Thursday, October 9, 2025
Facebook Instagram Twitter
Home Blog Page 2

Somaliland Welcomes Taiwan for Pivotal Economic Talks

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

In a beacon of optimism for Somaliland’s thriving future, Director General of the Ministry of Investment and Industry, Mr. Abdifatah Ismail Duale, hosted an inspiring meeting with Ms. Alyne, the visionary leader of the Taiwan Business Association.

As the esteemed Director General steering Somaliland’s investment vision, Mr. Duale’s warm welcome marked a landmark encounter, signaling a new era of vibrant collaboration, unlocking endless possibilities for growth, innovation, and shared success between Somaliland and Taiwan.

At the heart of the discussions were bold strategies to supercharge Somaliland’s economic momentum:

Turbocharging Investment and Bright Horizons: The talks buzzed with excitement over amplifying investment opportunities across Somaliland’s powerhouse sectors—industry, trade, and vital services. With Somaliland’s rock-solid stability and wealth of untapped potential, Director General Duale and his counterparts brainstormed innovative ways to draw in global capital, fueling job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and a booming local economy that benefits every citizen.

Igniting Business Synergies: Ms. Alyne shone a spotlight on the Taiwan Business Association’s enthusiastic pledge to champion Taiwanese entrepreneurs. “We’re thrilled to guide our investors toward Somaliland’s golden opportunities,” she declared, highlighting the association’s proactive role in sparking joint ventures that blend Taiwanese tech savvy with Somaliland’s entrepreneurial spirit—promising breakthroughs in efficiency, sustainability, and community upliftment.

Building a Golden Bridge of Economic Harmony: The dialogue celebrated the power of streamlined pathways for investment and partnership, envisioning a future where both nations reap mutual triumphs. By fostering these seamless connections, Somaliland and Taiwan are poised to cultivate enduring economic wins that deliver lasting prosperity, from empowered businesses to enhanced livelihoods for families across the region.

This uplifting summit underscores Somaliland’s magnetic appeal as a premier investment haven in the Horn of Africa—transparent, resilient, and brimming with promise. Under the forward-thinking guidance of officials like Director General Abdifatah Ismail Duale, the nation is not just opening doors but flinging them wide to global allies like Taiwan, who recognize Somaliland’s pivotal role in Africa’s renaissance.

 

Ethiopia’s Strategic Stance on Somaliland Recognition Amid U.S. Momentum

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

In a recent interview on the Global Power Shift podcast, Getachew Reda—former interim president of Ethiopia’s Tigray region and current advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on East African Affairs—addressed the ongoing buzz around potential U.S. recognition of Somaliland.

Responding to host Jim Stenman (a veteran journalist with stints at CNN and Reuters), Reda wove in a historical anecdote to underscore Ethiopia’s calculated approach. During a conversation about 15 years ago, then-Prime Minister Meles Zenawi discussed the possibility of recognizing Somaliland (a former British protectorate) with a British MP.

He quipped that Ethiopia “will not be the first to recognize Somaliland, but it won’t be the third either.”

Reda reaffirmed this pragmatic posture, signaling that if the U.S. moves first, Ethiopia would likely follow suit without hesitation, viewing it as a catalyst for broader international acceptance. This isn’t mere diplomatic posturing. Reda framed it as a pivotal opportunity for Ethiopia’s long-standing quest for reliable Red Sea access—a “route to sea access” that’s become existential for a nation of 130 million people landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1993.

He cautioned against conflating access with outright “ownership of real estate,” advocating for “give and take” arrangements to avert escalation. “One way or another, something’s got to give,” Reda said, while expressing hope to sidestep “all-out war” with neighbors like Eritrea, whose Assab port has been floated in past talks. As a “hard-nosed realist,” he warned that once regional tensions spill over—like “once the worms are out of the can”—containment becomes elusive.

On the U.S. front, momentum has built since Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection. Project 2025—a conservative policy blueprint—explicitly calls for recognizing Somaliland to counter Chinese influence at the U.S.’s Camp Lemonnier base in Djibouti.

Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has teased that “recognition is on the horizon” after talks with Trump officials, dangling offers of a Berbera military base and mineral deals. Senator Ted Cruz amplified the call in August 2025, urging formal ties to bolster U.S. security in the Gulf of Aden. A bipartisan bill, H.R. 3992 (the “Republic of Somaliland Independence Act”), is also advancing in Congress. If the U.S. greenlights recognition—potentially as early as late 2025—it could unlock a “domino effect,” per Reda, easing Ethiopia’s path to commercial and naval footholds at Berbera.

