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Somaliland NEC Presents Voter Registration Assessment and Reform Plan to Political Parties Taskforce

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) no today convened a meeting with the National Political Parties Taskforce (Taskforce) to review key findings on the country’s voter registration system.

During the session, the NEC presented an independent assessment report conducted by KPMG, a globally recognized leader in system audits and evaluations. The report analyzed the Somaliland Voter Registry, identifying critical challenges in data management, technical infrastructure, and operational tools. It also provided actionable recommendations to enhance the system’s credibility and efficiency.

As a key outcome of the meeting, the NEC submitted its **Comprehensive Voter Registration Implementation Plan to the Taskforce. The plan, informed by KPMG’s expert analysis, outlines a structured approach to modernizing Somaliland’s voter registration process, ensuring alignment with international best practices and the assessment’s findings.

This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward strengthening electoral transparency and public trust in Somaliland’s democratic processes.

Somaliland President Holds Strategic Meeting with Academy for Peace and Development Leadership

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa– The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), accompanied by the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, convened a high-level meeting today with the senior leadership of the Academy for Peace and Development (APD), including its Executive Director, Mr. Mohamed.

During the productive discussions, President Irro commended APD’s pivotal role in Somaliland’s state-building journey, particularly its contributions to peace, sustainable development, and the consolidation of democratic governance. “The Academy has established itself as an indispensable national institution through its rigorous research, policy expertise, and decades of practical experience,” the President noted.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the partnership, President Cirro stated, “My government will strengthen its collaboration with APD to advance our national development agenda and democratic aspirations.”

The APD leadership expressed appreciation for the President’s engagement, with the Executive Director stating, “This meeting marks a significant step in deepening our institutional cooperation with the government, particularly in the areas of conflict resolution, governance reform, and democratic institution-building.”

Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining APD’s legacy as an independent, research-driven institution while aligning its work with national priorities. The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to formalizing frameworks for ongoing policy dialogue and program implementation.

The meeting, described by participants as “highly constructive,” reflects the growing synergy between Somaliland’s government and its premier policy research institution as the nation enters a new phase of its development.

CELEBRATION OF THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOMALILAND’S RESTORATION OF SOVEREIGNTY BY THE SOMALILAND COMMUNITY IN BELGIUM

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

The Somaliland community residing in Belgium 🇧🇪 celebrated the 34th anniversary of the restoration of sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland in a grand ceremony on the evening of Saturday, May 10, 2025.

The historic commemoration, held in the city of Antwerp, was attended by members of the community’s committee, numerous representatives from various sectors of the community, as well as delegates from the Somaliland communities in Luxembourg 🇱🇺, Germany 🇩🇪, and the Netherlands 🇳🇱.

Speaking at the event were the Chairman of the Somaliland Community in Belgium & Luxembourg, Omar Jama Warsame, other committee members and community elders, as well as Somaliland’s Representative to the European Union, Brigadier General Kaysar Abdullahi Mohamed, who joined the celebration via telephone while on an official trip abroad. All the officials and speakers emphasized the historic significance of this day for the Somaliland nation, as well as the vital role unity and solidarity play in the progress and aspirations of the Republic of Somaliland.

As part of the commemoration program, the Community Committee honored six outstanding individuals, mostly women, with certificates of recognition in appreciation of their significant contributions to organizing this national celebration and the overall activities of the community.

Somaliland diaspora communities across the world are celebrating the May 18 anniversary in numerous countries.

Unity is the Key to Our Success.”
“Together we achieve success.”

Should Somaliland Relocate it’s Capital?

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Should Somaliland Relocate ts Capital?

Dear readers, today we examine a pressing question for Somaliland’s future: Should the commercial capital be separated from the political and diplomatic capital?

Hargeisa, Somaliland’s current capital, faces severe congestion and strained infrastructure. The city struggles to balance its roles as an economic hub, administrative center, and diplomatic focal point. Rapid urbanization, inadequate planning since independence in 1991, and limited international investment have left Hargeisa overburdened—unable to efficiently manage transportation, public services, and government operations.

Sheikh: A Viable Alternative for the Political Capital?

Sheikh, a historic city in the Saaxil region, holds untapped potential. Before Somaliland’s independence in 1960, it served as a key administrative and educational center under British rule, prized for its cool climate and strategic proximity to Berbera. Today, it hosts the University of Technology and Science of Somaliland, positioning it as a potential hub for governance, diplomacy, and intellectual growth.

