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Somaliland: The EU Delivers a Valuable Stock of Law Books to the HoR

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

In a significant boost to Somaliland’s legislative framework, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honorable Saed Mire Farah ‘Giirre’, presided over a formal handover of law books provided by the Max Planck Foundation (MPF) at the House of Representatives’ Library. This initiative, fully funded by the European Commission, marks another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between MPF and Somaliland’s legislative institutions.

The books, procured through an EU-funded initiative and facilitated by MPF, were formally presented at the HoR Library in the presence of key figures from both houses of the Somaliland bicameral legislature.

MPF’s partnership with Somaliland’s Parliament has been ongoing for nearly four years, focusing on legislative reforms and procedural enhancements. The foundation’s engagement began with a thorough needs assessment of the House of Representatives, which led to the formulation of a support program financed by the European Union.

Jan Schmidt, the Head of MPF’s Somaliland/Somalia Project, highlighted the remarkable progress made over the years. He recalled the initial visit to the parliamentary library and emphasized the importance of knowledge repositories for lawmakers. Through this collaboration, MPF has facilitated the procurement of critical legal literature, helping to strengthen the foundation of Somaliland’s legislative processes.

“We sincerely hope that this new legal literature will aid members of parliament in shaping Somaliland’s legal framework more effectively, ensuring long-term benefits for the nation’s governance,” said Schmidt during the ceremony. He also expressed MPF’s commitment to sustaining and expanding this initiative in the future.

MPF’s assistance extends beyond book donations. Under this EU-funded project, the foundation has provided technical legal support, comparative legal research for parliamentary committees, and essential translations of legal documents. Other key contributions include:

  • The development of a comprehensive legal glossary.
  • A legislative drafting manual to streamline lawmaking processes.
  • A series of twelve capacity-building workshops for members of parliament.
  • Training of Trainers (ToT) programs to create sustainable internal expertise.
  • Stakeholder consultations to refine legislative procedures.

Hon. Saed Mire Farah, in his address, conveyed his deep appreciation for MPF’s efforts, recognizing the pivotal role the foundation has played in elevating Somaliland’s legislative standards. He emphasized the need to complete the Joint Rules of Procedure to enhance cooperation between the House of Representatives and the House of Elders, further solidifying the country’s parliamentary efficiency.

The partnership between MPF and Somaliland’s Parliament, with the unwavering backing of the European Union, is a testament to the power of international cooperation in state-building efforts. As Somaliland continues to refine its legal and parliamentary structures, sustained engagement from partners like MPF will remain crucial.

With commitments from both MPF and the European Union to continue this work, Somaliland’s lawmakers are better equipped to navigate the complexities of governance, ensuring a more robust, transparent, and accountable legislative process for years to come.

The handover ceremony was attended by key figures from both the House of Representatives and the House of Elders, including the EU Somaliland Head of Office, Adnan Suleiman, the House Deputy Secretary-General, Jamal Jama Hassan, Department Directors, and the House Advisor on Development Partnerships and Intra-Parliamentary Relations, Prof. Hassan Heiss. The event underscored the commitment of international partners to enhancing Somaliland’s legal and parliamentary capacities.

Lawyers Ibrahim Jama and Guled Jama of the Somaliland MPF office were also present alongside Dr. MOhamoud Hussein, Nina, and Abdikadir Osman of the MPF Head and regional offices, present, also contributed much to the success of the stocking of the HoR Library.Somtribune

Dahabshiil Group Honoured with Corporate Social Responsibility award

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

The Dahabshiil Group of Companies was honored with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) award at the Somaliland Achievement Awards 2025, in recognition of its significant role in advancing education and supporting community development projects in all Somali speaking regions.

Dahabshiil Group has over the years relentlessly been committed to supporting and fostering societal progress, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, job creation and creating investment opportunities for youth.

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Taiwan’s $22 Million Grant for a New State of Art Hospital in Somaliland

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare services in Somaliland, Taiwan has officially pledged nearly 22 million USD in grant funding for the design, construction, and equipping of the Taiwan Medical Center at Hargeisa Group Hospital. This monumental project will not only boost Somaliland’s healthcare infrastructure but also deepen the growing cooperation between the two nations.