This aligns with Abiy’s vision of diversified sea routes, reducing reliance on volatile Djibouti (which handles 95% of Ethiopia’s trade) and tense Eritrea negotiations. Economically, it promises lower logistics costs and boosted exports; geopolitically, it positions Ethiopia as a counterweight to China’s Belt and Road ports in the area.

In essence, Reda’s pledge echoes Zenawi’s: Ethiopia eyes the prize but won’t lead the charge. As U.S.-Somaliland talks heat up, this could redefine Horn stability. Watch the full interview here (link-to-interview) for the unfiltered take.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri7-0e91Gfk

Somaliland Shines as Premier Investment Hub at UAE’s Africa Debate, Drawing Global Eyes to Horn of Africa’s Rising Star

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

In a vibrant showcase of untapped potential, the Republic of Somaliland emerged as a beacon of opportunity at The Africa Debate in the UAE, captivating international investors with its brochure titled Invest in Somaliland: Your Gateway to the Horn of Africa.

Distributed to attendees, the document—endorsed by President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and Minister of Investment Hon. Mr. Saeed Mohamed Bourale—paints a compelling picture of a nation thriving amid regional challenges, ready to forge transformative partnerships.

For over three decades, Somaliland has defied the odds, building a stable, multi-party democracy that stands in stark contrast to the volatility elsewhere in the Horn of Africa. “Our nation stands as a beacon of democratic governance and peaceful development,” President Abdullahi wrote in his personal letter, highlighting the country’s unwavering commitment to transparent institutions and investor protections.

With a population of 4.8 million—70% under 30—Somaliland boasts a dynamic, entrepreneurial workforce eager to fuel innovation across sectors like agriculture, livestock, fisheries, minerals, and renewable energy.

The brochure spotlights Somaliland’s crown jewel: its strategic geography. Nestled at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, the country offers an 850-kilometer coastline along the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, positioning it as a vital trade corridor.

The expanded Berbera Port, spearheaded by global giant DP World, and the Berbera Corridor linking to Ethiopia’s massive market, are supercharging connectivity. “We are transforming this geographic advantage into unprecedented economic opportunity,” the President noted, underscoring how these assets make Somaliland an indispensable gateway for continental and global commerce.

Economic indicators further bolster the optimism: a GDP of $4.28 billion growing at 2.8% annually, driven by key exports like livestock, hides, and skins, and frankincense. Investors are already flocking in—Genel Energy’s exploration in oil and gas joins a wave of diaspora-led ventures and public-private partnerships.

Minister Bourale’s message emphasized the government’s proactive stance: “Our policies are designed to ensure transparency, streamline procedures, and offer a wide range of incentives, including tax holidays, customs exemptions, and land facilitation.”

Attendees at the event buzzed with enthusiasm, praising Somaliland’s unique blend of natural riches—from fertile farmlands and marine bounty to vast mineral deposits—and forward-thinking policies like its Public-Private Partnership law and special economic zones. “Somaliland isn’t just stable; it’s a launchpad for sustainable growth,” said one UAE-based investor, echoing the brochure’s call for “mutual respect, shared prosperity, and sustainable growth.”

As the Horn of Africa awakens to new possibilities, Somaliland’s invitation rings clear: Join us in unlocking the Horn of Africa region’s immense potential. With rising urbanization sparking demand in retail, housing, education, and digital services, the opportunities are as diverse as they are promising. For those eyeing the next big frontier, Somaliland isn’t a risk—it’s a revelation.

For more details on investment incentives and projects, visit the Somaliland Ministry of Investment website. The next chapter of African prosperity is being written here, and the world is invited to collaborate.

Somaliland Investment Brochure  

https://investsomaliland.org/investor-services

Somaliland Marks 30th Anniversary of Coast Guard with Pledge for Modernization

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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.

Trump questions US millitary role in Kenya, Somalia amid rising domestic crises

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Trump told a gathering of top military chiefs that they should now look inward to fight the ‘enemy’ within

In Summary

  • Kenya was designated last year as major non NATO ally of the US by the Joe Biden Administration
  • Nairobi has a long standing military cooperation agreements with Washington, with Kenya hosting a US military base in Manda Bay, Lamu

On Tuesday, he suggested he would send the military to other major cities, including San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, likening the push to war.

“We’re under invasion from within. No different than a foreign enemy, but more difficult in many ways because they don’t wear uniforms. At least when they’re wearing a uniform, you can take them out. It’s war from within,” he added.

