In a significant step toward enhancing maritime security in the Horn of Africa, Admiral Kadar Mohamed, Deputy Commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard, met with Admiral Roy A. Echeverri, Commander of the Philippine Navy, in Manila on 22^nd May, 2025. The high-level meeting focused on fostering maritime cooperation and establishing a naval partnership between the two nations.

The discussions come at a critical time for Somaliland seeking to bolster its maritime defenses amid ongoing regional challenges, including piracy threats in the strategic waters of the Horn of Africa. The region, encompassing key trade routes like the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, has historically been a hotspot for maritime piracy, though incidents have decreased since their peak in the late 2000s due to international efforts.

Somaliland’s Coast Guard, established in 1995, has been modernizing its capabilities, recently acquiring Defender-class boats from Italy and Sweden. The Somaliland Maritime Security Coordination Office, set up in 2023, plays a key role in coordinating such international collaborations. Admiral Mohamed emphasized the importance of partnerships to enhance maritime safety, security, and emergency response in Somaliland’s waters.

Admiral Echeverri, a seasoned officer from the Philippine Military Academy’s “SAMBISIG” Class of 1991, brings extensive expertise in naval operations, including surface and special warfare. The Philippine Navy, aiming to be a modern and multi-capable force by 2028, is well-positioned to share technical and strategic knowledge with Somaliland, potentially aiding in the development of its maritime defense plans.

This meeting underscores Somaliland’s growing efforts to secure international support for its maritime security initiatives, despite its lack of formal recognition as a sovereign state. For the Philippines, the partnership aligns with broader regional interests in ensuring safe and secure maritime corridors vital for global trade.

The collaboration is expected to pave the way for joint training, information sharing, and coordinated efforts to address maritime challenges in the Horn of Africa, a region critical to international shipping and geopolitical stability.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

The vibrant Somaliland community in Edmonton, Canada, marked the 34th anniversary of Somaliland’s National Day on May 18, 2025, commemorating more than three decades since the restoration of the nation’s sovereignty. The spirited celebrations, held in a bustling public square, brought together generations of Somalilanders and allies to honor their heritage and shared history.

Attendees adorned traditional attire and Somaliland’s iconic unity flag, symbolizing resilience and self-determination, as they gathered with joy and patriotic enthusiasm. Families, youth, elders, and local leaders joined Canadian government officials and distinguished guests to celebrate the occasion, reflecting the community’s integration and multicultural harmony in Edmonton.

The event featured stirring speeches that recounted Somaliland’s journey, emphasizing its historical struggle for recognition and the enduring significance of May 18 as a day of national pride. Cultural performances took center stage, with traditional Somali dances, soulful poetry, and folk songs echoing the rich tapestry of Somaliland’s identity. Attendees savored authentic Somali cuisine, while children participated in lively cultural games, fostering intergenerational connections.

In a heartfelt tribute, honorary certificates were awarded to community members and allies who have championed Somaliland’s cause and contributed to preserving its cultural legacy abroad. The celebrations not only showcased Somaliland’s distinct heritage but also reinforced the community’s unity and determination to keep their homeland’s story alive on the global stage.

The festivities concluded with a renewed sense of solidarity, underscoring the Edmonton community’s role as a beacon of Somaliland’s enduring spirit and aspirations.

The Somaliland Government has intensified efforts to implement initiatives encompassing economic development, healthcare, social cohesion, community advancement, security, justice, and decentralized governance

By Goth Mohamed Goth

The Republic of Somaliland has entered a pivotal new chapter in its state-building agenda, intensifying efforts to advance economic resilience, social welfare, security, and governance reforms. This second phase underscores the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and institutionalizing democratic principles.

Key Priorities for 2025
During May 2025, the Somaliland Council of Ministers and Presidency unveiled a comprehensive strategy to accelerate progress in five critical areas:
1. Security Stabilization: Expanding counter-terrorism efforts and modernizing defense systems.
2. Economic Revitalization: Boosting revenue collection, trade, and infrastructure investment.
3. Governance Reform: Decentralizing authority to empower local administrations.
4. Social Equity: Enhancing healthcare, education, and support for vulnerable groups.
5. Public Engagement: Strengthening civic participation in decision-making.

