By Goth Mohamed Goth

A catastrophic wildfire is consuming the ecologically vital Daalo Mountain range near Erigavo, Sanaag Region, posing an unprecedented threat to Somaliland’s unique biodiversity and local communities. Declared the largest fire in the region’s history by Minister of State for Internal Affairs and Security, Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, the blaze has triggered a massive response. Military units, police forces, and local volunteers are working tirelessly, yet struggling, to contain the inferno.

Director General Mukhtar Abdi Jama of the Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs described the situation as a “major disaster,” emphasizing the critical need for immediate community mobilization and urgent international assistance to protect the mountain’s pristine ecosystem.

Minister of Environment Abdullahi Jama Osman confirmed that fire brigades and volunteers are battling flames that have already spread from Daallo to Dowga Tabca. However, efforts are severely hampered by the extremely rugged terrain and a dangerous lack of firefighting equipment.

The Daalo Mountains, a cherished national treasure and ecological hotspot, face devastating losses of irreplaceable flora and fauna. The Somaliland government is issuing an urgent appeal to international organizations, NGOs, private businesses, and the youth for essential technical support and financial aid.

An emergency hotline is now active for real-time updates and to coordinate volunteer efforts.

How to Help: Contact the Somaliland Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs or local authorities in Erigavo to contribute support. Stand with Somaliland to protect its irreplaceable natural heritage!

By Goth Mohamed Goth

In a historic milestone, the Somaliland Police Force has officially become the 41st member of the Commonwealth Police Sports Union (CPSU), marking a significant advancement in fostering international cooperation and promoting police sports. The agreement was formally signed today in Hargeisa during a ceremony between Major General Abdirahman Abdilahi Hasan, Commander of the Somaliland Police Force, and Mr. Sunil Kumar, Secretary of the CPSU.

The CPSU, a globally recognized organization, promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sports development among police forces in its member countries. Somaliland’s inclusion as the 41st member underscores its growing international presence and commitment to enhancing professional and athletic opportunities for its police personnel.

The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Ambassador Hasan Da’ud and senior Somaliland Police Force officers, alongside a high-level CPSU delegation.

Major General Abdirahman Abdilahi Hasan hailed the membership as a gateway to new opportunities, stating, “Joining the CPSU opens doors for our police force to engage in sports, specialized training, and international partnerships. This will strengthen our capabilities and global connections.”

Mr. Sunil Kumar echoed this sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to welcome Somaliland as the 41st member of the CPSU. This is a pivotal moment for fostering stronger ties and collaboration among police forces worldwide.”

This development is expected to enhance the Somaliland Police Force’s participation in international police sports events, training programs, and collaborative initiatives, further solidifying its integration into global law enforcement networks.

Dahabshiil Group, a leading African financial services provider, and Save the Children, a global humanitarian organization, have launched a groundbreaking partnership aimed at improving the lives of children across the Horn of Africa. The collaboration, announced at a high-profile ceremony, seeks to combine Dahabshiil’s financial expertise and remittance network with Save the Children’s humanitarian efforts to address pressing challenges in health, education, and child welfare.

The launch event was attended by prominent figures, including Dahabshiil Group CEO Abdirashid Duale, Kenya’s Health Minister Hon. Aden Duale, Save the Children UK CEO Moazzam Malik, and other regional leaders and dignitaries. The partnership is set to leverage Dahabshiil’s robust remittance platform to facilitate the flow of funds, ensuring critical support reaches vulnerable communities efficiently.

A Commitment to Social Impact, Speaking at the event, Hon. Aden Duale praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to drive meaningful change. “This partnership between Dahabshiil and Save the Children is a powerful example of how humanitarian goals and innovative business solutions can come together to serve our children. It’s a testament to the impact of collaboration in tackling today’s health and developmental challenges,” he said.

He also highlighted Save the Children’s impactful work in Wajir, Kenya, noting, “You’re partnering with an organization that’s making a real difference.”

Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil Group, underscored the company’s longstanding commitment to social responsibility. “Dahabshiil has always been dedicated to addressing societal challenges, from health to humanitarian crises. Our partnership with Save the Children and Mr. Moazzam Malik reflects how businesses can play a pivotal role in community development,” he said. “By facilitating remittances from the diaspora, we aim to empower vulnerable populations and support transformative initiatives.”

