Jerusalem, June 15, 2026 – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), today officially inaugurated and cut the ribbon for the Republic of Somaliland’s Embassy in the city of Jerusalem. This marks the first embassy that the Republic of Somaliland has established in an international diplomatic capital, as a recognized country with due regard for its status and national existence. Notably, Somaliland becomes the eighth country to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
This step clearly demonstrates Somaliland’s continued strengthening of its diplomatic relations built on mutual respect, effective cooperation, and shared vision for peace, security, and sustainable development.
The opening of this embassy also ushers in a new phase in relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel, serving as a foundation for strategic cooperation that opens broad political, economic, and developmental opportunities for both nations.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland expressed full confidence that Somaliland will continue to strengthen, and steadily advance, the friendly relations and strategic partnership between the two countries for the benefit of the peoples on both sides.
Today, June 15, 2026, is a national day for the people of the Republic of Somaliland, wherever they may be—one marked by honor, values, and deep diplomatic history.
It is a day graced with pride, dignity, and national principles, holding a special place in the hearts of all the people of Somaliland.
JERUSALEM – Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced today that Israel will remove trade and investment barriers with the Republic of Somaliland, following a historic visit by Somaliland’s President to Jerusalem.
“Welcome to Israel, President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi,” Smotrich wrote on X. “The historic visit to Jerusalem symbolizes the strong partnership between our two countries.”
Smotrich confirmed he also met with Somaliland’s Central Bank Governor and other ministers. “The Ministry of Finance, which I head, will work to remove barriers and promote cooperation that will realize the full potential of trade and investments between the two nations,” he added.
The development marks a deepening strategic alliance between Israel and Somaliland, a Horn of Africa nation seeking international recognition. Israeli officials view the move as a significant step toward expanded bilateral ties focused on security, economic development, and regional stability.
Further details on agreements are expected in the coming days.
Tel Aviv – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), who is currently on his official visit to Israel, today held a historic high-level meeting with the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting marks the beginning of the most significant phase in the diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel.
President Cirro expressed his gratitude to the Israeli Prime Minister for the courageous, historic decision of political and diplomatic weight made by the Government of Israel when it officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on 26 December 2025. This recognition represents a historic milestone, opening a new chapter in the long-standing struggle of the people of Somaliland to achieve international recognition.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) stated that this historic decision is not merely diplomatic recognition, but an official affirmation that demonstrates to the world the political, legal, and historical reality of Somaliland—a reality that has, for over 35 years, presented to the world a successful model built on peace, democracy, governance, stability, and rule of law.
Furthermore, the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel officially signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement between the two countries. This historic agreement lays the foundation for lasting strategic relations and strengthens cooperation in the areas of economy, security, technology, investment, and social development.
The framework marks the beginning of a new phase in Somaliland-Israel relations, establishing a formal mechanism to develop deep cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, shared interests, and common aspirations.
Finally, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) conferred upon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a National Medal of Honor in recognition of the full recognition his government granted to the Republic of Somaliland.
Hargeisa, June 15, 2026 – The Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Somaliland, who also serves as the Chairman of the Judicial Commission of the Republic of Somaliland, Honorable Lawyer Adan Haji Ali Ahmed, today chaired an extraordinary meeting held by the Judicial Commission at its headquarters.
The meeting addressed four main agenda items:
The extraordinary session discussed accelerating the Judiciary Conference of the Republic of Somaliland, which is scheduled to take place on June 28–29, 2026.
The Judicial Commission of Somaliland approved the formation of the Organizing Committee for the Judiciary Conference.
The Judicial Commission committed to working on and speeding up the preparations for the Judiciary Conference.
The Judicial Commission resolved that all judicial and justice institutions of the Republic of Somaliland must prepare adequately for the upcoming Judiciary Conference.
JERUSALEM – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), and his delegation, currently on the first day of their official visit to the State of Israel, toured three historic and memorial sites in Jerusalem this afternoon.
Mount Herzl
President Cirro visited Mount Herzl, where he laid floral wreaths at the historic landmark. Located west of Jerusalem, Mount Herzl is one of the most significant symbols of Israeli history and statehood. It is named after and serves as the final resting place of Theodor Herzl, the father and founder of the State of Israel. The site also holds the graves of former presidents, prime ministers, and other national figures who hold a lasting place in the memory of the Israeli people and the Jewish nation.