The Taiwan Medical Center, once completed in three years, will be a two-story facility housing 97 beds, bringing the hospital’s total capacity to nearly 600 beds. The Center will feature cutting-edge medical equipment and essential services that promise to improve the health and well-being of the people of Somaliland. This milestone is a testament to Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to share its expertise and support global healthcare development, as Ambassador Allen Chenhwa LOU of the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland noted.

Healthcare is a key pillar of Taiwan’s international outreach. According to the 2023 Health Care Index from Numbeo, Taiwan’s healthcare system has been ranked as the world’s best for five consecutive years, a testament to its excellence. By extending this expertise to Somaliland, Taiwan is fostering mutual growth and understanding, based on the principles of equality and friendship.

The vision for the Taiwan Medical Center in Somaliland began under the leadership of Taiwan’s current President, William Lai Ching-te, and was supported by prominent Taiwanese officials including former Foreign Minister Dr. Joseph Wu. Ambassador Lou, echoing President Lai’s words, emphasized that “With every step forward that Taiwan takes, the world takes a step forward with us.” This project is one such step that symbolizes the deepening ties between Taiwan and Somaliland.

Beyond healthcare, Taiwan’s collaboration with Somaliland spans various sectors, including education, agriculture, ICT, security, and humanitarian aid. However, healthcare has emerged as a flagship of this relationship, with notable accomplishments such as the digitalization of hospital services in Hargeisa, Boroma, Brauo, and Berbera, and the donation of ambulances to improve medical mobility.

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Somaliland: Conference on Strengthening Maritime Security held in Hargeisa

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa -The conference held in Hargeisa marks a significant step in addressing the critical issue of maritime security in the Republic of Somaliland.

The event brought together key stakeholders from various ministries and agencies to discuss and strategize on enhancing cooperation to tackle the challenges facing Somaliland’s waters.

Key Points from the Conference:

  1. Threats to Maritime Security:

– Piracy: Despite Somaliland’s waters being relatively free from piracy, the threat remains a concern.
– Illegal Fishing: Unauthorized fishing activities deplete marine resources and harm local livelihoods.
– Hazardous Waste Dumping: The illegal disposal of toxic materials poses severe environmental and health risks.

  1. Importance of Coordination:

– Inter-Ministerial Collaboration: The need for coordinated efforts among ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Fisheries, and Interior was emphasized to ensure comprehensive maritime security.
– Stakeholder Engagement: The conference aimed to foster collaboration among all stakeholders involved in maritime security.

  1. Maritime Resources as National Assets:

– Economic Value: The maritime environment is not just a part of the global ocean but a crucial national asset that supports trade, fisheries, and overall economic stability.
– Environmental Protection: Protecting the maritime environment is essential for sustaining these resources for future generations.

  1. International Reputation:

– Piracy-Free Waters: Somaliland’s success in maintaining piracy-free waters has bolstered its international standing, particularly in the context of the security of the Gulf of Aden.
– Livelihoods and Trade: The sea is increasingly vital for the livelihoods of the population, including trade and economic activities.

Mr. Abiib Ahmed Hersi , the Deputy Director, Maritime Security Coordination Office, highlighted the various threats to Somaliland’s waters and the necessity of collaborative efforts to address these challenges.

Hon. Ali Jama Bureed, the Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Development, stressed the importance of inter-ministerial coordination to safeguard maritime security.

Mr. Ahmed Yusuf Dirir, the Auditor-General emphasized the national importance of maritime resources and the collective responsibility to protect them.

Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Aden (Bakaal), the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, acknowledged the role of the Maritime Security Office in organizing the conference and highlighted the economic and security significance of Somaliland’s waters.

The conference underscored the critical need for a unified approach to maritime security in Somaliland. By addressing threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and hazardous waste dumping, and by recognizing the economic and environmental value of maritime resources,

Somaliland aims to enhance its maritime security and sustain its positive international reputation. The collaborative efforts discussed at the conference are expected to lead to more effective strategies and policies to protect and utilize Somaliland’s maritime environment responsibly.

Somaliland: Military Court Sentences a Civilian to Death for the murder of Policeman in Gabiley

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Gabiley -The First Degree Military Court of Somaliland yesterday sentenced Mr. Saalax Isaaq to death after he was found guilty of killing Officer Buux Mawliid Ismaiil earlier this month in the city of Gabiley.

Additionally, the court handed down varying prison sentences ranging from 4 to 13 years to four individuals found guilty of involvement in the murder. Two other defendants were acquitted and released.

