Mr. Jama Ayaanle Feyte, Somaliland-born politician, Journalist, and Horn of Africa political analyst who hails from Sanaag region has warned that unless there is regime change soon the country risks losing Sanaag region due to the bad judgment by the current regime in an interview with Somali Journalist Mr. Mohamed Farah Omade.
Mr. Jama Feyte added that the current government is to blame for the political upheaval in Erigavo town this week since the government is responsible for safety of its citizens and their properties
“A volatile political situation in Sanaag and Sool regions poses yet another challenge to democracy and stability of the republic of Somaliland, The present government should have taken the necessary measures to avoid the recent skirmishes in the town in which two women were injured and 50 others were detained by security this week but has failed to do so’, Mr. Jama Feyte stated.
Mr. Jama further said, “The people of Sanaag region despite their different tribal affiliations have coexisted in peace and harmony over the centuries but the current government seems to be dividing them by arresting members of a certain community.
He went on to say, “The recent incidents in Sanaag is a volatile political crisis that left experts confused and diplomats worried about a broad societal collapse that could ignite violence or prompt a broader conflict in the region unless appropriate measures are put into place it may turn to a Las Anod Scenario.
“In regard to the upcoming Presidential elections which are due to be held in November this year, I would like to urge the people to choose the right candidate who can unify the country and promote coexistence among the various communities living in the country.
Mr. Jama Feyte lastly said, “Somaliland is known for its hybrid democracy which is an accommodation between a clan-based social structure and a representative democracy which has been enabled by local socio-cultural traditions. External intervention, while minimal, has on occasion proved fruitful in providing a way out of crises. I believe through political change and different approaches the people of Las Anod shall once again come to the Somaliland fold.
President Somali Region of Ethiopia Hon. Mustafe Muhammad has highlighted the immense significance of the Berbera Economic Corridor for the development of people-to-people ties in the region.
A panel discussion on the Berbera Economic Corridor and People’s Movement is underway in Jigjiga city, Somali Region of Ethiopia.
Mayor of Hargeisa City in Somaliland, Abdulkerim Ahmed Moge; Mayor of Berbera City, Abdushukur Mohamod, Mayor of Borema City; Mohamed Ahmed Warsamena, and the Mayor of Gabilai City, Mohamed Amin Omar are in attendance at the panel discussion organized by Jigjiga University in collaboration with the Jigjiga City Administration and the Ethiopian Cities Forum.
Somali Chief Administrator, Mustafa Muhammad, Jigjiga University Board Chairman, Tesfaye Beljige, and officials of the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure and Jigjiga University are also participating in the meeting.
Mustefe said on the occasion that the utilization of the Berbera Economic Corridor is crucial for fostering regional development and strengthening people-to-people connections.
He also highlighted the importance of port and sea transport services for the people in the region.
Jigjiga University Board Chairman and Chief Government Whip at the House of Representatives, Tesfaye Beljige, emphasized the significant role of the development activities along the Berbera Corridor in facilitating the transfer of African trade, services, and capital.
He underscored the importance of the Berbera Economic Corridor’s importance in implementing the African Union Agenda 2063, by boosting trade and investment activities in the region.
Academicians from Somaliland and Ethiopia are expected to present and discuss the numerous benefits of the Berbera Economic Corridor, including infrastructure development, road connectivity to Ethiopia, and the various social and economic advantages it offers to the region.
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟖-𝐌𝐚𝐲-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐚 –The Deputy Minister and Director General of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals on Tuesday chaired with the technical committee of the ESP companies in Hargeisa.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the implementation of a memorandum of understanding to merge the ESP companies, which is part of a national plan to provide the community with affordable and reliable electricity.
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟖-𝐌𝐚𝐲-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐚 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations on behalf of our people and the government of the Republic of Somaliland we wish the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Happy National day.
Somaliland would like to convey best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to our brotherly neighbors with whom we share a long history, on commemorating their National Day.
