By Goth Mohamed Goth

The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, presiding as Acting President, officiated at the ceremony today celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Somaliland Coast Guard.

The anniversary event, hosted at the Coast Guard Headquarters, was attended by senior commanders of the national armed forces and diplomatic representatives from Somaliland’s international partner nations.

In his keynote address, the Vice President commended the service and sacrifice of the Coast Guard personnel and their families.

“It is an honor to join you in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Somaliland Coast Guard,” stated the Vice President. “I extend my deepest gratitude to the commanders, officers, non-commissioned officers, and all ranks for their dedication. My congratulations also go to their families, whose support is invaluable. We pray for their health and continued success in the year ahead.”

The Vice President underscored the strategic economic importance of the nation’s maritime domain, urging a national shift towards harnessing its potential.

“With the global value of marine resources ever-increasing and traditional pastoralism facing challenges, it is imperative that we turn our focus to the sea,” he declared. “We must prioritize the sustainable development of our fisheries and other marine resources for the nation’s prosperity.”

Concluding his remarks, the Vice President reinforced the government’s commitment to building a world-class maritime force.

“This administration is unequivocally committed to a program of modernization and professionalization for the Somaliland Coast Guard. Our goal is to develop a force with the operational capacity and expertise to meet international standards,” the Vice President affirmed.

On September 29, 2025, a landmark event unfolded in London, orchestrated by the Somaliland UK Mission with the patronage of esteemed envoy Hon. Said Hassan Bihi and a team of dedicated Mission diplomats.

The gathering welcomed Second Deputy Speaker Ali Hamud Jibril, former government officials, and a diverse array of invited guests, alongside an enthusiastic Somaliland diaspora community. This pivotal summit centered on promoting Somaliland’s pursuit of self-determination, fostering socioeconomic growth, and deepening its partnership with the United Kingdom.

The event buzzed with energy as leaders and community members participated in robust dialogues about investment prospects, political cooperation, and innovative strategies to secure Somaliland’s bright future.

Highlighting Somaliland’s economic strides, the summit showcased the nation’s GDP, which soared to $3.97 billion in 2023—a 5% rise from the previous year, according to the Central Statistics Department. This growth underscores Somaliland’s enduring resilience and untapped economic promise.

The Somaliland flag, prominently displayed, stood as a potent emblem of the collective aspiration for stability and prosperity, reflecting the nation’s 34-year journey of democratic development since its 1991 reclamations of independence.

The diaspora emerged as a cornerstone of this progress, channeling significant remittances and expertise to bolster sustainable development. The event also spotlighted ongoing UK-backed initiatives, including transformative infrastructure projects launched since 2020, such as road improvements and enhanced water systems, which are uplifting communities across Somaliland.

Hon. Said Hassan Bihi conveyed heartfelt thanks to all participants and UK allies, declaring, “Together, we are not merely envisioning a brighter future—we are actively constructing it.” This summit strengthens Somaliland’s international footprint and reaffirms the diaspora’s critical role in forging a prosperous tomorrow.

Hon. Jibril shared insights from his recent tour of Nordic and Benelux capitals, where legislators expressed preliminary support. Should this support materialize into policy, it could prompt the EU’s External Action Service to prioritize Somaliland in regional discussions, potentially paving the way for new trade and development agreements.

In a triumphant victory for wildlife conservation, Somaliland’s Coast Guard and police have successfully rescued 11 young cheetahs from an illegal smuggling attempt on the eastern coast of the Saaxil region, between Siyaara and Ceel Daraad.

Acting on their commitment to protect the nation’s precious wildlife, authorities apprehended foreign individuals and their local accomplices involved in the operation. The vehicle used in the smuggling attempt was also seized, demonstrating Somaliland’s swift and decisive action against illegal activities.

Somaliland’s robust laws banning the smuggling and hunting of wildlife species continue to safeguard its biodiversity, with violators facing imprisonment. This successful intervention underscores the nation’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage and sends a powerful message to wildlife traffickers.

Conservation organizations, including @CCFCheetah, @CCFCheetahUK, @WildAfricaOrg, and @somalilandcoas1, are celebrating this win for cheetah conservation.

#SaveTheCheetah

ERIGAVO, Somaliland – Somaliland inaugurated a Grand Peace Conference in Erigavo on Tuesday, a historic step toward national unity following last year’s conflicts. Sanaag Region Governor Ahmed Abdi Muse presided over the opening ceremony.

