Taipei – The Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan was honored to welcome a high-level delegation from the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), led by Secretary General Dr. Huang Yu-Lin, for a productive and wide-ranging meeting at the Office.
H.E. Ambassador Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal warmly received the delegation and expressed the Office’s deep appreciation for TaiwanICDF’s steadfast commitment to the partnership between the Republic of Somaliland and Taiwan (ROC).
Secretary General Huang spoke at length and with evident conviction about the strength of this partnership, with particular emphasis on TaiwanICDF’s ongoing involvement and projects in Somaliland. The Ambassador was especially impressed by the Secretary General’s keen and nuanced understanding of international development and humanitarian affairs—an understanding deepened by his distinguished prior service as President of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. His insights underscored why the partnership between Somaliland and Taiwan, two democracies united by shared values, rests on such solid ground.
The two sides reviewed completed projects, assessed current cooperation, and explored new avenues for collaboration between TaiwanICDF and various institutions of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Office commends the professionalism and exceptional caliber of the Secretary General and his team, and looks forward to close collaboration with the TaiwanICDF in the months and years ahead.
Hargeisa – Officials from UNESCO and DT Global today carried out an official working visit and technical assessment of the Historical Archives housed at Radio Hargeysa, Somaliland National Television, and the Dawan Newspaper—three cornerstone institutions under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Awareness of the Republic of Somaliland.
The high-level meeting centered on UNESCO’s forthcoming comprehensive evaluation of the physical and digital condition of the archives, which hold decades of invaluable audiovisual, print, and cultural records. Discussions provided an in-depth review of the archives’ historical evolution, the various phases they have undergone, and the challenges they currently face. Particular emphasis was placed on international best practices for archival preservation, as well as viable pathways for modernizing the collections to align with global standards.
The session also saw active engagement from DT Global, a key implementing partner of the Ministry, especially in the domains of cultural heritage protection, arts promotion, and literary preservation.
Chaired by the Director General of the Ministry, Mr. Cabdisalaan Maxamuud Ducaale (Ilkacase), the meeting was attended by senior directors from the Department of Culture, Somaliland National Television, Radio Hargeysa, the Dawan Newspaper, and the Department of Planning and Policy.
Representing the partner organizations were Mr. Rahul Goswami from UNESCO and Ms. Muna Axmed Cumar from DT Global.
This initiative forms an integral part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to safeguard, enhance, and modernize the nation’s archival heritage. By preserving these irreplaceable historical and cultural assets, the Ministry aims to ensure their accessibility and continuity for future generations of Somalilanders.
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte, Journalist, Horn of Africa Security Expert and Political Analyst
As Somaliland prepares for the transition beyond President Irro’s tenure, the nation faces a defining moment. The next leader must not only sustain the gains already made but also steer the country through the complex challenges of economic transformation, security, and the long-sought goal of international recognition. In Hersi Ali H. Hassan, Chairman of the ruling WADDANI Party, Somaliland has a statesman whose breadth of experience, commitment to unity, and clear-eyed vision make him the most compelling choice to guide the nation forward.
Depth of Experience, Readiness to Lead
Hersi Ali H. Hassan brings to the table something that cannot be manufactured: decades of hands-on governance. Having served as Minister of Livestock and Fisheries—a portfolio at the heart of Somaliland’s economy—he has managed critical national resources and understands firsthand the intersection of policy, people, and practical administration. His work in parliament further refined his legislative acumen, giving him an intimate knowledge of Somaliland’s legal and institutional architecture.
This is not a leader who would require a lengthy learning curve. Hersi has already navigated complex political negotiations, managed scarce resources with fiscal discipline, and advocated for Somaliland’s interests on both regional and international stages. He is prepared from day one to confront the security, diplomatic, and economic challenges that lie ahead—without the missteps that often accompany inexperience.
A Unifying Voice in a Fragile Political Landscape
In a region where division often undermines progress, Hersi has been a consistent advocate for national cohesion. He has repeatedly emphasized that Somaliland’s future depends not on factionalism but on collective purpose. His message is clear: sustainable development and strong governance can only emerge when citizens and leaders alike prioritize the nation over narrow interests.