Each and every year on the 18th May, we the people of Somaliland remember, we will always remember the mothers and fathers who laid down their lives for peace and progress of this honourable nation. We always remember these fallen heroes and heroines because of their loyal contribution. Saeed Furaa
Today the history of our beloved country is written as a result of their hands, we remember them because our history is written by their toil and misery. We remember them because their hunger to give us equal opportunities is unmatched, we remember because they taught us to change the world with words and not with guns, we remember because we cannot afford to forget.
It is my greatest hope that this year’s anniversary (18th May 2009) could be different in that we can remember our duties to continue writing and teaching our history to the young and the frail, so they can take pride in their historical identity as the people of courage and wisdom, because those who fell taught them better.
Anniversaries are not supposed to be fashion shows or just happy moments, but a chance to reflect about whom we are and who we want to be.
When the 18th May 09 arrives (insha allah), I hope we could all of us remember where we come and where we want to go as the people of Somaliland. When we celebrate we must ask ourselves: “how will history remember us?” will it remember us as fashionable people who gathers to entertain large audience by dancing or just singing with no modest, or as people of duty to a country? Will people in centuries to come speak about our names or they will never know we existed?
As the founder of Somaliland Anniversary in Southern Africa, I will commemorate and remember the befallen this year because it is the right thing to do. I believe that when this year’s anniversary comes we all must ask ourselves what we can do for Somaliland. Personally I think we can do more as the people of the Diaspora. I think we can make significant changes to the lives of the many and millions by constantly talking and urging other nations to take cognizance of our strides as the Somaliland people in as far as peace stability is concerned and economic attempts in reconstruction.
The theme on the forth coming 18th May, should be CHANGE, I am ardent believer in socio-political and economical change in Somaliland and civic duty and I believe we have the resources to foster change from where we are. We can do more together. I believe Somaliland is fortunate to have us in the Diaspora in order to strengthen foreign relations and support, but to do that we must have common vision.
“Horn of African Social Entrepreneurs in South Africa (HASEFSA) are passionate about youth development through practical business and entrepreneurial skills”
The Islamic State (IS) offshoot in Somalia has extended its presence in Puntland state in northeastern Somalia following several clashes with its primary rival, al-Shabab, according to a new report.
The Emirates Policy Center report stated that since early 2023, the two sides have engaged in numerous clashes, with the fiercest occurring in March 2023, leaving 46 dead, including leaders from both sides.
The IS group announced that it had expanded its presence in the Bari region after taking control of the Al-Miskaad mountains from al-Shabab, leading to the deaths of 50 fighters, including key commanders in April 2024. Over the last eight years, al-Shabab has struggled with IS for control over this strategic region, intensifying efforts to expel the group.
According to the Emirates Policy Center report, local sources in Puntland confirm that IS has regained the upper hand in the Al-Miskaad mountains and the broader Bari region, underscoring the evolving dynamics in a state that has enjoyed relative stability compared to the middle and south of the country.
Puntland holds increasing strategic and military importance, especially in the mountainous regions of Bari, notably Al-Miskaad, Galgala and the Golis mountains in the disputed Sanaag region with Somaliland. The emergence of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in late 2014 had profound effects on the internal structural and ideological coherence of the Somali Al-Shabab Movement.
The report added that the expansion of IS in Puntland provides the group with logistical advantages, including access to the sea, opportunities to impose taxes and conduct financial operations, and contact with the IS offshoot in Yemen.
The report highlighted that IS benefits from the growing activities of Somali pirates, which bolster its propaganda efforts, attract foreign fighters, and enhance its standing within the global organization and its relationship with the leadership of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province in Afghanistan.
On October 26, 2016, Somali IS briefly captured the coastal town of Qandala, 75 kilometers east of Bosaso city, the major port and commercial capital of Puntland state before being expelled by the state’s territorial forces in December 2016. Despite this setback, IS has maintained a permanent presence in semi-remote areas of the state, especially around urban centers in the Bari region such as Balli Dhiddin, Turmasaale, and Iskushuban in the Galgala and Al-Miskaad mountains.
