By Goth Mohamed Goth
LAS ANOD, Somalia – Twenty-one civilians, including revered traditional elders, women, and children, were laid to rest in a mass burial near Las Anod on Tuesday, a day after they were killed in a brutal attack in the Adhi-Cadeeye district. The massacre has reignited fears of wider inter-clan warfare in the volatile Sool region and spurred urgent calls for reconciliation.
Deadly Escalation
The violence erupted on Monday following the killing of a local trader—an incident that rapidly escalated into a large-scale armed confrontation. Militiamen in technical vehicles swept through parts of Adhi-Cadeeye, unleashing heavy weapons on civilian areas. Among the dead were prominent elders whose role as peace brokers made their loss particularly devastating for community cohesion.
Witnesses described the assault as indiscriminate and coordinated, with gunmen targeting homes and public spaces. The death toll, confirmed by local officials, makes it one of the deadliest single-day attacks in the region this year.
The killings have drawn widespread condemnation and an outpouring of grief, but also a determined push for dialogue to break the cycle of vengeance.
A Community in Mourning
The mass funeral near Las Anod was a scene of profound sorrow, with hundreds gathering to pray over the shrouded bodies before they were lowered into a single communal grave. For many, the ceremony was not only a farewell but also a powerful plea for peace.
As the earth was swept over the graves, elders and officials reiterated their commitment to preventing retaliation. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the region chooses dialogue over further bloodshed
HARGEISA – The Minister of Planning and National Development of Somaliland, H.E. Kaltun Sheik Hassan Abdi, today held a high-level meeting with the Head of Development Cooperation for the Federal Republic of Germany, Simon Hagemann, to discuss ways to deepen development partnerships between Somaliland and Germany.
The talks reaffirmed Germany’s continued support for Somaliland across multiple critical sectors, including water and sanitation, climate resilience, agricultural development, vocational training, migration management, and combating gender-based violence.
Minister Abdi expressed her profound gratitude to the German government for its sustained commitment to Somaliland, emphasizing the vital role that such partnerships play in advancing the nation’s development priorities and improving the living standards of its citizens.
Mr. Hagemann, for his part, reinforced Germany’s firm dedication to maintaining its support for Somaliland—particularly in areas that bolster community resilience, drive economic growth, and strengthen public institutions.
The discussions also delved into ongoing efforts to enhance water and sanitation services, support rural communities grappling with the impacts of climate change, boost agricultural productivity and product quality, and reinforce initiatives aimed at managing migration flows and protecting vulnerable populations.
HARGEISA – The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland and Acting President, H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, officially launched Phase Two of the Hargeisa Water Supply Expansion Project at a ceremony held in the capital today.
The landmark project aims to bolster water infrastructure in Hargeisa by expanding access to safe, clean drinking water and addressing the surging demand from the city’s rapidly growing population.
Financed by the German Development Bank (KfW) on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, the initiative is being executed by the Hargeisa Water Agency. The event drew a wide cross-section of dignitaries, including senior government ministers, regional and district administrators from Maroodi Jeex and Hargeisa, representatives from international development partners, and community leaders.
In his keynote address, the Vice President commended all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to fruition. He underscored his administration’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing essential public services—particularly water, electricity, and economic infrastructure—that directly improve the livelihoods of citizens.
He further noted that the second phase of the expansion would considerably ease the chronic water shortages plaguing the capital while elevating service quality and reliability for residents. Reaffirming the government’s resolve, he pledged to sustain ongoing efforts to upgrade life-sustaining services across the Republic of Somaliland.
HARGEISA – Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, has reaffirmed the openness of relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel, emphasizing that the two sides are committed to expanding cooperation across a range of sectors.
In an interview with Kan News, the minister stated that relations between Somaliland and Israel are based on mutual interests and shared cooperation.
“The relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel is open. We can discuss and cooperate on anything we consider important to both sides. We will work together and support one another in all areas that serve the interests of our two countries, whether economic, security-related, or otherwise,” he said.
The minister added that cooperation between the two governments is not limited to specific sectors and stressed that every country has the sovereign right to choose its international partners and allies.
Diplomatic Relations and International Recognition
Asked whether Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement with Israel could encourage other countries to follow suit, the minister said the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two governments marks an important milestone.