President Irro’s Vision: “Peace and Progress Above All

In a public address, His Excellency President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro reaffirmed his administration’s focus on national unity and development:
“Our mandate is clear—to deliver stability, opportunity, and dignity for every citizen. Distractions will not deter us from this mission.”

Under President Cirro’s leadership, the government has prioritized transparency and collaboration, earning heightened public trust and international recognition for Somaliland’s institutional reforms.

—Breakdown of Strategic Milestones

1. Decentralization: Empowering Local Governance
   A landmark initiative to devolve power to regional and municipal authorities is underway. A presidential-appointed technical committee—comprising ministers, legal experts, and civil society representatives—is drafting a decentralized governance framework aligned with Somaliland’s Constitution. This move aims to enhance service delivery and grassroots accountability.

2. Economic Growth: Strengthening Fiscal Foundations
   Finance Minister Abdullahi Hassan Aden reported a 22% year-on-year increase in tax revenue, driven by streamlined GST implementation.
   “Our fiscal discipline and anti-corruption measures are restoring confidence in Somaliland’s economic potential,” he stated.

3. Security Modernization: Protecting Stability
   Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali announced the completion of a biometric registration system for all national forces, alongside enhanced counter-insurgency operations in the Ceel-Afweyn corridor. These measures aim to safeguard territorial integrity and civilian safety.

4. National Orphan Care Fund: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Youth
President Cirro launched the National Orphan Care Fund with an inaugural government pledge of $100,000. The fund will provide education, healthcare, and vocational training for over 5,000 orphaned children, with plans to expand through public-private partnerships.

1. Public Solidarity Day: Uniting Communities
   Effective May 2026, Somaliland will annually commemorate Public Solidarity Day (May 10) to promote volunteerism, charitable giving, and civic education. The initiative seeks to bridge societal divides and address poverty through collective action.

2. Agricultural Transformation: Partnering for Food Security
   Following talks with African Food Security, Somaliland secured a $15 million grant to modernize farming techniques and livestock management. The project aims to increase agricultural exports by 40% by 2030, reducing reliance on food imports.

—A New Era of Institutional Maturity
Somaliland’s second-phase reforms reflect a maturing nation focused on equitable growth, participatory governance, and global engagement. By prioritizing social cohesion and institutional accountability, the government aims to solidify its case for international recognition while delivering tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa, Somaliland– The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), hosted a high-level meeting today at the Presidential Palace with Nelli Mikkola, Finland’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs overseeing relations with Somaliland and Somalia.

The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on advancing shared priorities in regional security, social development, and the promotion of good governance. President Cirro expressed appreciation for Finland’s enduring support to Somaliland’s people and reiterated Somaliland’s commitment to fostering regional peace and stability through dialogue and inclusive conflict resolution.

Reflecting on his administration’s progress, President Cirro highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the strategic restructuring of Somaliland’s Armed Forces, the successful completion of a modern national census, modernization efforts across all branches of the Somaliland National Armed Forces (SNAF), and the peaceful resolution of the protracted conflict in El Afweyn district.

The President underscored critical areas for Finnish partnership, notably healthcare systems, educational infrastructure, vocational training programs, and institutional capacity-building to strengthen governance frameworks.

Deputy Minister Mikkola lauded Somaliland’s recent transparent elections and orderly transition of power, commending the administration’s constructive approach to mitigating tensions in the eastern regions. She reaffirmed Finland’s readiness to collaborate in priority sectors, including public health, education, conflict mediation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Additionally, she extended an invitation for President Cirro to visit Finland, acknowledging his prior ties to the country.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, reflecting mutual understanding and alignment of strategic interests. Both parties expressed optimism for deepened cooperation in pursuit of sustainable development and stability