The President was received at the site by Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization.
Yad Vashem
The President made an official visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem – the world’s foremost institution dedicated to commemorating and preserving the memory of Holocaust victims. He was welcomed by Mr. Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem.
President Cirro and his delegation received briefings on the historic events that led to one of the greatest genocides and acts of mass atrocity in 20th-century human history.
Grove of the Nations
President Cirro also visited the historic Grove of the Nations, where he planted a National Symbol Tree. The tree represents the friendship, cooperation, and enduring ties between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel.
Planted at this symbolic site, the tree serves as a living legacy that will long outlast the President’s visit. It stands as a historic emblem of friendship, further strengthening the relationship between the two parties.
Jerusalem – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), has arrived in Israel on an official visit, marking a historic milestone in Somaliland’s international engagement. President Cirro was received with full honors and held a landmark meeting with the President of Israel, H.E. Isaac Herzog.
The visit, widely seen as the most significant diplomatic undertaking by Somaliland to date, featured a formal ceremony befitting a head of state, including a red carpet, a guard of honor, and the playing of the national anthem of the Republic of Somaliland. This marked the first time the flag and anthem of Somaliland have been officially featured at an event of this magnitude, hosted at the Israeli Presidential Residence.
During their meeting, the two presidents held extensive talks focused on strengthening bilateral friendship, advancing strategic cooperation, and aligning shared interests between Somaliland and Israel. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared objectives, peace, stability, and long-term sustainable development.
Following the closed-door discussions, the two presidents addressed the media in a joint statement, expressing their shared determination to deepen ties. They underscored common values, including peace, stability, progress, democracy, coexistence, and practical cooperation that delivers tangible benefits to both nations.
President Herzog later hosted President Cirro and his accompanying delegation to a state luncheon at the Presidential Residence—an honor underscoring the significance of the visit and the growing importance both sides attach to their emerging relationship.
The five-day official visit signals a new chapter in the Republic of Somaliland’s efforts to broaden its international partnerships, showcasing its increasingly active role in promoting peace, democratic governance, regional cooperation, and development on the world stage.
For the people of Somaliland, this historic event is a source of national pride, reflecting the growing reputation, credibility, and stature of their country in international affairs.
HARGEISA – The National Electoral Commission of the Republic of Somaliland (NEC) held a meeting today with the leaders of the country’s three national political parties — KAAH, Kulmiye, and Waddani — to provide updates on ongoing electoral preparations and the voter registration process.
During the meeting, the NEC briefed the parties on the following key points:
The Commission’s meeting with the President of the Republic of Somaliland held last week.
The successful agreement reached with the KAAH party, which has restored full cooperation between both sides following a period of disagreement.
The working visit to Finland and the outcomes of the Commission’s meetings there with international electoral bodies, democracy organizations, and members of the Somaliland diaspora community.
The new voter registration plan, which the NEC is currently finalizing. The Commission confirmed that the plan will soon be presented to all stakeholders involved in Somaliland’s electoral process.
The Republic of Somaliland has delivered a sharp and defiant response to recent remarks by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Information Minister Barkhad Jama Hirsi Batun declared that Somaliland possesses both the military capability and international partnerships necessary to defend itself against any threat.
Responding to statements attributed to the Somali president regarding war preparedness, Minister Batun stressed that Somaliland remains on high alert against any attempt to destabilize its territory or endanger its citizens.
“We have armed forces capable of protecting this nation and its people from every enemy and every conspiracy, whether hidden or in plain sight,” Batun said. “Our soldiers would rather sacrifice their own lives than see the blood of their people spilled.”
The minister accused President Hassan Sheikh of projecting a readiness for war to the international community while reaffirming that Somaliland’s priorities remain peace, stability, democracy, and development.
“Hassan has told the world he is ready for war,” Batun stated. “Somaliland is a nation known for stability, security, unity, elections, democracy, and progress. But we will never turn a blind eye to plots aimed at shedding the blood of our citizens.”
Batun further asserted that while Somaliland’s government is committed to maintaining peace, it is fully prepared to confront any direct or indirect threat to its sovereignty, security, and people.