He noted that the opening of Somaliland’s embassy and the official state visit by Somaliland’s President and delegation to Israel demonstrate a new phase in bilateral relations.
According to the minister, Israel’s decision to formalize relations with Somaliland could create momentum for other countries to consider similar steps in the future.
Confidence in Further International Recognition
Responding to questions about whether countries such as the United States and the United Arab Emirates may eventually recognize Somaliland, the minister expressed optimism.
“Yes, I am confident that other countries will follow Israel in recognizing Somaliland in the near future,” he stated.
Response to Somalia’s Criticism
The minister also addressed criticism from the Federal Government of Somalia regarding Somaliland’s relationship with Israel.
He argued that Somaliland is focused on advancing its international relations and development agenda and suggested that Somalia should concentrate on addressing its own domestic challenges.
“They have no role in condemning or commenting on our affairs. They should focus on their own challenges,” he said.
Differing International Views
Commenting on opposition from some countries to Somaliland’s relationship with Israel, the minister acknowledged that international consensus is rarely universal.
He noted that differing opinions are common in international affairs but reiterated his belief that more countries will eventually move toward recognizing Somaliland.
Message to Israel
Concluding the interview, Minister Abdirahman conveyed a message of appreciation to both the Israeli government and its people.
“As a Somaliland citizen and as Foreign Minister, we will always appreciate what you have done for us through your recognition and support,” he said.
The remarks come as Somaliland and Israel continue to deepen diplomatic engagement, with Somaliland officials expressing confidence that the partnership could pave the way for broader international recognition and expanded cooperation in the years ahead.
Israel may be a military superpower, but as the war with Iran has demonstrated, military might can only go so far. Achieving long-term stability and peace in the region will require diplomacy as well as force.
That is why the opening of Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem is such an important step, one that was largely overlooked as attention focused on the controversial deal signed between the United States and Iran.
“People should be looking at how we are going to move beyond the Iranian agreement to regional security, and Somaliland actually plays a very key role,” explained Shiri Fein-Grossman, executive director of the Institute for Israel-Africa Relations.
Africa is increasingly becoming a battleground for influence, resources, and strategic power, making Israel’s growing relationship with Somaliland far more significant than many observers realize.
Turkey is among the countries expanding its footprint on the continent, particularly in Somalia, where it has shown growing interest in uranium reserves. Some observers believe it may have significance beyond civilian energy needs.
As Fein-Grossman stressed, Turkey is certainly not a friend of Israel, and Jerusalem should be paying close attention to Ankara’s activities in Africa. Turkey has been angered by Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the opening of its embassy in Jerusalem, and according to Fein-Grossman, there are strategic reasons behind that opposition.
As a reminder, last week, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi visited Israel and inaugurated his country’s first-ever embassy in the heart of Jerusalem. For Somaliland, the move marks its first full diplomatic partnership after 35 years of international isolation. For Israel, it represents the eighth country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem and another milestone in its growing relationship with Africa.
Papua New Guinea opened an embassy in Jerusalem in September 2023, shortly before the October 7 Hamas massacre. A year later, at the first-ever Africa-Israel Parliamentary Summit in Ethiopia, nearly 30 lawmakers from more than 20 African countries signed a resolution affirming Israel’s right to exist with Jerusalem as its capital.
“The Arab League is going mad,” Fein-Grossman said, noting the significance of a country like Somaliland taking the lead by establishing an embassy in Jerusalem. Somaliland is a nation of almost 6.5 million people, most of whom are Sunni Muslim. Many of its citizens maintain traditional and conservative lifestyles, making the move all the more notable.
The decision is therefore not only historic but also symbolic of the new Middle East that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have envisioned after decades of conflict, she said.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana welcomes Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi Mohamed during an official ceremony at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, June 16, 2026. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Moreover, Somaliland is a functioning democracy with a formal political system and a track record of peaceful power transfers.
“They are a very special people that feel like they are fighting against the world because of politics and issues that have nothing to do with them and their safety and prosperity,” Fein-Grossman said. “Does that sound familiar?” she added, alluding to a sentiment many Israelis can relate to.
Fein-Grossman noted that Somaliland took a significant risk by deepening ties with Israel, particularly given its close proximity to the Houthis in Yemen. Somaliland and Yemen are separated only by the Gulf of Aden, placing the territory within easy reach of a hostile actor aligned with Iran.