Beyond rhetoric, this philosophy shapes his leadership style. Hersi believes that resilience and progress are built through mutual support—principles that form the bedrock of any thriving society. He has urged all Somalilanders to safeguard their nationhood and actively correct misguided perspectives, a call that resonates across political and social divides. His collaborative approach offers a departure from zero-sum politics, fostering instead an environment where dialogue and shared ambition can flourish.
A Clear Vision for Recognition and Prosperity
The quest for international recognition remains the most defining aspiration of Somaliland’s journey. Hersi has articulated this ambition with both urgency and clarity. He has announced that the 35-year wait for recognition is now entering a decisive phase, and he is committed to completing the efforts that will secure Somaliland’s seat at the United Nations and elevate its standing among the community of nations.
Crucially, this vision is grounded in a coherent governing philosophy. Under his leadership, the WADDANI Party has embraced “Nabad iyo Barwaaqo” (Peace and Prosperity) as its guiding framework—a commitment to sustainable development, strong institutions grounded in justice, and equitable access to essential services. This is not mere rhetoric; it is a blueprint for a Somaliland that is both stable and prosperous, where economic opportunity and the rule of law go hand in hand.
The Right Leader at the Right Time
As Somaliland contemplates its next chapter, the choice of leadership carries profound implications. Hersi Ali H. Hassan offers a rare combination of tested competence, unifying leadership, and strategic foresight. His proven track record in government, his unwavering commitment to national cohesion, and his ambitious yet practical vision for recognition and prosperity distinguish him as the leader best equipped to build on Somaliland’s achievements and unlock its full potential.
In Hersi, Somaliland would have not just a president, but a statesman ready to unite the nation, elevate its standing in the world, and deliver the peace and prosperity that its people have long deserved.
About the Author:Jama Ayaanle Feyte is a distinguished journalist, a specialist in Horn of Africa security dynamics, and a political analyst whose work focuses on governance, conflict resolution, and regional integration.
Hargeisa – July 21, 2026 – The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Science of the Republic of Somaliland, led by Minister Prof. Ismail Ducaale Yusuf, has officially presided over the graduation of 200 teachers from the National Teacher Training College (NTTC) in Hargeysa. The ceremony was also attended by Director General Abdirahman Hussein X. Xirsi, the college administration, and several directors from the Ministry.
Held at the Maansoor Hotel in Hargeysa, the event was further graced by the presence of cabinet ministers and senior government officials representing various sectors of the Somaliland administration.
All 200 graduates are female educators who have undergone comprehensive training in modern teaching methodologies and pedagogical best practices. They are now eligible to serve in primary and secondary schools throughout the Republic of Somaliland, where they are expected to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of learners.
This graduating cohort—the fourth to complete the program at the National Teacher Training College—benefited from a collaborative training initiative between the Ministry of Education and the international humanitarian organization SCI.
Delivering the opening address, Chairperson of the National Teacher Training College, Rahma Abdirisaq Mohamed, underscored the institution’s pivotal national mandate in uplifting educational standards and strengthening the country’s human capital. She reflected on the academic journey of the 200 graduates and extended special recognition to key education officials from the Sahil, Sheikh, and Maroodi-Jeeh regions, commending their invaluable support—both direct and indirect—throughout the training process.
Director General Abdirahman Hussein X. Xirsi also addressed the gathering, offering heartfelt congratulations to the college management, instructors, and the graduating students. He praised their dedication and the efficiency with which they completed the program.
Other speakers at the event echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of the graduation and urging the new teachers to apply their acquired skills with integrity and commitment in the classrooms they will soon lead.
In his closing remarks, Minister Prof. Ismail Ducaale Yusuf extended warm congratulations and prayers to the graduates and their families. He reminded them of the significant responsibility they now carry, urging them to return to their home regions and deliver quality education that reflects the knowledge and skills they have gained.