However, a day ago, Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Addaala, announced the defeat of Al-Shabab in Galmudug and Hirshabelle, forcing the militants to regroup in the Puntland region. He told VOA Somali radio that the federal government launched an attack against Al-Shabab, which was planning attacks on the people of Puntland, killing 20 militants, including top leaders.
The Security Committee of the Sanaag region reported the arrest of more than 50 youths accused of rioting in Erigavo on May 25. The incident involved the display of a non-Somaliland flag, which prompted immediate action from local authorities.
The youths allegedly marched through the streets carrying the Makhir flag, leading to a scuffle with security forces. The Security Committee emphasized that legal action would be taken against those involved and urged parents to take responsibility for their children.
“People in Erigavo cannot be incited with tribalism. This is a great nation, and the flag that stands is that of the blessed republic. We are all ready to die for it,” said Ahmed Abdi Muse, the governor of Sanaag region, who was appointed by Somaliland’s president.
The committee warned against complaints following arrests, stating, “Do not complain; we will bring the accused before the court. If your children are implicated, they will face legal consequences.”
This year, Somalilanders again will exercise their constitutional right to vote, and will be electing their president and political parties in just under 171 days.
Indirect campaigning has already begun, and unfortunately the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed on social media an increase in divisive and hateful rhetoric, particularly from our diaspora.
While we respect everyone’s right to free speech, we at MOFA respectfully urge our valued diaspora community to exercise this right intelligently and with wisdom.
Elections can stir strong emotions, but it is crucial to express these emotions thoughtfully and to ensure debates remain civil and substantive.
It’s also important that you all remain vigilant to the threat of non-Somalilanders and paid trolls, attempting to inject themselves into our electoral processes to create disinformation, distrust and division amongst our citizens.
Remember, the world is watching us, friends and foes alike, so let us show them a mature, civil and progressive Somaliland.
Lambast entities trying to weaponise it against Ethiopia
Somaliland vowed to continue defying and counter-fighting the ongoing smear campaign by what it calls ‘ arch and historical enemies’ to fracture the glowing ties between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa.
The all-weather Comradery between the two neighbors will get more boosts devoid of external meddling, said the Somaliland Ministry of Information in an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald. Ali Hassan Mohamed.
Since the signing of the Ethiopia –Somaliland sea deal, some external entities tried to besmirch the very intent of the agreement and bewilder the international community with coordinated propaganda, Minister
“Some Arabian entities that have issues with Ethiopia on the Nile are trying to use us as a weapon to attack our brothers in need. But surely, Somaliland cannot serve as a bullet to hit Ethiopia,”
“We believe Ethiopia is the second country for Somalilanders. Ethiopia was there by our side when we were being subjugated and chased by a dictatorial rule.
Somaliland people faced persecution elsewhere. Ethiopia was the only country that hosted fleeing Somalilanders and treated them well when they were killed and tortured by Mohammed Siad Barre.
Somaliland cannot conspire against their second nation. Ethiopia is where they can go and get refuge during turbulent times. It is clear that many Somaliland communities live in Ethiopia and there is also a large population of Ethiopian origin, he added.
Somaliland has the full right and ability to decide its fate without any external involvement. It is also countering the smearing propaganda campaigns waged by some entities through aggressive communication work. Ethiopia’s well-being and security are beneficial to Somaliland, as to him.
To fend off the ongoing acts of meddling and defamatory propaganda, Somaliland media tries to explore Ethiopian media and align their agenda accordingly. Some entities have also tried to cast doubt on the deal saying it is all rhetoric but currently lawmakers are working on the deal and will announce the progress in due time.
Muse Bihi Abdi says accord can secure ‘freedom of navigation’ in waterway where Houthi rebels have attacked international shipping
The contentious deal that Somaliland has struck with Ethiopia to lease a strip of land near the entrance to the Red Sea would help “secure freedom of navigation” for international shipping that has faced attacks around the vital waterway, according to the breakaway country’s president.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has failed in its long-standing quest for global acceptance, signed the accord in January that swapped access territory on the Gulf of Aden in return for formal recognition from landlocked Ethiopia.