As Somaliland continues to position itself as a stable and democratic actor in the Horn of Africa, its officials insist that any challenge to its security will be met with a firm and decisive response.
While electricity companies promote new prepaid smart meters as a step toward modernization, a closer examination reveals significant negative consequences for ordinary citizens, particularly the poor, the elderly, and the already unemployed.
Immediate Job Losses for Meter Readers
The most direct human cost is the elimination of meter reader jobs. Hundreds, potentially thousands, of young people—many of whom had few other employment options—earned a living by manually recording electricity usage. In a country already suffering from chronic youth unemployment, this technological shift is not progress; it is a mass layoff. These workers are not being retrained or redeployed. They are simply pushed onto the streets, adding to an already overwhelming crisis of joblessness.
Loss of Financial Flexibility and Dignity
Traditional post-paid meters allowed families to use electricity for a full month before paying. This gave households time to manage irregular incomes, unexpected expenses, or delays in salary. The new prepaid system destroys that flexibility.
· No more credit: If a family runs out of funds mid-month, the lights go out immediately. There is no grace period, no promise to pay later, no human being to explain your situation to.
· Forced advance payment: You must pay before you consume, which is impossible for many poor families who live hand-to-mouth. This turns electricity from a basic service into a luxury good.
Automatic Cutoffs – No Exceptions for Emergencies
Because the system is fully automated, it cannot show mercy. Consider these real-life scenarios:
· A sick child at night: A family runs out of credit at 2 AM. Their refrigerator containing life-saving medicine (like insulin) stops. Their room goes dark. There is no company office open, no human operator to call, no way to restore power until morning at the earliest.
· An elderly person living alone: An old woman forgets to recharge because she is ill or confused. Her electricity is cut without warning. She sits in darkness and heat, unable to fix the problem herself.
· Ramadan or holidays: Families often increase spending on food and charity during religious holidays, leaving less for bills. Under the old system, they could still have light. Under prepaid meters, they would sit in darkness during the very nights meant for prayer and family.
The old system had a human link: a meter reader could report a hardship case, a neighbor could intervene, a local office could show discretion. The automated system has no heart.
Hidden Costs and Complexity for the Poor
Prepaid meters require purchasing special recharge cards (similar to SIM cards) and often involve additional fees for checking balances, reactivating after cutoff, or even for the card itself. These small charges add up, disproportionately affecting low-income users. Moreover, the technology assumes literacy and comfort with digital systems. An illiterate grandmother or a poor farmer may struggle to understand how to buy the right card, enter the code correctly, or track their remaining balance. Mistakes lead to sudden darkness.
Psychological Burden and Anxiety
Living with a prepaid meter creates constant stress. Families must constantly calculate: How many units do we have left? Will we make it through the night? Should we buy food or electricity? This is not dignity; it is a daily anxiety. The old system at least gave a sense of security: power was there until the bill came. Now, power can vanish any second, without warning, like a candle burning out.
No Incentive for Efficiency – Only for Payment
The companies claim prepaid meters encourage energy conservation. But for poor families already using the bare minimum (a few lights, a fan, a phone charger), there is nothing to conserve. They are already at subsistence level. The only thing the meter does is ensure they pay before consuming – which benefits the company’s cash flow, not the customer’s well-being.
Conclusion: Technology for Whom?
A technology that eliminates jobs, punishes the poor, ignores emergencies, and adds psychological stress is not progress. It is a regression disguised as modernization. The Ministry of Energy must intervene not to stop innovation, but to regulate it: mandate a minimum credit reserve for emergencies, ban automatic nighttime cutoffs, require a grace period, and force companies to retrain displaced meter readers rather than firing them.
Otherwise, the smart meter becomes nothing more than a digital chain on the poorest citizens.
Burao – The Chairman of Dahabshiil Group, Hajji Mohamed Said Duale, along with the administration of the Togdheer region, has officially inaugurated the new building of Dahabshiil Bank International’s branch in Burao.
The event, which was organized at a high level, was attended by the region’s dignitaries, businesspeople, religious scholars, women, intellectuals, traditional elders, various officials, and some of Dahabshiil Bank’s customers in Burao
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mayor of Burao presented a certificate of appreciation to Dahabshiil Group, recognizing the company’s significant contributions to the region’s development across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and diverse economic infrastructure.