The court issued the following sentences:

  1. Shibil Saalax Isaaq Muxumed, 25 years old, was sentenced to death.
  2. Qaran Abdilqadir Maxamed Yuusuf, 25 years old, a soldier who aided the primary defendant in the murder, was sentenced to 13 years in military prison.
  3. Barkhad Mohamed Haji Barkhad, 20 years old, a Bajaj driver who assisted the primary defendant, was sentenced to 10 years in prison due to his lack of prior knowledge of the crime.
  4. Isaaq Mohamed Hussain, 50 years old, was acquitted and released after the prosecution failed to prove his involvement in the murder or any connection to the primary defendant. The court ruled that his prior confession, which he retracted, could not be used against him.
  5. Khubeyd Ahmed Muxumed, 23 years old, was sentenced to 8 years in military prison for aiding in the murder.
  6. Anwar Isaaq Muxumed, 20 years old, was sentenced to 4 years in military prison for sending money to his brother (the primary defendant).
  7. Mustafa Hussain Adan, 25 years old, the owner of the Bajaj, was acquitted and released after the court found no evidence linking him to the crime.

Those dissatisfied with the verdict can appeal.

The murdered officer, a member of Somaliland’s Road Safety Forces, was killed by the primary defendant, a Bajaj driver, following an argument.

In a separate case, the military court also sentenced a soldier to death for killing a police Major in Hargeisa, while another individual(accomplice)involved in the murder was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The military court had previously announced that any soldier who kills another soldier or individual would be immediately sentenced to death, with no exceptions.

President Abdirahman Irro in consultative tête-à-tête with 3rd President Rayaale

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro received in his office at the Presidential Palace the 3rd President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Dahir Rayaale Kahin.

The meeting exuded mutual respect, goodwill and openness, as the duo were immersed in consultative tête-à-tête that discussed extensively the developmental progress of the Republic of Somaliland in terms of peace, stability, economic development, governance and democracy.

The Head of State expressed his gratitude to the celebrated and highly respected 3rd President H.E. Dahir Rayaale Kahin, for his unforgettable pivotal role he played in bolstering formidable institutional governance and establishing the pioneering electoral process that the country is cherishing and currently enjoying, in terms of security, development and democracy.

According to a press release by the Presidential Spokesman Hussein Deyr, the meeting between the two Presidents is a testament to the collaboration on issues that are of priority for the future of the Somaliland nation and the unity of our people.

The consultative meeting between the two Presidents underscores how the leaders of the Republic of Somaliland, past and present, have always been committed to building a prosperous and inclusive nation, while respecting and learning from the legacy left by the previous leadership of the nation.

Somaliland: VP embarks on Erigavo, Sanaag region peace–building tour

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, and a large delegation he leads has reached Erigavo, Sanaag region on Monday evening.

The VP who is on a significant mission to the eastern parts of the country underscored the fact that pacification and the nationalization of civilian militia were top in his priorities.

From the time since the President H.E. Abdirahman Irro was in his Presidential campaigns, during his main speech and several times thereafter, he has always maintained that he would address any and all politically conflicting issues within the nation through peaceful means such as dialogue.

It is to this context that the VP is visiting the region as he personally explained as he was received in Erigavo.

Upon his reception, the VP gave an in-depth account of the purpose of their visit, describing it as a mission of working together for the fostering, maintenance and bolstering of peaceful stability, unity, cohesion and tranquility.

He also pointed out that nationalization of the rag-tag civilian militia was on agenda, an issue whose process was expressed before by the Head of State himself.

Notable in the VP’s entourage included the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Transport, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Investment, the Commander of the National Army and several members of the parliament.

The delegation was welcomed in all the major areas and regions he travelled through on the way to Erigavo, notably at Burao and Elfweyne.

The Governor of Sanaag Region and the Deputy Mayor of Erigavo welcomed the delegation to the Erigavo city.

The resident elders and intellectuals of Sanaag Region who welcomed the delegation said that they would cooperate with the delegation unconditionally in their mission and activities in the region.

The Somaliland Minister of Defense, event emphasized the fact that the new WADDANI administration dubbed “Togetherness and Action” is ready to listen to its peoples and work with them on pertinent issues of community development.

It is worth noting that to underscore the government’s commitment to the peace cause, the President had formed a national peace commission whose committee is charged with the task and mission of working, in togetherness, towards the fostering, maintenance and bolstering peaceful stability, unity, cohesion and tranquility within the nation.