For Jerusalem, however, which seeks to strengthen its presence and partnerships around the Red Sea, Somaliland offers a potentially valuable foothold. The partnership with Somaliland could provide Israel with a valuable source of soft power in this critical region.
“At a time when Israel faces complex security and diplomatic challenges, true friendship carries special significance,” said Evangelical leader and Trump confidante Mike Evans last week, while presenting President Abdillahi with the Friends of Zion Award at his Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem.
“President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi has demonstrated leadership, courage, and vision in advancing relations with Israel and strengthening the bonds between our peoples,” Evans said. “The decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem sends a clear message of friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation.”
Evans said he intended to speak with Trump about America recognizing Somaliland.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Abdullahi Mohamed, during a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, June 14, 2026. (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
At the same time, Abdullahi visited Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) during his trip and met with nine patients from Somaliland who recently arrived in Israel to receive lifesaving cardiac treatment, the organization said.
The children were the first group of patients identified during SACH’s June 2026 medical mission to Somaliland, conducted only six months after Israel’s recognition of the country in December 2025. However, SACH noted in its release that it has been providing lifesaving care to children from Somaliland since 2004. The partnership had already expanded significantly in recent years as the two sides moved closer to formal recognition. In many ways, this partnership demonstrated the value of the relationship even before it became official.
Now, Israel has the opportunity to help build capacity in areas that Somaliland and many African countries need most, including water management, renewable energy, agriculture, health care, and food security, Fein-Grossman noted. For example, Mashav, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, is training 50 water engineers, while Israeli businesses have expressed significant interest in exploring partnerships with their counterparts in Somaliland.
Fein-Grossman acknowledged that these business partnerships, as well as government-to-government agreements between the two countries, will not be simple. No major power has yet recognized Somaliland, and the territory remains disconnected from many international institutions and systems, including parts of the global banking network. Practical challenges such as visas, financial transactions, and direct flights will also need to be addressed.
Still, Fein-Grossman argued that Israel has never lacked creative minds capable of solving difficult problems. The opening of Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem represents a significant diplomatic achievement after nearly three years of war.
If military strength helped create the conditions for a new regional reality, partnerships such as this one may help determine whether that reality can endure.
As Israel looks beyond the battlefield and toward the long-term challenge of building stability, the relationship with Somaliland offers a reminder that diplomacy remains one of the country’s most powerful tools.
HARGEISA — Arabsiyo News, one of the most prominent Somaliland-focused news channels on YouTube, has been removed from the platform after the company determined that the channel violated its “Spam, Deceptive Practices, and Scams” policy.
In a decision communicated to the organization, YouTube stated that it had reviewed the appeal and concluded that the policy had been violated, adding that the channel would not be reinstated.
The termination marks a significant development in Somaliland’s digital media landscape. For years, Arabsiyo News served as a major source of news, political commentary, interviews, and analysis concerning Somaliland’s foreign policy, regional diplomacy, and international recognition efforts.
Founded in 2017, Arabsiyo News built a substantial audience over nearly a decade of operation. Publicly available statistics indicate that the channel had accumulated approximately 280,000 subscribers, over 100 million views, and thousands of published videos prior to its removal. The channel was categorized under “News and Politics” and was widely followed by audiences in Somaliland, the wider Somali-speaking world, and the diaspora.
Arabsiyo News operates under its parent company, Alliance Media Channels, which is registered in the United Kingdom. In addition, the organization holds a business license in Somaliland, where the majority of its audience is based and where its reporting activities are primarily focused.
The outlet’s coverage has been centered on Somaliland’s foreign policy, international relations, diplomatic engagement, and the territory’s long-standing pursuit of international recognition. Over the years, it became one of the most widely followed digital media platforms covering Somaliland’s recognition campaign, offering news coverage, political analysis, and interviews with government officials, diplomats, academics, and public figures.
Supporters of the channel argue that its reporting filled a critical information gap by documenting diplomatic developments and international discussions that were often underreported by larger regional and international media organizations.
The removal has raised questions among supporters regarding the specific basis for YouTube’s decision. While the platform cited its “Spam, Deceptive Practices, and Scams” policy, the termination notice did not publicly identify which videos, titles, thumbnails, or other content allegedly violated the policy.