Global Precedents: Divided Capitals

Many nations have successfully separated political and commercial capitals to optimize governance and urban development:
– Nigeria:- Abuja (political) vs. Lagos (commercial)
– South Africa:-Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
– Tanzania:- Dodoma (official capital) vs. Dar es Salaam (economic center)
– Australia:- Canberra (political) vs. Sydney/Melbourne (economic)
– USA:- Washington, D.C. (government) vs. New York (financial/diplomatic)

A Call for National Dialogue

While Somaliland’s Constitution designates Hargeisa as the official capital, the growing strain on the city warrants reconsideration. The Chief Justice’s recent push for public consultation opens the door to debate: Could Sheikh become the administrative and diplomatic capital, easing pressure on Hargeisa while leveraging its economic strength near Ethiopia?

Your Voice Matters:
“Should Sheikh become Somaliland’s political capital, or should Hargeisa retain both roles?

By Ismail Ali Ahmed

Somaliland Inaugurates $100 million agriculture project with US-Based African Food Security

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The Somaliland Ministry of Agriculture has announced a $100 million agriculture development project to boost food production across the region. The project is being funded and implemented by African Food Security, a US-based company specializing in agricultural development.

The initiative was formally signed by Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro and publicly announced by the Minister of Agriculture Development, Mahmoud Egeh Yusuf, alongside Deputy Minister Mukhtar Haaji Muxumed Farah.

According to a press release from the Ministry, African Food Security highlighted Somaliland’s strategic location, stating the region has potential to become a key exporter of agricultural products to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the future.

President Irro emphasized that improving agricultural production is a top priority for his administration, especially as food insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges in Somaliland.

Currently, most food consumed in Somaliland is imported, while local agricultural output remains minimal and insufficient to meet the population’s needs. Officials say limited investment in the sector, severe water shortages, and arid environmental conditions have hindered agricultural development.

The partnership with African Food Security is expected to address some of these barriers and lay the groundwork for long-term food sustainability and economic growth.

Somaliland President and Electoral Commission Review 2024 Polls, Commit to Strengthening Democracy

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – His Excellency President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) convened a high-level meeting today with the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to evaluate the successful 2024 elections and discuss enhancements for future electoral processes.

President Irro lauded the NEC’s exemplary management of the harmonized presidential and political party elections held on November 13, 2024, which were widely acclaimed for their transparency, efficiency, and adherence to democratic standards.

“The NEC’s professionalism and dedication have set a benchmark for credible elections, earning Somaliland **international commendation, ” the President stated. He particularly recognized the commission’s successful implementation of biometric voter registration for Somaliland’s armed forces, a critical step in ensuring an inclusive and fraud-resistant electoral system.

In response, NEC officials expressed gratitude for the government’s unwavering support and presented key insights from their post-election assessment. The review highlighted achievements, identified challenges, and outlined actionable recommendations to further refine the electoral framework.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to safeguard Somaliland’s democratic progress, underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration between the presidency and electoral authorities.

University of Hargeisa Hosts Guest Lecture on “Shifting Alignments in the Red Sea Security Complex: Dynamics and Trends”

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) at the University of Hargeisa hosted an insightful academic lecture titled “Shifting Alignments in the Red Sea Security Complex: Dynamics and Trends.” Held at the university’s conference hall, the event drew a diverse audience, including students, faculty members, researchers, and senior university administrators.

The lecture aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Red Sea corridor and their implications for regional stability, security, and political developments** in the Horn of Africa.

Distinguished Speakers & Key Discussions
The event featured presentations by two renowned scholars:
– Dr. Federico Donelli, Senior Lecturer at the University of Trieste, Italy
– Dr. Jama Musse Jama, Senior Lecturer at the Hargeisa Cultural Center and faculty member at the University of Hargeisa

Their analyses explored:
✔ Shifting alliances among global powers in the Red Sea region
✔ Emerging tensions and political interests shaping the security landscape
✔ Potential impacts on peace, security, and development in the Horn of Africa.

Opening Remarks & Engaging Discussions

Dr. Hassan Abdi Abdillahi, Director of IPCS, inaugurated the session by highlighting the critical need for academic research and informed discourse on maritime security and the Red Sea’s strategic significance—especially as global attention toward the region grows.

Following the presentations, students actively participated in a lively Q&A session, engaging with the speakers on pressing geopolitical issues.

