Dahabshiil Group has emerged as the first company to answer the urgent appeal for drought relief in Puntland.
This generous contribution highlights the Group’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to standing with communities during humanitarian crises.
Dahabshiil Group Further Supports Northeastern Drought Response with $50,000.
In a continued show of support, Dahabshiil Group was also the first to respond to the appeal issued by the drought relief committee in the Northeast region.
This swift action reaffirms the company’s commitment to its social role and its solidarity with the people affected by the severe drought.
HARGEISA, Somaliland – In a significant display of corporate citizenship, Telesom Group, Somaliland’s premier telecommunications company, has announced a $100,000 contribution to support relief efforts for communities severely affected by the ongoing drought in the northeastern regions of the country.
The funds are earmarked to assist thousands of families in the areas of Sanaag, Sool, and Togdheer, where prolonged dry spells have devastated livelihoods, caused widespread water shortages, and threatened the lives of both people and livestock.
This generous donation will be channeled toward providing emergency food supplies for families facing starvation, trucking clean water to parched villages, and repairing critical water infrastructure such as boreholes. A significant portion of the aid will also be used to purchase animal fodder, aiming to protect the livestock that pastoralist communities depend upon for their survival.
A Tradition of Community Support
The drought relief package is the latest in a long history of humanitarian engagement by Telesom. As a market leader, the company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility that extends far beyond providing mobile and financial services.
Telesom has a established record of investing in community development, including the construction of roads, contributions to healthcare facilities, and support for educational institutions. During previous natural disasters, including past droughts and floods, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has been at the forefront of private-sector relief efforts.
By stepping forward with this $100,000 contribution, Telesom aims to provide not only immediate, life-saving resources but also to inspire other businesses, diaspora organizations, and individuals to join the relief effort.
“This contribution reflects our deep commitment to the Somali people and our understanding of the hardships faced by our communities,” said a Telesom Group official. “We stand with our brothers and sisters in the northeast during this difficult time and hope this aid will provide some relief to those who need it most.”
The donation underscores the vital role of the private sector in bridging gaps in humanitarian response and reinforcing the social fabric during times of crisis.
Image credit: Courtesy of the Presidential Office, ROC (Taiwan). President Lai, with the delegation led by Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Adam.
After 34 years of diplomatic isolation since declaring independence, Somaliland’s international impasse was shattered on December 26, 2025, not by a formal UN resolution, but by the resonant tone of a historic video call. During this live session, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially conveyed Israel’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (colloquially known as Irro), marking the first time a United Nations member state has granted such recognition. This telephone conversation, described as ‘historic’ by both leaders, culminated in the signing of a ‘Mutual Declaration’ that validates the ‘Taiwanese Blueprint’ for de facto statehood. By serving as a diplomatic bridgehead since 2020, Taiwan has demonstrated that a stable, democratic Somaliland is a reliable partner, giving Israel the strategic confidence to pursue full diplomatic relations. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry embraced this bold move, framing it as a ‘major step forward’ for the emerging ‘democratic triangle‘ between Taiwan, Israel, and Somaliland, which now positions itself as a powerful new alliance for trilateral cooperation in technology, agriculture, and Red Sea security.”
Since July 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland have been two democracies that the world overlooked, yet they have taken coordinated action to establish mutual representative offices. What grew from there was a genuine partnership across healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, security, and energy sectors, which led to real progress, born from shared challenges that made both stronger. Their coast guard cooperation, which safeguards the critical Red Sea and Gulf of Aden routes, demonstrates that Israel’s partnership exemplifies democratic principles that drive tangible regional progress and enduring peace. Their achievements in stabilisation, security cooperation, and economic development prove that unrecognised democracies can deliver results where failed states falter. Somaliland demonstrates to Israel a reliable model that principled governance leads to strategic value and peace, so formal recognition is the next logical step.