Arabsiyo News maintains that it operated as a legitimate media organization producing original reporting, interviews, and commentary, rather than spam or scam-related content. Supporters further argue that the channel played an important role in informing audiences about Somaliland’s diplomatic efforts and international engagement.
Digital platforms such as YouTube increasingly rely on a combination of automated systems and human reviewers to enforce content policies. However, media organizations around the world have periodically expressed concerns about transparency when enforcement actions occur without detailed public explanations of the underlying violations.
The disappearance of Arabsiyo News from YouTube represents the loss of one of the most prominent digital media platforms dedicated to reporting on Somaliland’s foreign affairs, diplomatic outreach, and international recognition efforts. For many supporters of Somaliland’s quest for recognition, the channel served as a vital source of news, analysis, and interviews covering developments that directly affected the territory’s international standing.
Whether additional avenues for review remain available is unclear. However, the case is likely to generate discussion among journalists, media organizations, and supporters of Somaliland regarding content moderation, platform accountability, and the role of digital media in reporting on issues of national and international significance.
For now, the channel remains offline, following YouTube’s final decision to uphold its termination.
HARGEISA, Somaliland – 22 June 2026 – The Chairman of the WADDANI Party, H.E. Hirsi Ali H. Hassan, has today announced the appointment of a four-member committee dedicated to Social Affairs, with a specific focus on Education, Health, Labour, and Family welfare.
The decision, formalised through official party directive XIS/WAD/XRG/3037/2026, cites the need to closely align the work of the ruling party with that of key government ministries. The committee will serve as a coordinating body, ensuring synergy between party objectives and national policy implementation.
The newly appointed committee members are:
· Mr. Abdirahman Jama Ismail (Jamaal Jamaac-yare) – Chairman of the Committee
· Mr. Mustafe Hassan Dahir – Secretary for Education, Higher Education and Science
· Mr. Yahye Hussein Hassan – Secretary for Health Development
· Ms. Amina Osman Salah – Secretary for Labour, Social Affairs and Family
In his announcement, Chairman Hassan underscored the importance of the committee’s role in facilitating information exchange, policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and advisory support to the relevant ministries. The committee will work in close coordination with the Ministries of Education, Health, and Labour and Social Affairs.
“The establishment of this committee reflects our commitment to ensuring that party structures actively support and enhance government service delivery,” said Chairman Hassan. “We are confident that this team will deliver meaningful outcomes that will be felt and appreciated by communities across Somaliland.”
The appointments were made in accordance with the WADDANI Party Constitution, the National Organizations and Political Parties Act, and the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland.
The party has expressed its full confidence in the new committee and wished them success in fostering unity and delivering impactful results for the nation.
HARGEISA, June 22, 2026 (WM&HDh) – The Minister of Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, today officially opened a two-day review conference at the Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa to assess the implementation of the Public Financial Management Strengthening Project (SERP). The conference focuses on evaluating the project’s current status, progress achieved across its various components, and planning the necessary steps to ensure the project’s goals are met before its conclusion.
The Minister was joined at the opening ceremony by the Director Generals of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Accountant General of the Government. Also in attendance were senior officials from key beneficiary institutions, including the Auditor General, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, the Chairman of the Good Governance Commission, the Chairman of the National Procurement Board, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Oversight and Protection of Public Assets, the SERP Project Manager from the World Bank, and the SERP Project Coordinator for Somaliland.
The conference also includes a high-level delegation from the World Bank, who arrived in Somaliland yesterday. The delegation is led by the SERP Task Team Leader at the World Bank, Ms. May Ololia, to monitor and support the project’s implementation and the ongoing public financial management reform process.
Speakers at the opening session delivered in-depth remarks on the importance of the SERP Project in enhancing operational efficiency, accountability, and the quality of public resource management. They highlighted tangible progress made in areas such as overall public financial management, domestic revenue mobilization, civil service administration, national procurement management, and the strengthening of accountability institutions—all of which are integral components of the project.
Minister Abdillahi Hassan Adan welcomed the World Bank delegation and expressed gratitude for their continued support to Somaliland. The Minister specifically commended the additional funding and the extended timeline for the SERP Project, which, he noted, provide Somaliland with a significant opportunity to further strengthen government institutional reforms, modernize financial management systems, and improve public service delivery.