Kenya has had decades-long military cooperation with the US, and only last year did the Joe Biden Administration designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally.  Kenya also hosts a US military base in Manda Bay, Lamu County.

Since Kenya’s independence from Britain in 1963, the United States has developed a defense cooperation framework to advance its national interests with Kenyan security as partners, the US State Department states on its website.

Washington explains that its investments are readily visible through the Kenya Defense Forces’ (KDF) participation in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and in the KDF’s proven value as a partner in the fight against al-Shabaab.

“No competitor can match our decades-long investment in the KDF, which has benefitted from our materiel and equipment, a comprehensive maintenance and support program for U.S. defense articles, and international military education and training (IMET) programs,” the statement adds.

In September 2023, the Biden administration Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, who was visiting Nairobi, and then Defense Minister Aden Bare Duale signed the five-year plan for defense cooperation worth US$ 100 million (about Sh13 billion).

We intend to work with the United States Congress to provide up to $100 million in support,” Austin said, because “we’re grateful to Kenya for its leadership in tackling security challenges in the region and around the world.

The Framework that runs between 2023-2028 is meant to help Kenya and the US expand their cooperation in the fields of defence technology and innovation, counter-terrorism and counter-violent extremism, joint training, and maritime security that shall enable the two militaries to respond effectively to the ever-evolving security challenges.

Somaliland Foreign Minister Holds Talks with New Turkish Consul General

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

HARGEISA – In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdiraxmaan Daahir Adan Bakaal, convened a meeting with the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Ozan Pekin, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Hargeisa.

The discussions centered on reinforcing the bilateral partnership and exploring new avenues for enhanced cooperation. Both parties emphasized their commitment to deepening diplomatic ties and fostering mutual development.

The Minister was accompanied by the Director-General of the Ministry, Mr. Mohamed Abdirahman. The meeting marks a continued effort to strengthen Somaliland’s international relationships.

DP World Suffers Legal Setback- Djibouti Government at the London Court of International Arbitration

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Press Release

The Republic of Djibouti welcomes the arbitral award issued on September 29, 2025, by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). This decision, which is final and not subject to appeal, constitutes a particularly significant victory for the Republic of Djibouti and for the company Port de Djibouti SA (PDSA) in the dispute opposing them to DP World.

In these proceedings, DP World had wrongfully claimed nearly one billion dollars in damages from PDSA. These alleged “damages” were linked to the termination by the Republic of Djibouti of the Doraleh Container Terminal concession in February 2018.

The sole arbitrator confirmed that PDSA, a private law entity, had no connection to the end of this concession. The termination was a sovereign decision of the Republic of Djibouti, and PDSA was not responsible for the “losses” claimed by DP World.

DP World’s claim was therefore deemed unfounded and dismissed in its entirety. The tribunal also ordered DP World to bear the entirety of the arbitration costs and to reimburse PDSA’s legal defense fees (USD 1.85 million).

Somaliland Courts International Investors at UAE-Africa Summit

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

At the UAE–Africa summit on Tuesday, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro urged international investors to bring capital into the self-declared republic, emphasizing his government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.

President Irro stated that Somaliland is seeking investments in energy, electricity, maritime and blue economy industries, artificial intelligence, mining, and agriculture. He described the country as “a land of opportunity, an untapped market ready for investment.”

To demonstrate progress, he highlighted existing partnerships, specifically citing the Dubai-based DP World’s modernization of Berbera Port, the creation of a free trade zone, and the construction of a corridor linking Berbera to Ethiopia. Irro praised the company for making what he characterized as the largest foreign investment in Somaliland’s history.

DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem endorsed Somaliland’s potential, pointing to its strategic location along major global trade routes and its proximity to Ethiopia, a landlocked nation heavily dependent on seaports. He noted that significant investment has established Berbera as one of the leading ports in the Horn of Africa.

Irro also highlighted Somaliland’s political history, noting that it declared independence before other regional states and remains the only part of the former union with Somalia to have directly elected its president.

This appearance marked President Irro’s second time at an international investment forum in the United Arab Emirates as his administration continues to seek foreign capital for infrastructure and economic growth. Somaliland has functioned as a de facto independent state since 1991 but has not gained international recognition.

Somaliland UK Mission Hosts Groundbreaking Diaspora Summit Celebrating Unity and Advancement

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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.

Somaliland’s Coast Guard Thwart Cheetah Smuggling Operation, Rescuing 11 Cubs

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

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

123...1,027Page 2 of 1,027
Facebook Instagram Twitter
© Somaliland Current 2020, All Rights Reserved | Designed by SomSite