Time and again, the Head of State has repeatedly called for unconditional peaceful dialogues to address potential political volatility that abounds.

It is thus the nation’s hope that the efforts towards this cause of action would be supported to the hilt by Somalilanders as a whole.

Somaliland: President opens 4th National Conference on Labour Summit

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro officially opened the 4th National Conference on Employers and Job Creation organized by the Ministry of Labor, Family and Social Affairs.

It was attended by stakeholders and line institutions, both public and private.

The President delivered a very valuable and multifaceted speech on the occasion, discussing the great burden of the challenges that the nation is facing given the prevalent unemployment rate.

He opened the conference immediately after returning from a hectic tour to the western parts of the country where he had gone to initiate various landmark and monumental infrastructural projects.

The President further observed that “even the small number of people who are currently employed have their income not able to cover their needs hence the job security is not guaranteed”.

The Head of Stated noted that the generation of the youth is about 70% and that the problem of unemployment only compounds on vices and threatens public security and safety.

Saying that it not only endangers the lives of young people by encouraging emigration/migration, he pointed out that rampant unemployment promotes drug addictions and indulging in vices.

He underscored, “These issues are a reality that this conference must be part of solving today.”

He stated that his administration is bent on finding the solutions in addressing the unemployment issue.

He mentioned non-skillful education curricula as part of the catalysts to unemployment.

The President said that the education system should incorporate polytechnic skills into the curricula such that students may be armed with skills that are needed in the job market.

He lamented that foreigners are sought after to cover for the discrepancy of the country’s specialized technical skills.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland also spoke about the obligation of the nation and the people to ensure equal employment opportunities for boys and girls in Somaliland, and said:

“We cannot talk about progress if we do not find a solution to the inequality of employment between our boys and girls. Women and men in the Republic of Somaliland are numerically close to each other, and justifiably, the government will implement a system that creates equal employment opportunities for girls and boys. We expect the same from businesses and non-governmental organizations.”

He directed the Ministry of Labor to review the country’s wage system to ensure that there is no wage gap between women and men with the same job and qualifications.

He said, “Government and private institutions, especially businesses, are obliged not to discriminate against people seeking employment based on their specific location and needs, if they can do the job and have equal job opportunities with other citizens, we will pay special attention to this as a go

Why Somaliland’s Independence Deserves Recognition

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

In the Horn of Africa—long synonymous with instability—one region has defied expectations. Somaliland, a self-governing state since 1991, remains unrecognized by the international community. This is not an accident. It is an injustice.

The world continues to allow Somalia, a nation that committed genocide against Somalilanders, to represent them on the global stage. Worse still, Somaliland is penalized for its success while its former oppressor enjoys diplomatic legitimacy.

It is time to correct this historical wrong. It is time to recognize Somaliland’s independence.

A Nation That Survived Genocide

Between 1987 and 1989, the Siad Barre regime waged a brutal campaign against the people of Somaliland, particularly in the capital, Hargeisa. According to reports by Africa Watch and Human Rights Watch, more than 50,000 people were killed. Some estimates place the death toll at over 100,000. The Somali government orchestrated aerial bombardments, mass executions, and systematic persecution in an attempt to annihilate the Isaaq clan—the backbone of Somaliland society. This was not mere repression; it was genocide.

And yet, today, Somalia still claims sovereignty over Somaliland.

By refusing to recognize Somaliland’s independence, the international community forces its people to accept representation by a state that once sought to destroy them. Would the world have accepted Nazi Germany speaking for Poland after World War II? Would Rwanda have been asked to let génocidaires represent them? The status quo is a moral absurdity.

Why Should Somalia Represent Somalilanders?

Somalia ranks among the most fragile states on earth, topping the 2024 Fragile States Index. For more than three decades, it has been plagued by civil war, insurgency, piracy, and political dysfunction. Somaliland, by contrast, has built a functioning democracy with regular elections, a stable government, and no significant internal conflict.

Yet at the United Nations, the African Union, and other global forums, Somalia is allowed to speak on behalf of Somalilanders. If the people of Somaliland overwhelmingly reject Somali rule, why should Mogadishu be allowed to claim them?

Somaliland has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to independence. In a 2001 referendum, 97% of voters supported sovereignty, a result validated by independent observers. If democracy means anything, their voices should matter.

