Thursday, March 20, 2025
Facebook Instagram Twitter
Home Blog Page 4

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

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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
-
0

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

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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.

Somaliland: President meets with representatives of international partners and organizations

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa-The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), flanked by senior cabinet ministers and senior officials from the government, held a comprehensive meeting today with representatives of international partners and development organizations.

Among those present were representatives from the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), the United Nations (UN), Canada, the USA, and other delegates or officials from their respective organizations.

The President began by expressing profound gratitude to the delegation for their consistent support, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration in advancing the developmental agenda of the Republic of Somaliland.

This meeting focused on aligning key strategies aimed at boosting the economy, social development, and sustainable growth, thereby strengthening Somaliland’s resilience and its international partnerships.

The discussions highlighted the international community’s strong recognition of the security, stability, and democratic progress in the Republic of Somaliland. As a result, there is a pressing need to further strengthen the relationship between Somaliland and the global community.

In conclusion, the President of the Republic of Somaliland presented each member of the delegation with a symbolic gift representing the partnership and cooperation between the Republic of Somaliland and the international community.

Somaliland: VP meets with Traditional leaders in Erigavo to discuss security and ongoing peace efforts

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Erigavo- The meeting between the Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, and the traditional leaders of the Sanaag region marks a significant step toward fostering peace and development in the region, particularly in Erigavo. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and local leaders to address security challenges and promote stability.

The Vice President’s delegation outlined the objectives of their visit, emphasizing the need for traditional leaders to play an active role in peace-building efforts. This reflects the government’s recognition of the influential role that local leaders hold in maintaining social cohesion and resolving conflicts.

The traditional leaders of Sanaag region  expressed their readiness to work closely with the government, underscoring the importance of peace for the well-being of the community. Their involvement is crucial for ensuring that peace initiatives are culturally sensitive and widely accepted by the local population.

The Vice President announced the government’s commitment to implementing extensive development projects in the Sanaag region. This signals a focus on addressing underlying issues such as infrastructure, economic opportunities, and public services, which are essential for long-term stability and growth.

The meeting concluded with a shared agreement on how to move forward with peace-building and stabilization efforts. This mutual understanding is a positive indicator of the potential for effective collaboration between the government and local and traditional leaders.

Overall, this meeting demonstrated the importance of inclusive dialogue and partnership in addressing regional challenges. By engaging traditional leaders and prioritizing development, the government of Somaliland is taking a holistic approach to peace-building in the Sanaag region.

Somaliland’s Sovereignty Undermined: University of Hargeisa’s Controversial SomaliREN Participation

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Since reclaiming its independence in 1991, Somaliland has functioned as a self-sustaining, democratic, and stable entity—unlike its erstwhile partners in the failed union of 1960-1990. While Somalia has endured lawlessness, autocracy, and political instability, Somaliland has successfully built state institutions, held democratic elections, and maintained relative peace. Its people have consistently fought to safeguard their sovereignty, resisting any attempts to be dragged back into the chaotic orbit of Mogadishu’s administration.

Clear Contradiction

Against this backdrop, the decision by the Rector of the University of Hargeisa to engage with SomaliREN raises serious concerns. SomaliREN, by design, appears to be an initiative intended to create a centralized academic framework that aligns universities across Somalia and Somaliland under one umbrella. This move is widely perceived as a stealthy effort, backed by the Somali federal government, to erode Somaliland’s hard-won independence.

Critics argue that Dr. Sulub’s acceptance of the Chair position signals tacit approval of an agenda that undermines Somaliland’s sovereignty. Moreover, his collaboration with institutions like SIMAD University and East Africa University—both known for their anti-Somaliland stance—further exacerbates concerns that this is part of a broader scheme orchestrated by Mogadishu to blur the lines of Somaliland’s independence.

Public Backlash

The reaction to this development has been swift and fierce. Numerous Somalilanders have taken to social media to express their outrage. Some of the most striking comments include:

  • “A new tactic from the weak and failed administration of Italian Somalia by introducing #SomaliREN that represents and unifies all universities in ‘Somalia.’”
  • “The president of @hargeisaunivers violated Somaliland’s sovereignty in terms of this.”
  • “I strongly condemn and it is very sad and surprising that the University of Hargeisa appears in the university system of the weak administration of Somalia. Therefore, we must protest and oppose this issue of bad labor.”
  • “Sometimes, I find myself wondering—what percentage of the people living in #Somaliland truly believe in the Somaliland cause?”

