In an exclusive sit-down with THE ADVOCATE POST by Abdul Rafay Afzal (Editor in Chief) during his Official Visit to Somaliland, Minister of Energy and Minerals, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, painted a compelling picture of a nation poised on the brink of an energy and mineral revolution. Minister Barre detailed significant progress in oil and gas exploration, vast untapped mineral wealth, ambitious renewable energy plans, and the strategic leveraging of resources to bolster Somaliland’s quest for international recognition.

Q: Minister Barre, significant oil discoveries were announced a few years ago. What is the status? When can Somalilanders expect drilling to begin?

Minister Barre: Indeed, we have made promising discoveries, and activity is accelerating. We have a robust legal framework in place, including the Petroleum Law, Model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), and supporting policies. Currently, we have two major international companies actively engaged: Genel Energy (UK) and RAK Gas (UAE).

• Genel Energy: They hold two blocks in the eastern region. They have completed extensive technical studies, including seismic surveys, which indicate significant potential for oil and gas. Security challenges in that area previously hindered exploration, but the government has successfully stabilized the region. We have a crucial meeting scheduled in UAE this June to finalize timelines for their exploration drilling program.
• RAK Gas: They operate a block near Berbera and have also completed positive technical studies confirming hydrocarbon potential. We are actively negotiating contract renewal terms and the commencement of their exploration drilling. A follow-up meeting is also planned for June.

While the companies’ internal projections might point towards 2027 for significant development, as the Government of Somaliland, we are pushing them hard to expedite their work programs. Our firm expectations and target are to see tangible progress, including drilling, commencing as early as next year (2026). We are actively negotiating these timelines.

Q: Beyond oil and gas, Somaliland is reported to be rich in minerals, particularly Lithium. What is the state of play there?

Minister Barre: Absolutely. Somaliland is exceptionally endowed with minerals. Lithium is a prime example, given its critical role in the global battery revolution. We actively issue licenses – including reconnaissance, small-scale mining, large-scale mining, and mineral processing licenses.

• Lithium Development: We have already granted a large-scale mining license to a Taiwanese company. They are currently at an advanced stage, moving from exploration towards production. We are in ongoing discussions with them, not only about establishing mining operations but also exploring the potential for them to establish a lithium battery manufacturing plant here in Somaliland. This would add immense value.
• Engagement with Taiwan & China: Taiwanese companies are present and investing. We see significant potential in deepening these partnerships, particularly in high-value sectors like battery manufacturing. While Chinese companies are also active investors in Somaliland, the Taiwanese engagement in critical minerals is notable. We are open to and encourage investment from both. We are not against China we are open for all because what we need is recognition.

Q: How does Somaliland leverage these economic partnerships, in its pursuit of international recognition?

Minister Barre: This is a crucial point. Somaliland fulfills all the Montevideo Convention criteria for statehood: a defined territory, permanent population, effective government, and capacity to enter foreign relations. We are a stable, democratic nation with peaceful transfers of power, as witnessed just six months ago.

Our partnerships, like the one with Taiwan – which includes an official representative office here in Hargeisa, investment, and development cooperation – are mutually beneficial. However, true friendship and alliance should extend beyond economics. We actively engage with all partners, including Taiwan, highlighting that Somaliland is a deserving candidate for formal diplomatic recognition. We point to the example of Pacific Island nations supporting Taiwan and ask why Somaliland, a significant partner investing in critical future industries, should not receive similar political support in return. Recognition is the key that unlocks Somaliland’s full potential for its people and its international partners.

Q: Beyond hydrocarbons and lithium, what about renewables? Somaliland seems ideal for solar and wind.

Minister Barre: You are right! We are blessed with abundant sunshine and strong, consistent winds – resources literally blowing outside our windows. Renewable energy is a cornerstone of our national energy strategy. We are actively courting and seeing significant interest from international investors in both solar and wind power projects. Harnessing these resources is essential for sustainable domestic power generation and reducing reliance on imports. The future of Somaliland’s energy mix is decidedly green.