Moazzam Malik, CEO of Save the Children UK, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to transform lives. “This collaboration with Dahabshiil opens new doors for supporting children in the Horn of Africa. Our discussions began in 2023, and while we’ve worked together on remittance services, this partnership allows us to do much more,” Malik said. “The region faces significant challenges, and by combining the strengths of private enterprise and humanitarian organizations, we can create lasting solutions for children.”

The partnership builds on Dahabshiil’s history of supporting communities during crises, such as droughts, floods, and fires, as inspired by the company’s founder, Haji Mohamed Said. “Dahabshiil has always played a vital role in community progress, and we are ready to continue this legacy,” added Abdirashid Duale.

A Model for Public-Private Collaboration, MP Mohamed Adow, who also spoke at the event, lauded Dahabshiil’s leadership in the private sector, describing the partnership as a model for how businesses and humanitarian organizations can work together to address regional challenges. The event, attended by parliamentarians, humanitarian officials, and other stakeholders, concluded with a shared commitment to driving impactful change for children and families. This partnership marks a significant step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by children in the Horn of Africa, with both organizations pledging to expand their efforts in the years ahead.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, today departed on a working visit to the State of Qatar, following an official invitation received from the Government of Qatar. The President’s visit is expected to last several days, God willing.

This marks the first time a President from the Republic of Somaliland undertakes an official visit to Qatar. The President and his delegation traveled aboard a special flight.

Accompanying the President are the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Minister of Interior and National Security, the Minister of the Presidency, the Minister of Religion and Endowments, the Economic Advisor, and the Chief of Staff of the Presidency.

During their stay in Doha, the capital city of Qatar, the President and his delegation will hold meetings with senior officials and authorities of the Qatari State. Discussions will focus on matters of mutual interest between the two sides, particularly concerning the security and stability of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Horn of Africa, as well as cooperation and partnership, investment, economic resource development, and social affairs.

The Somaliland President’s visit to Qatar signifies his commitment to enhancing and refining Somaliland’s Foreign Policy and strengthening its active relations with the International Community. It underscores the importance Somaliland attaches to its national interests and its pursuit of these interests through all viable channels.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), is set to visit Qatar tomorrow for an official trip. He will meet with top officials to discuss cooperation between the two countries.

The President will be accompanied by cabinet members. This visit aims to strengthen ties and enhance development collaboration.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

A grand ceremony commemorating the 65th anniversary of Somaliland’s independence from British colonial rule was held this evening at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.

The event, honoring Independence Day on June 26, was graced by the presence of His Excellency President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Cabdi, the Chairman of the House of Elders (Guurti), members of parliament, former vice presidents, the Attorney General, the Chairman of the WADDANI political party, lawmakers, government ministers, diplomats, politicians, and other distinguished guests. The celebration featured vibrant theatrical performances and cultural displays, underscoring the significance of this historic milestone.

In their speeches, key figures—including the Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi; politician Ahmed Ismail Samatar; and the Chairmen of the House of Elders and MPs, Suleiman Mahmoud Aden and Prof. Yasin Haji Mohamed Hir (Faratoon)—highlighted the profound importance of the day for Somaliland’s people and the necessity of commemorating it with pride.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) delivered a poignant address, reflecting on Somaliland’s historic legacy, its developmental progress, and the challenges overcome. He reaffirmed the nation’s resilience and unity in pursuing a prosperous future.

As the clock struck midnight (East Africa time), the Somaliland flag was ceremoniously raised, with military units offering a solemn salute—a powerful symbol of national pride and sovereignty.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

This week on June 26, Somaliland is commemorating its 65th anniversary of Independence which marked the end of the British protectorate making it the 13th African nation to gain independence.

The Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation hosted a one day symposium under the theme “ 65 Years Later – Honoring Independence and Advancing Recognition”, with two engaging panels designed to honor our independence and discuss the way forward for Somaliland.

The event which was held at the Ali Jirde Hotel brought together participants from a diverse spectrum of the community including Academicians, political, religious leaders , University students, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and activists.

Among the notable speakers at the two panels discussions were:

1. Prof. Mohamoud Hussein Farah, Dean , Faculty of Law.

2. Dr. Hussein Abdillahi Bulhan, Founder Franz Fatun University in Hargeisa, Psychologist

3. Mr. Samatar Abdi Hersi , Horn of Africa Historian

4. Abdinasser Ahmed Adam – Economist

5. Dr. Maxamed Jaamac Madar – Phd

6. Fahima Abdi Ali- Somaliland Activist

Among the guests in attendance there was the four living members of Somaliland Scouts who were present on 26 June 1960 when the flag was raised in the freedom park in Hargeisa.