Self-Determination is a Fundamental Right

The right to self-determination is enshrined in international law. The United Nations Charter explicitly recognizes the right of people to determine their political status.

Somaliland, which voluntarily united with Somalia in 1960 before breaking away in the wake of genocide, has every legal and moral right to govern itself. Opponents argue that recognizing Somaliland would encourage a wave of separatism across Africa. This fear-based reasoning ignores two key facts: Somaliland is not a newly formed state. It was a British protectorate that gained independence in 1960 before mistakenly choosing to unite with Somalia. Also, recognizing Somaliland would not set a dangerous precedent—it would affirm the right of a historically distinct, democratically governed state to self-rule.

To withhold recognition from Somaliland is to punish success. If stability, democracy, and economic progress disqualify a nation from independence, what incentive remains for good governance?

The Cost of Delay

Somalia is wholly dependent on foreign aid, lacks effective governance, and struggles with terrorism. Somaliland, meanwhile, is self-sufficient, democratically governed, and home to the emerging port city of Berbera—a vital regional trading hub.

And it has achieved all of this without international recognition. Imagine what could be accomplished with full diplomatic legitimacy and access to global financial institutions.

But the longer recognition is delayed, the steeper the cost. Without official status, Somaliland is excluded from international development funding, trade agreements, and security partnerships. Its potential is stifled—not by internal failures but by the global community’s reluctance to act.

Why is the World Ignoring Somaliland?

Many nations fear that recognizing Somaliland would provoke Somalia or disrupt Africa’s colonial-era borders. But fear is a poor justification for injustice.

Once, European powers claimed that granting independence to African nations would lead to chaos. That argument, too, was rooted in self-interest rather than principle. Today, the refusal to recognize Somaliland follows the same flawed logic.

If the world values democracy, stability, and justice, it must acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty. Otherwise, it rewards a failed state—Somalia—while punishing Somaliland for its remarkable success.

The time to recognize Somaliland is now.

Swapnarka Arnan

Swapnarka Arnan is a Freelance Journalist based in France. He covers issues related to Political, Economic, and Indigenous affairs with a focus on Asia. His work has been published by numerous renowned outlets such as The Diplomat, Madras Courier, and more. He is currently a student at the prestigious SciencesPo Paris where he is studying Politics. He also serves in the Editorial team of the Pacific Post, a campus newspaper at SciencesPo.

Somaliland: President Abdirahman Irro lays foundation stone for the construction of long-awaited Boorama airport

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, who is on a working trip to fulfill the promises he made to the Awdal community during the presidential campaigns, laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Boorama airport on Friday.

The pledge on the construction of the airport was central to his campaign major promises.

The President also inaugurated a major tarmac-ked road that was built in the centre of the town that would ease the traffic flow within the city.

This happens a day after he launched the construction of the upgrading of the Boorama-Baki road, a project that had been in the hearts of the area residents given how crucial its completion would positively impact on the regional economic development.

Both projects have been long-awaited by the Awdal residents.

The President was accompanied by the Chairman of the WADDANI Party, Mr. Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, the 2nd Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives, some members of the cabinet, regional and district administrative leaders, and various traditional leaders as they attended the ceremony held to lay the foundation stone for the construction of the Boorama airport.

According to the Presidential spokesman Hussein Adam Ige, speeches were made at the ceremony, highlighting the commitment of the WADDANI “Togetherness and Action” administration to implement all the activities that the President promised the community during the campaign.

The leaders of the Awdal region and the Boorama district, who spoke at the event, called on the people of Boorama to support the government in the extensive activities that it is carrying out in the region.

They sent a special message to the people living in the area of the Boorama airport in public interest to vacate the perimeter fence of the airport as per regulations.

Similar appeal was made by the President himself a day earlier.

The President has directed that the squatters at the perimeter fence of the public land should be given alternative lands and those with permanent structures have to be reimbursed after evaluations are made.

The Minister of Aviation and Airport Development of Somaliland, Hon. Fuad Ahmed Nouh, elaborated on the form the airport will take and the structural contents it will contain. He said that they would ensure the implementation of the airport project.

The Head of State emphasized that he would see to it that the construction would be implemented to the conclusion of the Boorama airport.

He called upon the residents of the region to support the construction of the airport and other developments in the region that are being implemented.

 

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