HARGEISA, Somaliland – The Director of the Somaliland National Heritage Museum, Mr. Abdirisaq Mohamed Farah “Gaafo,” officially received a delegation today composed of Muna Ahmed Omar from DT Global and Rahul Goswami from UNESCO.
The meeting signaled the start of a new partnership between the Museum, DT Global, and UNESCO, establishing a foundation for closer collaboration focused on strengthening the institution’s development.
Discussions centered on enhancing joint efforts to support the advancement of the Somaliland National Museum, boost its operational capacity, and build a sustainable working relationship dedicated to preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy.
This partnership is expected to contribute to the Museum’s long-term growth while fostering initiatives that safeguard and celebrate Somaliland’s history and culture for generations to come.
The modern geopolitical landscape is constrained by legacy administrative frameworks that overlook ground realities. In the Horn of Africa, vital to global commerce and maritime security, one nation has quietly defied the standard post-colonial narrative for over three decades.
Somaliland represents a radical departure from the outdated Western perception of East Africa. Operating with zero foreign aid and without international recognition, it has built a stable democracy, a functioning currency, and a safe haven on the basis of merit and self-reliance. It is the ultimate “Gateway Nation” of Africa.
To understand why this matters, we must look at the region through a dual lens: first, the hard-nosed maritime security realities of the Red Sea corridor; and second, an innovative, values-based model of engagement that bridges this frontier democracy directly with the African-American diaspora.
Section I: The Geopolitical Anchor & Red Sea Security
The Red Sea Security: A Strategic Imperative
The Red Sea is confronting an escalating security crisis driven by Iran’s systematic expansion of its regional network of proxies and rogue allies. Existing security arrangements led by the United States and regional partners, including the Gulf states, have proven insufficient to contain this growing strategic challenge. Securing the Red Sea requires a fundamental strategic realignment. Israel, leveraging its emerging partnership with Somaliland, can assume a central role in organizing and coordinating a broader regional security framework across the Horn of Africa. This would involve facilitating intelligence-sharing, joint maritime operations, and diplomatic engagement to counter Iranian expansion, protect freedom of navigation, and safeguard one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
Iran: The Architecture of Instability
Iran’s long-term objective is to establish strategic dominance over the maritime corridor extending from the Strait of Hormuz to the Suez Canal. Through asymmetric warfare, proxy Islamist networks, and partnerships with rogue regimes, Tehran seeks to influence global freedom of navigation and extract political concessions by threatening international trade and energy supplies.
Iran has transformed the Houthis from a local insurgent movement into a heavily armed, quasi–state actor equipped with advanced Iranian missiles, drones, intelligence support, and training. Through this proxy, Tehran exerts significant influence over the Bab el-Mandab Strait—the southern gateway to the Suez Canal—threatening critical global shipping routes. Following the October 7 war, Houthi attacks and disruptions targeting Israeli- and U.S.-linked vessels, along with explicit threats to blockade Bab el-Mandab as a strategic escalation leverage, demonstrate Iran’s growing use of maritime chokepoints as instruments of power projection, global economic disruption, and geopolitical coercion.
Iran is simultaneously expanding its strategic footprint across East Africa by cultivating relationships with Al-Shabaab in Somalia through the transfer of drone technology, intelligence, training, and logistical support, often facilitated through the Houthis. Beyond its Islamist proxies, Iran continues to deepen its regional position through cooperation with the Eritrean dictator. This partnership provides Tehran with additional logistical access and potential staging advantages along critical Red Sea maritime routes.
In Sudan, Iran, together with its regional partners in Eritrea, is actively seeking to restore the Muslim Brotherhood to power in Sudan. For decades, Muslim Brotherhood-controlled Sudan served as a sanctuary for Islamist terrorist organizations, including Osama bin Laden, Hamas, Hizbullah, and Iranian operatives. The return of the Brotherhood would not only consolidate the Iranian footprint in Sudan but also strengthen the Brotherhood networks in Egypt.