Q: What are Somaliland’s current major exports?

Minister Barre: Currently, our primary exports are livestock (especially goats and camels) and gemstones. However, the future lies in significantly expanding this through the export of our mineral resources (like gold and soon, lithium) and, ultimately, oil and gas once production commences. We are a resource-rich nation.

Q: Are you engaging with US companies? What is your vision?

Minister Barre: Yes, we have significant interest from US entities, particularly concerning critical minerals. Discussions are ongoing with both companies and government representatives. The US is a key market and potential partner.

We are open for all to come visit us explore this untapped market we are minerals rich nation, full of potential, opportunities and we have something which is a blessing that is “PEACE”.

Q: Is Somaliland planning a major international investment conference for its natural resources?

Minister Barre: This is a priority. We are in the preparatory stages of organizing a major international mining and energy conference, very likely to be held in Dubai this Year. The goal is to comprehensively showcase Somaliland’s vast investment opportunities across oil, gas, minerals (including critical minerals like lithium), and renewables to a global audience. We are building the necessary databases and ensuring compliance frameworks are robust first. This conference will be a landmark event for attracting the best partners.

Q: As Somaliland celebrated Restoration Anniversary (May 18th), what is your message to the Somalilanders and the world?

Minister Barre: To the Somalilanders: Somaliland is your beacon of stability, democracy, and progress in the Horn of Africa. We have built this nation from the ground up through sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peace and the rule of law. Our future is bright, rooted in our rich resources and the determination of our people.

To the World: Look at Somaliland objectively. See the functioning democracy, the undeniable stability, the peaceful transitions of power, and the immense untapped economic potential. We are not seeking charity; we are seeking partnership and recognition based on facts and achievements. Somaliland is investment-friendly, resource-rich, stable, and democratic. We are ready to engage as an equal partner. The time for international recognition is now.

https://theadvocatepost.org/blog/2025/06/06/exclusive-interview-of-h-e-eng-ahmed-jama-barre-minster-of-energy-and-minerals-somaliland-by-abdul-rafay-afzal/

The country is a successful democracy that has reasserted its independence, and is pursuing peace and security, says Alun Michael

Give that Somaliland is such a beacon of democracy in Africa, your article seems to be unduly negative about the prospect of its recognition, saying that this will “infuriate” Somalia.

The former British Somaliland was given its independence in 1960 and chose to join with the former Italian Somaliland to form Somalia, while the former French Somaliland wisely chose to sit it out as Djibouti. Its reward, during the rule of the dictator Siad Barre, was death and destruction in the “hidden war”, a period when many were resettled to Britain (particularly Cardiff, where the first Somalis had arrived in the 1850s) from refugee camps, mainly in Ethiopia.

It is now 34 years since Somalilanders pushed back Barre’s army and reasserted its independence. Since then, we have seen several peaceful transitions from one president and party to another following elections.

In 2007, I led a UK parliamentary delegation, supported by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, to Somaliland and we also visited the African Union in Addis Ababa to ask why it had not yet recognised Somaliland. The answer was that an internal report recommending recognition was gathering dust because some of its members feared that recognition might encourage breakaway provinces in other countries. But Somaliland is not a breakaway province – it’s a nation that reasserted its independence and has shown a capacity for building its own democratic institutions, pursuing peace and security, and fostering economic growth.

In a significant step toward supporting reintegration and economic empowerment, the Somaliland Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), distributed financial grants to 56 young Somalilanders on Tuesday 3^rd June, 2025. These individuals were recently repatriated from North African countries after attempting dangerous illegal migration journeys.

The grant handover ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Hargeisa, was attended by key figures, including the Ministry’s Director General, Mukhtaar Cabdi Jaamac, Deputy Minister Cabdiraxmaan Shide Bille, and representatives from both the Ministry and IOM. The grants are designed to help the recipients establish small businesses, fostering self-reliance and economic growth within their communities.

