HARGEISA, Somaliland – The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Somaliland and Chairman of the Judicial Council, Advocate Aden Haji Ali Ahmed, has expressed profound gratitude to the Organizing Committee of the Somaliland Judiciary Institutions Conference, which is set to officially open tomorrow, Sunday, June 28, 2026.
The two-day conference, running through June 29, 2026, brings together key judicial stakeholders to assess the state of the nation’s legal framework.
The Organizing Committee, appointed on June 18, 2026, has undertaken extensive preparatory work in a short period, holding broad consultations with diverse actors across the country’s judicial institutions. Their efforts focused on ensuring the conference is conducted in the most effective and progressive manner possible.
During these preliminary engagements, the Committee facilitated discussions around three core agenda items:
Achievements – The milestones and successes the judiciary has attained.
Challenges – The obstacles currently impeding judicial effectiveness.
Solutions – The necessary reforms and measures required to address these issues.
In his address, Chief Justice Aden Haji Ali Ahmed officially announced the conference’s opening to the public, extending his appreciation to all individuals and parties who contributed to the planning and execution of the event.
“The judiciary is the cornerstone of peace and statehood for the Republic of Somaliland,” the Chief Justice stated. He further prayed for the conference to proceed with efficiency and success, expressing hope that it would yield meaningful outcomes that strengthen the nation’s judicial system.
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
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‎Hargeisa – The Chairman of the WADDANI party, Mr. Hersi Cali Haji Hassan, has strongly praised the government for delivering on the pledges it made to the public, stating that the administration’s progress brings great satisfaction to his party while ensuring citizens receive the services they have long anticipated.
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‎In a statement addressing recent developments, Chairman Hersi specifically highlighted the government’s infrastructure achievements as tangible proof of its commitment. “The fact that the government has built eight stadiums so far stands as clear evidence that it is firmly on the path towards fulfilling the promises it made to the community,” he remarked.
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‎The Chairman further expressed the party’s contentment with the current administration’s performance, emphasizing the mutual benefits of these accomplishments. “For us as a political party, it is a source of great joy that our government has followed through on its commitments,” Hersi stated. “The people are finally receiving what they expected from us, and the nation is advancing step by step towards development.”
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‎Mr. Hersi commendation underscores the ruling party’s confidence in the government’s developmental agenda, particularly its focus on large-scale infrastructure projects as a cornerstone for national progress. His remarks reaffirm the administration’s dedication to its manifesto, much to the approval of both party officials and the broader populace.
HARGEISA, Somaliland – The 2025/2026 national school certificate examinations officially commenced across Somaliland on Saturday morning, with tens of thousands of students turning out at testing centers in every region and district of the country.
A total of 42,293 candidates are participating in this year’s examination cycle, which marks a critical milestone in the academic calendar and serves as a gateway for students advancing through the education system.
The exams were formally inaugurated by the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), who underscored the government’s commitment to educational development and urged students to approach the assessments with diligence and honesty.
Candidate Breakdown by Education Level
The student cohort is distributed across two key academic tiers:
· 26,148 students enrolled in primary and intermediate schools
· 16,145 students enrolled in secondary (high) schools
This year’s candidate pool reflects the continued expansion of educational access across the territory, with participation spanning urban centers and remote rural communities alike.
Nationwide Coordination and Security Measures
The examinations are being administered simultaneously across all administrative regions, with testing venues established in major cities including Hargeisa, Burao, Berbera, and Erigavo, as well as in smaller district towns. The Ministry of Education has deployed thousands of invigilators, supervisors, and support staff to ensure the integrity and smooth operation of the process.
Enhanced security protocols have been implemented at all examination centers to prevent malpractice, while logistical teams have worked extensively to deliver examination materials to even the most isolated locations, ensuring equitable access for every registered student.
Presidential Address and National Commitment
In his opening remarks, President Cirro reaffirmed that education remains a top priority for his administration. He called on students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the academic year and to uphold the values of honesty and discipline throughout the examination period.
“We are investing in the future of our nation through our children,” the President stated. “These examinations are not merely an academic requirement—they are a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people and our educators.”
The Ministry of Education has also confirmed that contingency plans are in place to accommodate any unforeseen disruptions, including adverse weather or logistical challenges.
