By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa-Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir, and Abdikadir Mohamed, Managing Director of the Institute for Strategic Insights and Research (ISIR), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Hargeisa. This agreement marks a new chapter in bilateral collaboration aimed at advancing Somaliland’s diplomatic and economic interests.

The signing ceremony, adorned with Somaliland’s national symbols, formalizes a partnership leveraging ISIR’s expertise to enhance Somaliland’s global standing. Building on Somaliland’s international outreach, the MOU will strengthen the nation’s strategic positioning through research-driven solutions.

ISIR—Hargeisa-based think tank founded in 2018—employs over 50 experts specializing in economics, political analysis, and security. With global partnerships spanning universities and international organizations, ISIR has published more than 100 research papers on critical issues including regional trade and conflict resolution. The institute also pioneers initiatives to digitize Somaliland’s trade infrastructure.

This collaboration is poised to bolster trade resilience along key shipping routes, countering disruptions such as recent Houthi activities in the Red Sea. By unifying diplomatic narratives and prioritizing institutional development, the partnership is expected to attract significant investment, generate thousands of jobs, and advance regional stability through evidence-based research.

The MOU signals a transformative step toward prosperity for Somaliland and the Horn of Africa.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

‎Hargeisa, 05 July 2025 – An important meeting was held today at the headquarters of the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), bringing together representatives from independent media outlets in Somaliland and SOLJA’s senior leadership. The meeting focused on discussions initiated by the independent media regarding various pressures they face from the government, issues significantly impacting press freedom and the work of journalists.

‎A formal memorandum submitted by the media to SOLJA contained detailed legal complaints, highlighting violations of the Constitution and other laws of the country. The memorandum listed the following key points:

‎Complaints from the Independent Media:

‎Unlawful Detention of Journalists: During the current government’s term, 16 journalists have been detained, while others have fled the country. These detentions occur in a manner inconsistent with the country’s laws.

‎Blocking Media Access to Press Conference Venues The media is being prevented from conducting interviews and programs in hotels. Government orders imposing these restrictions constitute a complete violation of freedom of commerce and freedom of expression.

‎Obstruction in Accessing Government Information & Data. The media does not receive the information it needs from government ministries and agencies. Government departments have been closed off to them, and the President’s pledge to provide journalists with necessary information has been abandoned.

‎Harassment and Attacks Against Journalists: Phone threats targeting journalists are increasing, restricting press freedom and freedom of opinion.

‎Violations Against the Media: Other violations directly perpetrated by the government include infringements on the rights to organize, distribute, access, and disseminate news. Notably, journalist Yaasir Axmed Cabdilaahi was detained for gathering and publishing true information.

‎SOLJA listened attentively to the media’s discussions and pledged to:

‎* Defend the rights of journalists.

‎* Intensify efforts to uphold the Constitution and freedom of expression.

‎* Vigorously engage with government institutions to find swift solutions to the existing complaints.

‎The Association urgently calls upon the President and the security agencies to resolve these complaints promptly to strengthen democracy and freedom of expression in Somaliland

By Goth Mohamed Goth

In a significant step toward improving regional connectivity, the Somaliland Road Development Agency has begun laying asphalt for the first ten-kilometer section of the long-awaited Balligubadle-Hargeisa road. The milestone was marked by a ceremony attended by government ministers and agency officials, signaling a strong commitment to infrastructure development.

This newly paved section connects Gunburaha district to Magaalo Xaali, addressing one of the route’s most challenging segments. Officials from the Somaliland Road Development Agency and the Ministry of Transport and Road Development stated that the project, utilizing high-quality “Rooga” asphalt, is expected to enhance transportation efficiency and safety.

The development follows President Muse Bihi Abdi’s recent groundbreaking ceremony and fulfills a decades-long promise made by successive Somaliland administrations. The road is anticipated to boost economic activity and improve access for communities in the Hawd region, who have expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress.

“The government’s dedication to unity and action is evident in this transformative project,” stated Minister of Transport Hon. Osman. Local residents echoed this sentiment, celebrating the road as a vital link for trade and travel.

The Balligubadle-Hargeisa road project is part of Somaliland’s broader infrastructure modernization efforts. Officials have pledged to complete the remaining sections in a timely manner, with further updates expected as construction continues.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro today welcomed a high-level delegation led by the European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, Ambassador Annette Weber, at the Presidential Palace.

This meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and partnership between the Republic of Somaliland and the European Union (EU).

Firstly, the President of the Republic of Somaliland thanked the Special Representative and her delegation for their historic visit to Somaliland. Similarly, the President expressed gratitude for the development support and assistance provided by the European Union to Somaliland, particularly in the areas of Governance and State Institution Building, economic sectors, education, water, food security, strengthening democratic processes, the Environment, and Climate Change.

During the meeting, President Bihi assured EU Special Representative Annette Weber of the unwavering commitment of the Somaliland government to maintaining peace, stability, and the democratic system in the Horn of Africa region.

The President informed the EU representative that his government prioritizes strengthening peace and peaceful coexistence among all the people of Somaliland. He highlighted the tangible achievements his new government has made during its short time in office, such as the unconditional expansion of the peace zone in the eastern Sool region, the resolution of conflicts in the Sanaag region, and the demobilization of over 6,000 militia members along with their weapons and vehicles – a task accomplished without external assistance to Somaliland.

Furthermore, the President clearly outlined the crucial security and strategic role the Republic of Somaliland plays in safeguarding the security of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. He emphasized that Somaliland is a country bordering this maritime zone with a coastline exceeding 800 km, making its role indispensable and impossible to overlook.

For her part, the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, Ambassador Annette Weber, thanked the President of the Republic of Somaliland for the warm reception and his significant time during her historic visit to Somaliland. She commended President Bihi for his statesmanship and wise leadership, noting that Somaliland stands out as a beacon of stability in a region otherwise marked by conflict and instability.