The conference delivers on a key promise by President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro. It brings together hundreds of delegates—from government officials to traditional elders—to heal divisions and foster dialogue after the December 2024 conflict displaced numerous citizens.

By leveraging previous successes like the El-Afweyn peace agreement, the event highlights Somaliland’s dedicated strategy for achieving stability. Governor Muse described the opening as “a moment of hope and renewal.”

The launch has been met with widespread local optimism, revitalizing the community spirit in Erigavo.

In a press statement released by the Somaliland interior ministry read as follows:-

Ministry of Interior and Security
Office of the Governor, Sanaag Region

Date: 23rd September 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Subject: Opening of the Grand Peace Conference in Erigavo

ERGAVO, SANNAG – The Office of the Governor for the Sanaag Region today announced the official commencement of the Grand Peace Conference in the historic city of Erigavo.

This conference fulfills a key pledge made by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), following his election in November 2024. Establishing peace and stability in the Sanaag region has been a central priority of his administration.

The initiative follows the conflict of December 2024, which resulted in the displacement of a number of Erigavo’s residents. In the subsequent months, the President has taken significant steps to create a conducive environment for peace. These measures include the demobilization of clan militias, their integration into the national armed forces, and the successful implementation of the El-Afweyn peace agreement, which has effectively ended nearly a decade of inter-clan conflict.

Today’s conference brings together the residents of Erigavo and delegates from across the nation, reaffirming the Somaliland government’s commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation. Participants include representatives from government ministries, members of parliament, traditional elders, and other distinguished dignitaries, all united in the common goal of achieving a lasting peace in Sanaag.

This conference not only reflects the President’s vision but also demonstrates the Somaliland government’s enduring commitment to the values of dialogue, unity, and mutual respect. It is our hope that this initiative will enable the people of Erigavo to turn a new page, rebuild trust, and work collaboratively toward a stable and prosperous future.

Ahmed Abdi Muse
Office of the Governor, Sanaag Region
Republic of Somaliland

HARGEISA – Brigadier General Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan, the Commander of the Somaliland Police Force (JSL), has issued a firm warning that security forces will take action against anyone threatening public order, amid preparations for a major clan cultural event in the capital.

The Police Chief’s statement, delivered during a press conference covered on the force’s official social media platforms, comes after traditional leaders (Sandaladda Dhaqanka) of the Subeer Awal clan announced plans to hold a cultural gathering at the Xaafadda Xawaadle Field in Hargeisa.

“The Police Force will take decisive action and enforce the law against any person or group that disturbs the security of the nation,” Brigadier General Hassan declared.

While the organizing Sultans have publicly emphasized that the event is purely cultural and apolitical, the announcement follows a series of security incidents. Despite Somaliland’s generally stable security situation, the Subeer Awal clan has recently been affected by a spate of targeted killings and other incidents that have raised concerns about traditional disputes and social cohesion.

The police statement is seen as a preemptive measure to deter any potential violence linked to the event, underscoring the authorities’ focus on maintaining stability.

HARGEISA, Somaliland – Authorities are pursuing an international manhunt for two Georgian nationals accused of a brazen theft in which $42,000 worth of gold was stolen from a 75-year-old woman in a Hargeisa market. The case, supported by CCTV evidence and immigration records, has sparked outrage and raised serious security concerns.

The victim, a grandmother reported to have invested a significant portion of her life savings in the gold, lost nearly her entire financial security in the incident. The theft of 340 grams of gold has sent shockwaves through the local trading community, where gold is a common store of wealth.

Clear surveillance footage captured the alleged theft. According to sources, the video evidence unmistakably identifies the two individuals removing the gold from the elderly woman. Authorities confirmed the suspects’ nationalities by cross-referencing the footage with passport and immigration data.

Investigators report that the suspects fled Hargeisa immediately after the incident, boarding a flight to Dubai. The rapid nature of their departure suggests a planned escape from local jurisdiction, though it is not yet known if the theft itself was premeditated.

The loss is catastrophic for the victim. In Somaliland, gold often functions as a primary savings mechanism and a hedge against economic instability, making this theft a severe personal and financial blow.

In response, vendors from Gobonimo Market—a central hub for gold and jewelry—are urging authorities to enhance security measures. They cite increasing thefts in crowded areas and are calling for improved surveillance, better stall security, and more frequent police patrols.

Somaliland officials now confront the complex challenge of recovering the stolen assets and seeking justice. The suspects’ flight to Dubai introduces diplomatic hurdles, as any potential extradition or legal cooperation with the United Arab Emirates will depend on international treaties and the formal presentation of evidence