Closing Reflection
The event concluded with a strong emphasis on:
🔹 Expanding research on maritime politics and regional security
🔹 Fostering international academic collaboration
🔹 Strengthening knowledge-sharing to support Peace building efforts

This lecture reinforced the University of Hargeisa’s commitment to promoting scholarly dialogue on critical regional and global challenges.

Somaliland Parliament Votes on Halting Somalia Talks

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House of Representatives’ Legal Advisor to Resubmit Motion to the House Today

The Somaliland House of Representatives has received a motion calling for the official suspension of dialogue with Somalia. The move follows an earlier proposal by the Somaliland government to end the talks, primarily driven by Somalia’s interference in Somaliland’s sovereignty and internal affairs.

The motion, introduced by members of the House, has been referred to the House’s legal advisor for review. The advisor will assess its compliance with legal and procedural standards before any further action is taken.

Somaliland’s accusations against Somalia include attempts to influence its internal governance, with particular concern over Somalia’s support for militias in the eastern Sool region. Somaliland views these actions as part of a broader effort by Somalia to undermine its authority and hinder its pursuit of international recognition as an independent state.

The situation escalated recently when Somaliland Armed Forces seized a large cache of weapons following a clash with militias in the eastern Sanaag region. The weapons, including wooden ammunition containers, were marked with Somalia’s Ministry of Defense labeling, raising questions about the diversion of foreign military aid intended for counter-terrorism purposes to fuel the conflict in Somaliland.

Further inflaming tensions, Somalia’s Prime Minister visited Eastern Sool region in Somaliland, prompting strong condemnation from Hargeisa. Somaliland views this visit as a provocative act, challenging its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The motion, now under legal review, underscores Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty. The international community is being urged to take note of Somalia’s actions, which continue to destabilize the Horn of Africa. As the motion progresses, the outcome could play a pivotal role in shaping the Horn of Africa’s future relations.

Somaliland, despite lacking formal international recognition, has maintained stability, governance, and peace in its territory. This motion serves as a clear message that Somaliland will not tolerate external interference in its affairs as it continues its path toward self-determination and sovereignty.-

President Abdirahman Irro declares Annual National Welfare Day, as he guarantees undertaking the responsibilities of the national orphanage centre

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President announced the establishment of the National Orphanage Fund, to which the Government contributed the initial $100,000

By M. A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro officially declared the National Day of Welfare of the People of the Republic of Somaliland, which will be observed on May 10th every year.

The President, who delivered a speech on the occasion at the National Orphanage Centre on Saturday, said:

“The Day of National Welfare of the People is a special day that will be dedicated to promoting and strengthening our nation’s welfare programs, showing compassion, helping our needy people, and raising awareness of the value of the programme.”

The President declared that the said day “would be for the Somaliland community to encourage the giving of charity, alms, and to find sources of help for the poor”, and urged, “Let us outwardly fulfil our duty as a nation to help our needy people and strengthen social justice”.

The President of Somaliland, speaking about the reason for holding the event at the Orphanage and Child Care Centre, said, “This year, we have chosen the Orphanage Centre as the place to announce this program, to remind us of the responsibility we all have to care for and monitor orphans’ welfare, and to provide tangible and continuous support to our needy people.”

On the auspicious occasion, the Head of State announced the establishment of the National Orphanage Fund, to which the Government contributed the initial $100,000.

The President pledged that as President, he would guarantee the welfare of orphanages as concerns education, health, livelihood and general needs of young children cared for in the National Orphanage and Care Centres.

Somaliland’s Environment Minister Holds Key Talks in UK on Water Scarcity

By Goth Mohamed Goth

London– The Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Somaliland attended a high-level conference at OCL University in London, UK, focusing on scientific solutions to water scarcity in the Horn of Africa. The event brought together experts to share knowledge and strategies for sustainable resource management.

During his visit to the UK, the minister was warmly received by the Somaliland diaspora. His agenda includes political, environmental, and community engagements aimed at strengthening ties and addressing critical issues.

As part of his itinerary, the minister held an extended consultative meeting with Somaliland’s Ambassador to the UK and embassy officials. The discussions covered vital updates and collaborative efforts to advance Somaliland’s interests abroad.

In the coming days, the minister is set to meet with Somaliland community members, academic institutions, and UK government-affiliated organizations. Additionally, he will engage with the diaspora regarding preparations for Somaliland’s National Day celebrations on May 18.