themselves against the ambushes that the armed groups launched against them, inflicting heavy losses.

“The Somaliland government informs the regional governments and the international community that the armed groups that dubbed Khatumo are a threat to the security of the region, and the Somaliland government will not tolerate the ambushes they are carrying out.

“Whereas we are dismayed and saddened that Firdiye uses the Holy month of Ramadan as a means for political mileage, shedding blood, and creating conflict among the brethren living together, the Somaliland government is ready to have peaceful coexistence fostered in the region”. END.

Meanwhile, the latest news from the area where the fighting took place said that apart from the attackers being driven out, they suffered heavy casualties, with several prisoners and their military equipment and armoured vehicles captured.

He underscored the fundamental rights granted to Somaliland Women by the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland.

By M.A. Egge

The nation of the Republic of Somaliland on Saturday joined the global fraternity in celebrating the International Women’s Day 2025 in an elaborately organized event that saw the country’s President himself, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro grace the event.

THE President described the women fraternity as the backbone of the society and noted that they ought to be appreciated every time and not through a day marked once a year.

The remarks by the Head of State were in his address during the occasion of the event. This year’s IWD annual theme is “Accelerate Action”.

The President who delivered a very significant speech said that the “women of Somaliland do not deserve to be commemorated only once a year (March 8), but they deserve to be remembered always!”

While speaking about the unforgettable role that Somaliland women have played, and still play, in building the nation and the success of our government, said, “Women are the backbone of building society, the economy and the overall existence of the nation. They played an unforgettable role in history in recovering from the difficult times the country has gone through, and in the work of building a state.”

He underscored the fundamental rights granted to Somaliland Women by the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland.

Said he, “The Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland has mandated that women in the nation have equal rights, freedoms and responsibilities to men, except for what is prohibited by Sharia law and our Islamic religion has commanded us”.

He continued, “We do have a constitutional obligation to protect them, to build their knowledge and work skills, to provide them with opportunities that are beneficial to their lives and the fulfillment of their national duties, and to combat any violation that is against their dignity, and both their physical and mental safety and abilities.”

The President stressed the important value of Somaliland women in the family and the nation as a whole stating, “I personally am proud to have been born with many sisters, six of whom are my sisters and my wife, all of whom have become my support and shield. I am satisfied with the value of a girl in the family and the nation”.

He added, “My vision is for the Republic of Somaliland to become a nation where women play a prominent role in social affairs, economic development and political leadership, in accordance with the values of our religion and our good culture.”

The well attended event saw the women fraternity thronged the hall where the meeting took place.  Similar meetings were held across the nation, notably in Berbera.

Several members of the cabinet, the national police services chief, representatives of women organizations, MPs, senior civil servants etc were amongst the attendees.

Speakers who addressed the event mostly echoed the words of the President and supported his move of putting the welfare of the women fraternity at the forefront of his priority issues in his administration.

It is worth mentioning that the IWD was incorporated into the United Nation’s calendar in 1975 with its first annual theme formulated in 1996 was “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future”.

Initially it was Russian strongman Vladmir Lenin who first declared in 1922 the 8^th of March as being the International Women’s Day in honour of the women’s struggles in the Russian Revolution of 1917.

It is a day when the women fraternities promote issues of their gender in society, appreciations, excelling, aspirations etc and tend to wear or adorn with the colour purple.

By M.A. Egge

The Ministry of health has scrambled the Medical Emergency Tem Committee to ponder over the imminent fever outbreak in the country.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the Ministry of Health Development, Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Jama after he chaired a meeting of the emergency team to find a combative and preventive solution to the fever situation in the country, which has markedly been felt in the major cities of the country, especially Hargeisa, Burao and Erigavo.

The meeting, which lasted for many hours, discussed the latest spread and cases of fever and the measures taken; as well as a survey of the current state of the disease in all regions of the country to obtain official data that can be used.

The DG listened to various reports on the emergency situation, the current state of the disease and any measures that need to be taken urgently.

After the meeting, the Director General shared with the members of the outcomes of the meeting and the information produced by the committee. He also conveyed to the community awareness on the methods to prevent fever and the appropriate steps to be taken by those affected by this bad situation.