Through a combination of Islamist extremist proxies, authoritarian allies, and Iranian-directed operational networks, Tehran is constructing a coercive architecture capable of threatening the world’s most critical maritime arteries stretching across the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the southwestern Indian Ocean and challenging the existing international order.
Israeli-Led Strategic Realignment for Stability and Prosperity
The inability of existing regional arrangements to halt Iranian expansion necessitates a new strategic framework. Israel has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to neutralize Iranian proxy organizations, including Hamas, Hizbullah, and other Iranian-backed networks across the Middle East. Israel’s technological superiority, intelligence capabilities, missile defense systems, maritime surveillance, cyber capabilities, and operational experience position it as the natural anchor of a new regional security architecture. Israel is uniquely positioned to lead a comprehensive Red Sea security framework that not only counters Iranian and its proxies’ expansion but also strengthens regional stability, safeguards international commerce, and supports long-term economic and technological cooperation among partner nations in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland: The Gateway Nation
The partnership between Jerusalem and Hargeisa represents one of the most significant strategic opportunities in the Horn of Africa. Amidst a turbulent regional landscape, Somaliland stands out as an exceptional partner due to its critical geographic position, genuine democratic legitimacy, and pragmatic willingness to forge ties with Israel—a bold stance for a proud Muslim nation-state. Furthermore, by maintaining a robust internal security apparatus and offering the strategic logistical advantages of the Port of Berbera, Somaliland provides a level of political predictability that is both rare and vital to long-term regional stability.
Its successful partnership with the United Arab Emirates in developing the Port of Berbera demonstrates Somaliland’s capacity to host strategic infrastructure serving regional and international interests. Likewise, its Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia reflects a willingness to pursue regional cooperation based on mutual security and economic prosperity. By creating an environment where Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Somaliland can align their strategic interests, Somaliland has emerged as the natural cornerstone of a broader regional partnership.
Expanding the Horizon: A Broader Horn of Africa Alliance
While Somaliland initiates this strategic realignment, the Israel–Somaliland–Ethiopia partnership provides the foundation for a broader regional security architecture. Building upon this trilateral framework, Israel can further align its security interests with the aspirations of Horn of Africa nations seeking stability, sovereignty, economic development, and secure maritime trade corridors.
From this foundation, the framework could gradually expand to include a post-dictatorship Eritrea, a Sudan free from Islamist domination, and other regional partners committed to peace, economic integration, and maritime security. Such an alliance would extend the spirit of the Abraham Accords beyond the Middle East into the Horn of Africa, forging strategic cooperation among the region’s nations while strengthening ties between the Jewish people—the indigenous people of Israel—and the indigenous peoples of the Horn of Africa through shared interests in security, innovation, prosperity, and regional stability.
Horn of Africa countries would gain access to Israel’s expertise in innovation, AI, cybersecurity, water management, precision agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, accelerating economic growth, food security, and institutional capacity. Israel would, in turn, expand diplomatic standing, open new markets, and secure maritime routes through strategic cooperation.
Containing the Iranian arch of resistance requires more than reactive policies or temporary military operations; it demands a durable strategic coalition built on Israel’s strengths and regional partnerships. More than a diplomatic breakthrough, the Israel–Somaliland partnership is the catalyst for a new regional security and economic architecture that can ensure long-term stability along one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors.
Section II: The African-American Partnership Framework
While security cooperation provides the foundation of the Israel–Somaliland partnership, enduring alliances require far more than military coordination and intelligence sharing. The strategic importance of Somaliland along the Red Sea corridor cannot be sustained solely through defense cooperation with Israel. To build a lasting partnership that resonates with the broader American public, Washington and its democratic partners must move beyond traditional, top-down foreign aid models and cultivate genuine people-to-people, economic, educational, and civic partnerships.