Dr. Hussein Abdillahi Bulhan speaking on the first panel “Legal and Historical Path to Independence – Pre 1960” gave a brief introduction of the importance of the 26th June Independence day, in which he began by saying , “ This week on June 26, Somaliland is commemorating its 65th anniversary of Independence which marked the end of the British protectorate making it the 13th African nation to gain independence.The reason why I raised this question many times is because I have heard people debating this issue. The celebration of 18th May (regaining sovereignty day) and the celebration of 26 June (Independence Day) are both national days. Both days have been commemorating by the people of Somaliland and they are days that give us the opportunity to come together to reflect on the history and struggle that we have gone through as a nation. The commemoration of the two events has historical links that shaped what Somaliland stands for today: justice, peace, democracy and freedom.

He added, “ Somalia is a classic example of a failed state. It effectively has had no reasonably working state structures since 1991, but its cosmetic existence has from 1992 been practically subject to the Security Council’s 1992 Resolution of 733, adopted again in 2019 as 2472. With billions of dollars wasted in establishing governance, the international community has nothing to show for that all those resources other than securing a few miles around Mogadishu. Somalia still struggles to stand on its feet and the chances it will do so in the foreseeable future Is dim. It is dim because instead of coming to terms with the factuality that Somaliland has left the 1960 dubious union, Somalia continues to put ratifying its draft constitution and completing its state institution building on the back burner”

Prof. Mohamoud Hussein Farah, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Hargeisa, on his part elaborated on the legal case for Somaliland’s independence in which he said, “ There was no significant formal, ratified agreement between then newly independent states of Somaliland and Somalia because:

-There was no official Parliamentary approval

-There was no Supreme Court approving the fledgling union

-There was no UN Resolution reconizing and approving the unification process.

Somaliland reasserted its independence after 30 years of injustice as a result of the devastating Union and restored its political institutions of independence that was attained on 26 June 1960 from Great Britain. Somaliland currently exercises lawful sovereignty of its independence of June 26, 1960 based on the following valid, legal points:

1. Poltical: The Conference from 4th to 12th May 1960, decision appointed that the date of independence of Somaliland.

2. Independence of Somaliland was discussed and agreed during London meeting and the constitution shall be on 26 June 1960. Decision was submitted to UK Parliament.

3. Regarding, Somaliland territory, Somaliland’s independence restores the colonial borders of the former British Protectorate of Somaliland and therefore does not violate the principle of uti possidetis – that former colonial borders should be maintained upon independence – which is enshrined in the Consultative Act of the African Union (Session in Cairo, UAR, from 17 to 21 July 1964).”

He further stated in regard to Somaliland statehood, “Somaliland fulfills all the criteria for statehood as those set by the 1933 Montevideo Convention, the State as a person of international law should possess the following qualifications”:

1. A permanent population;

2. A defined territory;

3. Government; and Capacity to enter into relations with the other states.”

It is noteworthy that the Diaspora Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation invited members of the Somaliland Scouts who are among the few surviving members of that era, now scattered across the regions of the country, with many being elderly and some unable to walk.

The corps, Aden Ahmed Mohamed, Ahmed Elmi Ducaale, Ibrahim Isman Aden, and Jama Ahmed Hirsi, are among the few surviving members of that era. The members of the Somaliland Scouts Corps gave the participants in-depth information of the day Somaliland gained independence from Great Britain.These individuals were part of the Somaliland Scouts during the British Protectorate period and have witnessed various historic events. On 26 June 2023, they commemorated this day with seven of them, but today, only five remain with us. During the modest event held today by the Ministry at the Ali Jirde Hall to mark the observance of 26 June 2025, the corps delivered historic speeches.

“The country is better off today than the day we gained independence, but the people today are worse off—divided by tribalism and favoritism, which did not exist back then,”said Aden Ahmed Mohamed Deputy Chairman of the Somaliland Scouts Committee.

“I am saddened by where people stand today in terms of knowledge and the opportunities we had back then,”said Ibrahim Isman Aden.