Results and Next Steps
The examination series will continue over the coming days, covering a comprehensive syllabus across core subjects including mathematics, sciences, languages, and social studies. Following the conclusion of the written tests, answer scripts will be collected and forwarded to centralized grading centers for assessment.
Preliminary results are expected to be released within several weeks, paving the way for student transitions—primary graduates moving on to secondary education, and secondary graduates preparing for higher education or vocational training opportunities.
A Resilient Education System
Despite the broader challenges facing Somaliland—including economic constraints and international non-recognition—the education sector has continued to demonstrate steady growth. The national examination system remains a cornerstone of the territory’s institutional framework, reflecting a sustained commitment to academic standards and youth empowerment.
This year’s examination cycle stands as yet another indicator of Somaliland’s determination to build a robust, self-reliant education system capable of preparing its next generation for the demands of the 21st century.
His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), President of the Republic of Somaliland, attended the national commemoration of the 66th anniversary of Independence Day—marking the historic date of June 26, 1960—in a ceremony held this evening at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The event drew a wide cross-section of national leaders, including senior government officials, political party representatives, traditional elders, and members of the diplomatic corps from nations with friendly ties to Somaliland, along with numerous other invited guests.
The evening featured a rich program of cultural performances, patriotic sketches, and dramatic reenactments reflecting the nation’s prolonged struggle to reclaim its sovereignty, as well as the painful legacy of the ill-fated union. Speakers across the podium underscored the enduring significance of Somaliland’s independence, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to national unity, social cohesion, and the preservation of the country’s sovereign identity.
In his address, President Irro extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Somaliland, calling on them to reinforce the pillars of peace, solidarity, and patriotic resolve. He also provided a brief overview of his recent official visit to Israel, sharing insights from his meetings with Israeli leadership.
The President firmly reiterated that Somaliland is a free and sovereign nation, emphasizing that its people have independently determined their political destiny and future direction, in full alignment with their national aspirations and strategic interests.
As the clock struck midnight, the President presided over the official flag-raising ceremony, receiving a ceremonial salute from contingents of the national armed forces. The commemorative event drew to a close in an atmosphere brimming with national pride, joy, and unwavering patriotism.
TOG-WAJALE, Somaliland – June 25, 2026 – The Somaliland Ministry of Trade and Tourism, in collaboration with Ethiopian border authorities, has concluded a specialized training program on the implementation and management of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBP) in the strategic border town of Tog-Wajaale.
The two-day capacity-building session brought together senior customs officials, immigration officers, trade regulators, and other key stakeholders from both countries. Discussions focused on harmonizing border procedures, reducing transit times, and improving coordination among multiple agencies to create a seamless trade corridor between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
“Efficient border management is the backbone of regional trade,” said a spokesperson for the Somaliland Ministry of Trade and Tourism. “This training equips our teams with the practical tools needed to cut delays, lower costs for traders, and ensure that Tog-Wajaale operates as a true gateway for economic cooperation.”
Ethiopian officials echoed the sentiment, noting that the OSBP model aligns with broader ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to reduce non-tariff barriers and boost intra-African commerce.
The initiative is part of an ongoing strategic partnership aimed at deepening regional economic integration. By synchronizing customs systems, digitizing documentation, and fostering joint border patrols, both nations expect to significantly increase the volume and efficiency of legitimate goods crossing their shared frontier.
Looking ahead, the parties plan to conduct follow-up monitoring exercises and expand the OSBP framework to other key border points. The Somaliland Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that stimulates investment, creates jobs, and unlocks new opportunities for communities on both sides of the border.
MOGADISHU — The Banaadir Regional Court on Thursday handed down a three-year prison sentence to Sacdiya Macalin Ali, popularly known as Sacdiya Bajaaj, concluding a trial that has drawn widespread attention from human rights advocates and the local business community.
The verdict was delivered in a session presided over by the court’s chairman, Saalax Cali Maxamuud, and attended by several bajaj (motorized rickshaw) drivers from Mogadishu. Ali, one of the few women operating a bajaj in the capital, had been detained at the city’s central prison for nearly 80 days prior to the ruling.
According to the court chairman, the sentence was based on the prosecution having established sufficient grounds on a portion of the charges leveled against her. While the court did not read out the full details of the charges, it confirmed that Ali retains the legal right to appeal the decision.