During the event, officials urged the youth to approach their ventures with dedication and to strategically utilize the financial support to achieve sustainable outcomes. “This is an opportunity for you to rebuild your lives and contribute to Somaliland’s development,” said Director General Mukhtaar Cabdi Jaamac. Deputy Minister Bille emphasized the importance of responsible use of the funds, noting that the Ministry will closely monitor the beneficiaries to ensure the grants are invested in their proposed business initiatives.

The initiative reflects Somaliland’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by returnees and preventing further risky migration attempts. The Ministry and IOM reaffirmed their collaboration to provide ongoing support, ensuring these young individuals can reintegrate successfully and contribute to the nation’s progress.

For further information, contact the Somaliland Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs or the IOM office in Hargeisa.

The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland lauded and commended the President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro’s efforts to strengthen Somaliland’s international cooperation and enhance its strategic position in the region.

This was noted in the 22nd Session of the members of the cabinet meeting chaired by the President soon after arrival in the country, while flanked by the Vice President H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, was held on Tuesday evening at the Somaliland Presidential Palace.

The agenda discussed at the 22nd Session of the Council of Ministers consisted of three items:

1. Report on the Security Situation in the Country,
2. Report on the Economic Situation in the Country,
3. Report on the Visit of the President of the Republic of Somaliland to Kenya.

(1) National Security:

The Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Security gave the session a general report on the country’s security situation, noting that overall the country’s security is stable and there are no conflicts or tensions in all regions of the country; except for daily normal petty criminal acts that occur in society and traffic accidents.

(2) Economy:

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development gave briefs on general report on the country’s economic situation and the progress of collecting taxes in the country, especially the GST.

The Minister said that from 01.07.2025, all telecommunications companies in the country will implement the GST tax that is due to them to be paid directly to the country’s Treasury system.

The Minister also informed the Council that the National Economic Development Committee (consisting of Members of the Cabinet and the Governor of the Bank of Somaliland) will submit to the Council of Ministers by the end of June a feasibility study on the most appropriate methods to develop the economy.

(3) President’s Kenyan trip:

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, gave a report to the Council of Ministers on his travels to Kenya.

The President gave a general briefing on the most important outcomes of the Nairobi trip, stressing the importance of strengthening and enhancing the cooperative, economic and diplomatic relations that Somaliland has with countries in the region.

He said that during the period he and his delegation were in Kenya, they had made great strides. Kenya is a country that is politically and economically self guided in the Horn of Africa.

The President said that he had met with the President of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. William Ruto, who leads a broad-based government. Similarly, the President met with the popular Kenyan politician, Mr. Raila Odinga, as his party is part of the coalition government currently ruling Kenya.

The President and his delegation also met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Kenya, Mr. Moses Masika Wetangula, and some members of Parliament, discussing many issues of importance to the Somaliland nation.

He specifically pointed out that the trip to Nairobi managed to get valuable friends who are ready to work with the nation on the cause of Somaliland.

In conclusion, the cabinet commended the President’s efforts to strengthen Somaliland’s international cooperation and enhance its strategic position in the region.

The visit to Kenya marks important steps in Somaliland’s pursuit of regional cooperation, economic growth, and diplomatic recognition.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (centre), Public Law Professor PLO Lumumba(left) and Somaliland Ambassador to Kenya Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamoud at KICC in Nairobi. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Irro, has urged the international community to recognise Somaliland’s sovereignty, saying the self-declared republic operates as a stable democratic state.

He made the appeal on Saturday during a meeting with the Somaliland Community in Kenya at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

Somaliland is not just an aspiration, but a functioning reality,” said Abdullahi, adding, “We are a nation forged not through external imposition but through the collective will of our people.”

His remarks came days after a meeting with President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi, which raised questions about Kenya’s position on Somaliland.

Abdullahi’s spokesperson, Hussein Aden Igeh, shared an image of the two leaders on X and said the meeting took place on the same day Somaliland opened a liaison office in Nairobi.