Taiwan and Somaliland signed a Coast Guard Agreement targeting enhanced maritime security in the strategically vital Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, key global shipping routes. This cooperation raised Somaliland from an unrecognised territory to a demonstrated security partner capable of protecting critical international commerce lanes. The agreement directly showcased the tangible results of their five-year partnership, proving that unrecognised democracies can deliver on high-stakes maritime security.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to Hargeisa on January 6, 2026, came immediately after the world’s first recognition, which confirmed formal ties through embassy exchanges between Israel and Somaliland. Taiwan’s established five-year partnership of mutual representative offices and coast guard cooperation, which secured navigation in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden, provided a proven foundation. This incident demonstrated how unrecognised democracies like Taiwan and Somaliland deliver real stability, making Israel’s strategic embrace expected rather than risky. Minister Sa’ar’s visit marked the first official Israeli diplomatic visit since recognition; Somaliland now gains dual democratic patronage.
Taiwan’s agricultural diplomacy has demonstrably shaped Somaliland’s developmental route. The 2026-2030 Agricultural Implementing Arrangement, formalised between Taiwan’s Ambassador Allen Lou and Somaliland’s Agriculture Minister Mohamoud Ige Yusuf, strategically targeted the enhancement of the seed system and climate-resilient farming, critical interventions aligned with Somaliland’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 on Zero Hunger. This agreement established a demonstration farm that serves as a regional hub for food-security innovation. Israel saw this track record and recognised a ready partner for scaling modernisation across the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland’s development patronage has involved five years of mutual representative offices since 2020, and capacity-building for coast guard cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, ICT, and energy, which has transformed stability into capability. Israel steps forward as “the first UN member state to recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state,” making it a formal embassy commitment; Somaliland then becomes a Dual Patronage Democracy. Unrecognised states worldwide now see a viable model for breaking isolation through pragmatic partnerships. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland marks a pivotal geopolitical shift in the Horn of Africa, with far-reaching implications for regional alignment and economic transformation. By extending international legitimacy, this move could reposition Somaliland as an emerging hub for investment, infrastructure development, and strategic connectivity. Access to diplomatic recognition can act as a catalyst for economic modernisation, unlocking capital inflows, institutional partnerships, and development pathways that have long remained structurally out of reach.
From the perspective of Global Reactions and China’sConcerns, Chinese intelligence views the Israel-Taiwan-Somaliland alignment as a “coordinated challenge” that directly threatens Beijing’s One China policy and its influence in Africa. This practical cooperation among unrecognised democracies, despite diplomatic isolation, represents the scenario for authoritarian diplomacy.
During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s January 2026 visit to Ethiopia, less than two weeks after Israel’s world-first move, the visit revealed that China’s recognition of Somaliland crossed Beijing’s red line in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia reaffirms its firm commitment to the one-China principle and reiterates that there is one China in the world. Taiwan’s representative office in Somaliland immediately denied that “no country has the right to deny Taiwan’s existence“. This wasn’t a coincidence; it was the authoritarian playbook against the trilateral blueprint gaining steam.
Meanwhile, Egypt, Somalia, Djibouti, and Turkey pushed back forcefully. In a joint diplomatic objection, their foreign ministers framed Israel’s recognition as a danger that undermines Somalia’s territorial unity and risks further instability in the Horn of Africa. For neighbouring states, Somaliland’s growing international engagement is increasingly seen as a challenge to regional power balances in a strategically important area that links the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and global trade routes.
Beyond formal diplomatic protests, this backlash reflects the long-standing structural tensions of the Horn of Africa, where questions of sovereignty, borders, and regional balance remain highly sensitive. Somaliland’s neighbours primarily do not evaluate its case through the lens of democratic performance, as Wang Yi’s regular visit to Addis Ababa on January 7 underscores the “One China” policy, elections, or internal political stability. Instead, recognition is considered risky. These concerns are further exacerbated by Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, one of the world’s most vital maritime routes. Somaliland’s recognition can reasonably be framed as an acknowledgement of its sustained commitment to democratic principles and peaceful governance.
On the other hand, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which it said could create opportunities for trilateral cooperation among three “like-minded democratic partners” that share democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Building on five years of Taiwan-Somaliland achievements in healthcare, education, agriculture, ICT, security, and energy, including their coast guard agreement safeguarding Red Sea/Gulf of Aden navigation, MOFA sees tangible potential across all these areas. This unique positioning transforms diplomatic isolation into practical power, showing that unrecognised democracies build influence through results rather than recognition. Taiwan’s five-year track record gives Israel a low-risk entry point into Horn geopolitics.