Ali’s arrest earlier this year sparked debate, with authorities accusing her of incitement and disseminating social media content deemed detrimental to public security and critical of government leadership. Her supporters and several local human rights organizations have maintained that her detention was politically motivated and stemmed from her peaceful criticism of economic hardships, including high fuel prices, unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions in the capital.
No further legal particulars regarding the specific articles of law applied in the ruling have been made public. Legal observers expect Ali’s defense team to announce an appeal in the coming days, as she exercises her right to challenge the court’s decision
HARGEISA – The Chairman of the Somaliland National Examination Authority, Mr. Da’ud Ahmed Farah, has moved to allay public concerns over a potential clash between the upcoming national certificate examinations—covering both primary and secondary school levels—and a government-declared public holiday.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Mr. Farah responded to queries regarding a recent directive from the Civil Service Commission, which designated June 27, 2026—a Saturday—as an official day off for all civil servants across the country.
In a firm and clarifying statement, the Chairman confirmed that the examination schedule remains entirely unaffected by the directive.
“The national primary and secondary examinations will proceed without interruption across all regions and districts of the Republic of Somaliland,” said Mr. Farah. “We wish to make it unequivocally clear to students, parents, and the wider public that the holiday announcement by the Civil Service Commission carries no bearing on the administration of these crucial national exams.”
Reiterating the authority’s commitment to the academic calendar, he added: “The examinations will therefore commence and conclude on the dates and timelines previously announced. There will be no postponement or alteration.”
The remarks come as thousands of students across Somaliland—from both primary and secondary levels—prepare to sit for the certificate examinations, which mark a significant milestone in their educational journey and determine their progression to higher learning opportunities.
HARGEISA – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), returned peacefully to the homeland today, concluding a historic official visit to the State of Israel. Upon arrival in the capital, Hargeisa, the President was greeted with an outpouring of warmth and enthusiasm from large crowds of residents who had gathered to welcome him back.
In a statement following his return, President Cirro characterized the visit as a landmark achievement for the Republic of Somaliland. He emphasized that the trip marks a significant step forward in the nation’s long-standing efforts to secure international recognition, broaden its diplomatic footprint, and advance the strategic interests of the Somaliland people.
The President further revealed that both the Government and the people of Israel demonstrated a genuine and robust commitment to multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. Key areas of prospective collaboration discussed include economic development, security cooperation, agriculture, water management, investment, technology transfer, economic infrastructure, and institutional capacity-building. These initiatives, he noted, are aimed at forging sustainable development opportunities that will deliver mutual benefits for both countries and their citizens.
Tonight, in commemoration of the 66th anniversary of Somaliland’s Independence Day, President Cirro is scheduled to deliver a national address from the Presidential Palace, where he is expected to elaborate further on the outcomes of his visit and his vision for the nation’s future.
Jerusalem, Israel — A rigorous 11-day training program on urban water management for professionals from Somaliland’s Ministry of Water Development drew to a close yesterday evening with a modest yet significant graduation ceremony, during which participants received certificates for successfully completing the course.
Designed as a comprehensive capacity-building initiative, the program equipped the Somaliland delegation with in-depth knowledge of contemporary water and wastewater management systems. Over the course of their stay, participants held productive engagements with experts and senior policymakers from Israel’s foremost water institutions—including the Israel Water Authority, Mekorot, and multiple municipal utilities—gaining valuable perspectives on governance frameworks and service delivery models operating at both national and local levels.
The delegation also embarked on guided field visits to several major water utilities, among them Mei Avivim in Tel Aviv, Meniv in Rishon LeZion, Hagihon in Jerusalem, and Neve Midbar in the Negev. These on-site excursions provided participants with direct exposure to real-world challenges, innovative solutions, and industry-leading practices shaping modern urban water management.
The curriculum encompassed a wide array of essential subjects, ranging from brackish water desalination and river restoration to advanced irrigation techniques, applied water research, and cutting-edge technologies aimed at boosting water efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Throughout the program, officials emphasized the transformative value of cross-border knowledge exchange and international collaboration in reinforcing Somaliland’s water sector and empowering its professionals to confront mounting water-related challenges with greater competence and confidence.
The ceremony closed with heartfelt appreciation extended to all contributing experts and host institutions. Participants were warmly encouraged to translate their newly acquired insights into tangible actions that will advance the sustainable development of Somaliland’s water resources and public services.