True alignment is found in a shared vocabulary of pioneering spirit, democratic resilience, and institutional grit. The most authentic, high-leverage vehicle to translate these values into sustainable statecraft is a direct, structural partnership between Somaliland and the African-American community. This framework is built on three foundational pillars:
1. The Architecture of Venture Sovereignty
For decades, mainstream Western engagement with East Africa has been bottlenecked by bureaucratic red tape and administrative dependency. The Somaliland—African-American partnership replaces this outdated paradigm with peer-to-peer economic integration and agile capital deployment.
By operating outside the restrictive legacy structures of unrecognized statehood, Somaliland serves as a nimble, frontier-market canvas. We must establish direct pipelines for African-American venture funds, family offices, and tech entrepreneurs to deploy capital directly into the Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ). This creates a specialized channel for joint ventures in digital infrastructure, logistics, and light manufacturing (such as apparel and streetwear ecosystems). By bypassing traditional institutional gatekeepers, this pipeline transforms economic development into a tangible exercise in mutual sovereignty.
2. Decolonizing Identity and Dissolving Boundaries
Mainstream global narratives have long weaponized geography and skin melanization to reinforce false concepts of separation, placing Western innovation on one side and African dependency on the other. This partnership intentionally shatters that illusion.
The African-American community possesses an unmatched, historic legacy of building enduring civic, economic, and educational institutions from the ground up despite immense structural adversity. This history perfectly mirrors Somaliland’s own trajectory of self-reliance. When African-American institutional leaders and creators partner as peers with a self-made democracy like Somaliland, it articulates a universal truth: true sovereignty and human dignity are realized through execution and merit, not external permission. This alignment directly reflects the bedrock pioneering values of America and Israel’s enduring sovereignty against all odds.
3. The Decentralized Educational & Media Bridge
To ensure this alliance is multi-generational and structurally sound, we must leverage modern digital ecosystems and agentic technology to distribute knowledge and shift global perceptions.
The Intellectual Exchange: We are designing digital university curriculum distributions and virtual bridge initiatives that directly connect student leadership coalitions from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States with academic minds in Hargeisa and Jerusalem. This fosters an unfiltered, peer-to-peer dialogue surrounding regional context and technological innovation.
Narrative Distribution: The African-American community commands an unparalleled global cultural engine. By anchoring the story of Somaliland’s peace and stability within this media ecosystem, we bypass legacy media biases. This constructs an organic shield of public advocacy across the wider United States, translating Somaliland’s ground-level success into a narrative that mainstream America instantly recognizes and respects.
Conclusion: A New Model of Engagement
The convergence of interests between Israel, the United States, and Somaliland represents the vanguard of modern diplomacy. By connecting the democratic resilience of Jerusalem, the pioneering values of America, and the sovereign capital of the African-American diaspora to the stability of Hargeisa, we offer an entirely new model of international engagement—one that integrates security, economic development, and civil society.
We are proving that freedom and dignity are universal frameworks of execution. In doing so, we shatter the artificial illusion that we are divided by geography or skin tone, and demonstrate that we are united by a single, shared frontier of liberty.
HARGEISA – Fihiima Yusuf Quuje, a prominent Somallandi-born activist who has publicly renounced her previous affiliation with the Greater Somalia ideology and the northeastern regions, arrived in Hargeisa today to a jubilant reception, marking her long-awaited return to the Republic of Somaliland after six years in exile.
Speaking shortly after her arrival at Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport, an emotional Quuje expressed her deep joy at finally setting foot on her homeland. “After six years, I have returned to my country, draped in my flag,” she declared, visibly moved as she addressed the cheering crowd.
Quuje, who had been living abroad for the past six years, confirmed that her return signals a definitive break from her former political stance and a renewed commitment to Somaliland’s sovereignty and identity. Her homecoming has been hailed by many as a symbolic victory for Somaliland’s nation-building journey.
The airport ceremony drew a large and diverse crowd, including senior government officials and thousands of ordinary citizens who had gathered to welcome her back. Among those present were the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Somaliland and several cabinet ministers, underscoring the political significance of her return.