Throughout this review conference, special attention will be given to assessing the progress of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) implementation, the development of the Ministry of Finance’s Data Center, the Government Financial Management Information System (SLFMIS), the enhancement of Civil Service Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) data, and the rollout of the Government Human Resource Management System. Additionally, participants will analyze existing challenges, lessons learned, and priority actions needed to ensure the project’s objectives are achieved.
The two-day conference is expected to produce a concrete action plan and practical recommendations for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, accelerating national public financial management reforms, advancing public resource management, and sustaining the critical gains that the SERP Project has brought to government institutions.
HARGEISA — The House of Representatives has rejected proposed amendments by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) to the Somaliland Electricity Energy Management Law (Law No. 81/2026), in a move that underscores deepening divisions over the management of the national power grid and the potential import of electricity from Ethiopia.
The President had returned the bill to parliament seeking revisions to Article 47, which originally called for the establishment of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) power company tasked with managing the national electricity transmission network. In his proposal, Mr. Cirro urged lawmakers to replace the joint-venture model with a fully state-owned enterprise, arguing that a government-run company would be better positioned to oversee the development, maintenance, and fair regulation of the grid, ensuring equitable access for all licensed power generators and distributors.
However, legislators rejected the President’s proposal and voted to retain the joint-ownership structure between the state and private sector.
The President also sought to amend Article 53, which governs the importation of electricity from foreign countries. He proposed granting exclusive authority to a state-owned national power company to handle all cross-border electricity procurement. Lawmakers again overruled him, deciding instead that the joint government-private company would be responsible for any future imports.
At the heart of the parliamentary resistance is the question of electricity sourcing from neighboring Ethiopia. Private power firms are widely believed to be advocating for the joint-company model to ensure they have a direct stake in any future power imports, should Somaliland turn to Ethiopia for supply. By rejecting the President’s amendments, the House has effectively blocked a state monopoly over such imports, preserving private sector involvement in the decision-making and procurement process.
The outcome marks a significant setback for the President’s push for greater state control over the energy sector, and sets the stage for continued debate over Somaliland’s energy security and the role of foreign power imports in meeting domestic demand.
Israel and Somaliland have signed a strategic agreement, strengthening ties in the Red Sea region. For Indian investors, this development in a vital maritime trade corridor could influence shipping costs, insurance premiums, and energy import security, requiring a close watch on potential regional supply chain disruptions.
What Happened
Israel and Somaliland have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement following a high-level state visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to Jerusalem. The partnership, which includes the opening of a Somaliland embassy in West Jerusalem, focuses on security, trade, and regional strategy. This move marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations for Somaliland, a territory on the Horn of Africa that controls a vital section of the coastline overlooking the Gulf of Aden.
The Red Sea Trade Connection
The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait are among the world’s most critical maritime corridors. This region is a major artery for global shipping, facilitating a large portion of the trade between Asia and Europe. For India, this waterway is essential for the import of crude oil and the export of goods to markets in Western Asia and Europe. Any change in the security landscape or geopolitical alignment in this area directly affects the flow of goods and raw materials, making it a critical area for supply chain tracking.
Potential Impact on Indian Trade and Costs
When geopolitical tensions rise in the Red Sea, Indian companies, particularly in the shipping, logistics, and oil and gas sectors, may face indirect effects. Increased regional tension often leads to higher war-risk insurance premiums for commercial vessels passing through the region. If shipping lanes are perceived as unstable, vessels may divert routes, which increases fuel consumption and transit times, ultimately driving up freight rates. For Indian importers and exporters, these added costs can compress profit margins unless they are passed on to consumers.
Understanding the Geopolitical Risks
The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from several regional players, including the Houthis, who have warned of potential responses. For investors, the primary concern in such geopolitical developments is the risk of conflict escalation. If the region faces heightened hostility, the resulting uncertainty can cause volatility in global commodity markets, including oil prices. A spike in oil prices can impact India’s import bill and potentially influence domestic inflation trends, which are key variables for market sentiment.
What Indian Investors Can Track
Investors may keep a close watch on several factors to gauge the stability of these trade routes. Monitoring global shipping freight indices can provide early signals of rising costs in the region. Additionally, any major volatility in global crude oil prices, often triggered by Middle East and Horn of Africa tensions, remains a key variable for oil-importing economies like India. Finally, updates on maritime security in the Red Sea and any official government advisories regarding shipping lanes will be the most practical data points for companies with heavy exposure to international trade.