The backlash has not been limited to online discussions. Nasir M. Ali, a respected academic, formally resigned from his position as Director of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Hargeisa, citing this development as a major factor. His resignation underscores the gravity of the situation and serves as a strong indictment of the University’s leadership for its perceived betrayal of Somaliland’s national interests.

A Stealthy Strategy

This is not the first time Somaliland-based universities have participated in Somali government-led initiatives. Just last year, several institutions took part in a curriculum forum held in Mogadishu, organized by Somalia’s Ministry of Education. These incremental steps raise red flags about a systematic effort to integrate Somaliland’s academic institutions into Somalia’s framework. The concern is that these seemingly benign collaborations are part of a broader strategy to slowly dissolve Somaliland’s independent identity, making it easier for Mogadishu to claim administrative control over its institutions.

These developments indicate that some Somaliland officials have been covertly working with the so-called SomaliREN over which the Somalia Federal Government loomed. A few of the latest SomliREN operations on Somaliland soil include:

  1. In 2024, the Somalia Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education successfully implemented the HEMIS (Higher Education Management Information System), a modern program designed to streamline the governance of higher education institutions. Within just one year, 125 universities registered in the system, including 15 from Somaliland, highlighting a covert integration effort.
  2. On February 9, a two-day training session was completed in Burao, enhancing the technical skills of staff at the University of Burao, a SomaliREN member institution. The training covered advanced network management and key SomaliREN services such as Somali Research and Education Repository (SORER), SomaliREN Identity Federation (SIF), eduroam, EduVPN, and other digital infrastructures aligned with Somalia’s academic vision.
  3. On January 3, a modern education methods training session was conducted at Nugaal University in Las Anod, with over 60 instructors participating. The event was led by SomaliREN’s leadership and focused on improving teaching techniques, classroom behavior, and modern pedagogical approaches.
  4. On January 1, another training workshop on advanced teaching and higher education strategies was launched in Las Anod, hosted by Nugaal University—a SomaliREN-affiliated institution. The training was attended by more than 60 lecturers, reinforcing SomaliREN’s deepening influence within Somaliland’s academic circles.
  5. On February 11, a two-day workshop was held in Borama, engaging ICT units, computing faculty members, and librarians from Amoud University. The workshop covered Network Operations and SomaliREN Services, further integrating Somaliland’s academic infrastructure into the broader Somalia-led education framework. Notably, the event was officially opened by Prof. Hamud Barkhadle, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, signaling high-level participation in this controversial initiative.

These incremental steps raise red flags about a systematic effort to integrate Somaliland’s academic institutions into Somalia’s framework. The concern is that these seemingly benign collaborations are part of a broader strategy to slowly dissolve Somaliland’s independent identity, making it easier for Mogadishu to claim administrative control over its institutions.

Observers have pointed out that SomaliREN’s leadership election was conducted in a manner that seemingly crowned Dr. Sulub to implicitly validate its authority over Somaliland’s academic institutions. This maneuvering demonstrates how Somalia’s federal government continuously seeks to reassert influence over Somaliland, despite having no legal or political legitimacy to do so.

In Defense of Sovereignty

This latest incident highlights the need for a firm response from Somaliland’s government and academic institutions. There must be clear policies prohibiting Somaliland universities from participating in any forums that threaten the republic’s sovereignty. Institutions must uphold the values of independence and self-determination that Somalilanders have fought for over the past three decades.

Moreover, public awareness and activism are critical. Somaliland’s citizens must continue to hold leaders accountable and push for greater institutional discipline in safeguarding the nation’s interests. The government must take a firm stance against any attempts—overt or covert—to integrate Somaliland’s systems into Somalia’s collapsing administration.

The University of Hargeisa’s involvement in SomaliREN represents more than just an academic collaboration—it is a political misstep that risks undermining Somaliland’s long-standing struggle for international recognition. It is a reminder that vigilance and unity are essential in the face of ongoing attempts to reverse Somaliland’s independence.

The people of Somaliland have spoken, and their message is clear: the sovereignty of Somaliland is not up for negotiation, not even under the guise of academic cooperation.

At a time when Somalia is leaving no stone unturned to completely obliterate the ‘Somaliland’ name from the surface of the earth, it is not only inopportune but utterly foolhardy for Somalilanders to assist Somalians in any way to succeed in this gross flagrancy and obsession against everything ‘Somaliland’.

 

 

1...345...976Page 4 of 976
Facebook Instagram Twitter
© Somaliland Current 2020, All Rights Reserved | Designed by SomSite