The Minister of Interior of Somaliland, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, who was part of the official reception delegation, revealed that the Somali federal government had attempted to prevent Quuje’s return using financial inducements. “Somalia tried to buy Fihiima Quuje off with vast sums of money in an effort to silence and detain her,” Minister Arab stated. “But she refused to be swayed. She is a daughter of Somaliland who has preserved her citizenship and identity, and we are proud to welcome her home.”
Minister Arab further emphasized that Quuje’s decision to return was a personal and principled one, and he commended her courage in standing firm against external pressure. He also noted that her arrival strengthens the collective resolve of Somalilanders to protect their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Quuje’s return is widely seen as a major morale boost for Somaliland’s statehood cause and a clear rejection of unification agendas. As she walked through the terminal draped in the Somaliland flag, supporters chanted patriotic slogans, celebrating what many described as a historic and emotional homecoming.
Her arrival is expected to generate further political discourse, with many viewing it as a testament to the growing international and regional recognition of Somaliland’s distinct identity and aspirations.
HARGEISA – The inaugural session of the Central Committee of the KAAH Political Party was officially opened this morning in Hargeisa, marking a significant milestone in the party’s organizational and political development.
The high-level gathering brought together the party’s top leadership and all members of the Central Committee, who convened to deliberate on a range of critical issues affecting both the party and the broader national landscape. The session is expected to set the strategic direction for the party in the coming period, with discussions covering internal governance, policy priorities, and the party’s role in advancing the democratic process in Somaliland.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, party leaders underscored the importance of unity, transparency, and collective decision-making in strengthening the party’s institutional framework. They also highlighted the need to remain responsive to the aspirations of the Somali people and to uphold the principles of good governance and accountability.
The Central Committee, which serves as the party’s highest decision-making body between general congresses, is anticipated to review progress on previous commitments, assess the current political climate, and lay out a roadmap for future initiatives. Key agenda items are believed to include party restructuring, outreach strategies, and preparations for upcoming electoral processes.
The session, which has drawn significant attention from political observers and the public alike, reflects KAAH’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its position within Somaliland’s multi-party political system and to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s stability and development.
Hargeisa – Today, the Office of the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and National Development hosted a meeting of the High-Level Steering Committee for the Land and Water Management Improvement Project, chaired by the Minister of Planning and National Development, Ms. Kaltuun Sheikh Hassan.
The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Change, and Livestock, along with project implementation management representatives, including Mohamed Farah and Ibrahim Arab. Also present were advisors and officials from the relevant ministries involved in the project.
The session focused on accelerating project implementation, strengthening coordination among partner agencies, and enhancing the integration of plans aimed at improving land and water resource management. Committee members exchanged recommendations and strategies to reinforce the project’s operational rollout.
This project aims to enhance food security and livestock productivity through better land and water management, as well as to combat soil erosion. Additionally, the initiative seeks to increase rainwater harvesting and storage, and to strengthen the recharge of groundwater aquifers.
Hargeisa – The Speaker of Somaliland’s House of Elders Hon. Muse Haji Abdi Duale, alongside the First Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Mohamed Abdi Shide, convened a high-level meeting today with the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, departmental directors, unit heads, and general staff of the Upper House.
The gathering, which combined an orientation session with a performance review, was designed to foster closer working relations and re-energize the parliamentary workforce in their discharge of legislative duties.
Addressing the staff at the outset, Speaker Muse Haji Abdi Duale called on all employees to intensify their efforts and elevate their productivity, underscoring the critical role they play in upholding the House’s legislative agenda and public trust.
Echoing that sentiment, First Deputy Speaker Hon. Ahmed Mohamed Abdi Shide reinforced the call for increased dedication, reminding the staff that their service is not only to the House but also to the broader national interest.
The Clerk of the House, Hon. Abdinasir Aden Beegsi, delivered a comprehensive briefing on the current staffing structure and the scope of responsibilities shouldered by the parliamentary workforce. He praised the team as highly competent and well-versed in their respective fields, adding that they constitute the very backbone of the House and are indispensable to its effective functioning.