But Somalia has vehemently opposed the deal, with its president declaring that “not an inch” of its territory would be signed away by anyone.
Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi told the Financial Times that the Ethiopia accord would “allow Somaliland to support international efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea”, where vessels have come under repeated assaults in recent months from Houthi rebels backed by Iran.
Ethiopia’s blueprint for the land around Berbera included a port and fleet that would help fend off maritime threats, he suggested. “Ethiopia will build a naval military base and have commercial ships and in exchange Ethiopia will give us recognition — that’s the basics,” said Bihi Abdi.
Bihi Abdi also said the deal was an important step to realising his self-declared nation’s dream of full independence. “The historic memorandum of understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia will provide us with a clear pathway towards international recognition,” he said from Hargeisa, capital of the breakaway nation. Ethiopia has sought access to the coast ever since the 1993 split with Eritrea left it landlocked. It views the Somaliland deal as a way to alleviate its dependence on Djibouti for sea access, although the US, EU, Arab League and Egypt — which has a dispute with Ethiopia over a huge dam on the Blue Nile — have warned that the plan could escalate conflict in a region already battered by terrorism and war.
A senior Ethiopian official involved in the Somaliland talks said he was “optimistic” that an final agreement would materialise, adding: “It’s just a matter of realpolitik and necessity.” Omar Mahmood, senior analyst for Eastern Africa with Crisis Group, said that while the deal had created significant “blowback”, Ethiopia did not want to “completely give it up”.
China, Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have also sought access to the Horn of Africa, a poor but strategically important region that includes Somalia and Djibouti. Somaliland has attracted a $300mn investment from Dubai-based DP World into Berbera and its wider economic zone, which represents about 75 per cent of Somaliland’s government revenue, with the aim of transforming it into a regional trade hub. The UAE controls the airport in Berbera and has been setting up a naval base.
Hargeisa said international recognition could unlock further investments into its $3.4bn economy that is based on sea trade, remittances and camel livestock. Recognition was an “economic game-changer”, Bihi Abdi said.
By the president’s office there is a framed copy of the agreement that Somaliland signed with Britain when the former protectorate secured its independent in 1960. It then united with the former Italian colony of Somalia, only to break away in 1991 after a decade-long independence war and the fall of the Somali dictator Siad Barre.
Somaliland has recently struggled to contain violence in its east, where some local clan leaders have declared their intention to sever ties with Hargeisa and rejoin Somalia. But the breakaway country has delivered relative stability to its 5.7mn people compared with Somalia, which collapsed into conflict and warlord feuds after the fall of Barre and has been battling a brutal Islamist insurgency linked to al-Qaeda.
Somaliland has its own army and elected parliament, prints its own currency and issues its own passports. The UK, the UAE, Turkey, Ethiopia and Taiwan have all established a presence there. Despite such autonomy, Mogadishu considers it fully part of Somalia and Somaliland has not been formally recognised by any country.
Bihi Abdi, a former Somali military pilot turned rebel fighter who is standing for re-election in November, insisted Somalilanders “support” the prospective deal with Ethiopia that is not legally binding, although the precise details has been kept under wraps.
But it has met some domestic opposition, including from Bihi Abdi’s own defence minister who resigned in protest.
Some international capitals fear its potential to cause a new rift in a region beset by armed hostilities. Somalia is already fighting a long-running insurgency by the al-Shabaab jihadi group and Ethiopia is still reeling from a brutal and costly civil war in the Tigray region.
Washington, an ally of Mogadishu, said it was “concerned” about the agreement which “threatens to disrupt the fight” against Islamist militancy. Bihi Abdi dismissed this claim as “baseless”.
He also sought to play down tensions with Somalia, saying war between the two was “impossible”. He also said the deal could actually help “prevent” any potential conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea by satisfying Addis Ababa’s need for sea access.
“We’ve been working towards international recognition of our independent status for over 33 years,” Bihi Abdi said. “We’re ready.”