He said “As you are aware, there has been a widespread fever in the country recently, affecting a large number of people, who are staying at home, mostly in the three regions of Maroodi Jeeh, Togdeer and Sanaag”.

He continued, “Given this situation, the Ministry of Health, based on this situation, has urgently begun to collect official data from all regions of the Republic of Somaliland, on the information on new cases in order to inform the community.

“We are telling the people of the nation that in case of any fever, they should immediately contact the relevant health facilities, especially those of the government”.

In recent years, Somaliland has become a symbol of stability in a region (Horn of Africa) often defined by volatility. Despite limited international relations, Somaliland has managed to create a relatively peaceful and democratic system that has attracted attention globally as a nation with limited resources and support from the international powers still managing everything better than the neighbors and even some other countries.

With recent reforms, including the appointment of young leaders to key positions, Somaliland is positioning itself as a growing influence in the Horn of Africa. Its ambitions to build a closer relationship with the United States could have wide-reaching implications, not only for Somaliland’s future but also for the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly in regions like the Pacific, where the U.S. has long-standing interests.
Somaliland’s long-term desire to strengthen ties with the U.S. is grounded in both practical needs and strategic opportunities for the Somalilanders. The Country situated in the Horn of Africa controls critical maritime routes along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, essential for global trade and security especially with grown significance after the construction of Berbera Port.
While its neighbors like Somalia have faced ongoing instability and threats from Al-Shabab along with internal disputes with the Federal Republics like Puntland and Jubbaland, Somaliland has maintained peace and stability, making it an attractive partner for countries like the U.S. that value security and governance.
Somaliland’s efforts to modernize its military and develop infrastructure point to an openness to broader international cooperation. With a young and educated leadership increasingly steering the country, it’s clear that Somaliland is seeking to become a more integral part of global security and economic systems. Its alignment with the U.S. could also enhance its international standing, given Washington’s extensive diplomatic and military reach.
For Washington, a strengthened relationship with Hargeisa could mark a shift in its strategic approach in the Horn of Africa and the broader Indian Ocean and the important trade route. The U.S. already has key military bases in nearby countries like Djibouti but by having cooperation with Somaliland could further enhance its ability to project power in the region also a longstanding possible ally.
The potential for such a partnership also holds particular relevance for U.S. territories in the Pacific, such as Guam. Guam has long been a strategic outpost for American military presence in the Pacific, and with growing concerns over the region’s security, particularly in the South China Sea, the U.S. will want to ensure its military alliances are both secure and adaptable under the new Trump Administration.
Somaliland’s location along the Red Sea and its proximity to key global shipping lanes provide the U.S. with opportunities to bolster its defense and trade interests in the region and a close access to the Central Africa and major African markets like Ethiopia. While there is no direct connection between Somaliland and Pacific territories like Guam, the strengthening of U.S. influence in the Horn of Africa could have indirect benefits for American military operations in the Indo-Pacific.
As tensions continue to simmer in various parts of the world, particularly around the South China Sea, the U.S. will need to maintain a strong network of alliances across multiple regions. U.S. territories like Guam play a vital role in this, acting as hubs for American defense and strategic operations.
It’s not hard to imagine how a more secure and cooperative Somaliland could serve to protect U.S. interests in the Indian Ocean, supporting global trade and regional stability in ways that complement American objectives in the Pacific as well.
This strategic positioning could also help ensure that the U.S. maintains its global influence while working with local governments to protect important maritime routes. Whether or not the U.S. will shift its focus in this direction remains an open question, but it’s a consideration worth exploring.
In the context of any strategic partnership, including with Somaliland, the broader international landscape must be taken into account. As the U.S. considers deeper engagement with Somaliland, it will need to maintain diplomatic relations with a variety of global powers, including China, which has shown increasing interest in Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
The nature of China’s involvement in these regions remains a topic of debate, with some seeing China’s economic investments as a way to expand its influence, while others argue that China’s presence is primarily focused on trade and infrastructure develo