In sum, Taiwan’s five-year partnership transformed Somaliland from a diplomatic outcast into a trusted partner. This made Israel’s historic recognition possible and opened the door to democratic cooperation. This model shows that unrecognised democracies can gain influence through their results. It positions Somaliland and Taiwan as key players in the Gulf of Aden and in the Red Sea. This perspective stands in contrast to China’s growing power in the Horn of Africa and to Taiwan’s allies in Somaliland.
Faisal Abdirashid Adam is a researcher who specialises in public policy, governance, and political issues in the Horn of Africa. He is currently supported by the Taiwan Fellowship and serves as a Visiting Scholar at NCCU and NTNU in Taiwan. He holds two Master’s degrees in International Relations and Diplomacy, and in Project Planning and Management, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Law, and is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) East Africa.
HARGEISA – The Chairman of Somaliland Ruling party WADDANI party has welcomed a former Deputy Minister into its ranks, in a move that bolsters the party’s political standing.
In a meeting held yesterday, the Chairman of the ruling WADDANI party, Mr. Hersi Ali X. Hassan, officially received Mr. Abdihakin Said Bustaale, a former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, who declared his formal accession to the party.
The Waddani Chairman was accompanied at the event by the party’s Deputy Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Omar X. Qbdilaahi Xamarji, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Municipal Development, along with other senior party officials.
During his address, Mr. Bustaale praised the leadership of Chairman Hersiand the efforts of the WADDANI-led government. He specifically highlighted its role in securing international recognition from the State of Israel, the ongoing rebuilding of the national armed forces, and the successful professionalization of the municipal police forces. Mr. Bustaale described these as “bold and necessary undertakings” that addressed critical national priorities.
“We have witnessed a government willing to take decisive action on issues vital to our nation,” Mr. Bustaale said. He formally committed to contributing his “strength, intellect, and energy” to the party.
In his remarks, Chairman Hersi Ali X. Hassan reaffirmed the party’s founding principles of inclusivity, unity, and national solidarity. He formally welcomed Mr. Bustaale to the party, stating that his experience would be a valuable asset.
In a separate statement, the party also extended a welcome to Mr. Abdirashid Mahmoud Ali (Riyoraac), the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, describing him as a “seasoned statesman” and a long-time colleague.
The Somaliland Ministry or Water Resources and Hargeisa Water Agency has officially announced that a number of its employees have been selected to participate in an advanced training program in Israel, focused on water science and management.
A group of experts from the agency, reportedly comprising 25 individuals, arrived in Tel Aviv today, where they were received by Israeli officials.
According to the Hargeisa Water Agency, the selected staff members bring extensive experience in critical areas of the agency’s operations and are expected to greatly benefit from the specialized training.
The agency added that the program will play a key role in strengthening and enhancing water services in Hargeisa once the staff return to Somaliland.
Israel is widely recognized as a leader in water and agricultural technology in the Middle East. Following its recognition of Somaliland late last year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to support Somaliland in these sectors.
Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, and according to President Muse Bihi Abdi, the two sides are expected to sign cooperation agreements in areas such as water management, mining, energy, and technology.
Mogadishu — A political standoff is deepening in Somalia after the Somali Future Council (Golaha Mustaqbalka Soomaaliyeed) issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the Federal Government’s approach to electoral reforms and constitutional amendments, warning that the current trajectory could lead to a “constitutional vacuum” and national division.
In a declaration published over the weekend, the Council outlined fundamental disagreements regarding the management of upcoming elections and the balance of power between the federal government and member states.
Core Disagreements on Elections and the Constitution
At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of the Federal Constitution, which currently distributes powers between the two levels of government.
According to the Council’s statement, the Federal Government is advocating for regional state elections to be conducted under an electoral law and procedures based on disputed constitutional amendments. The Council alleges that the government seeks to place regional elections under the authority of the federal electoral commission, warning that this mirrors the process used in the Banadir region last year, which the Council described as “vote stuffing.”
The statement further detailed conflicting views on the timeline for federal parliamentary elections. The Future Council proposed that a political agreement be reached by April 14th. This agreement, they argue, should establish a clear mechanism, schedule, and administration for parliamentary elections to ensure they are transparent, inclusive, and conducted within the remaining constitutional term.
In contrast, the Council claims the Federal Government wishes to limit any advisory body to offering recommendations without any decision-making authority over the electoral process.
Defending the Federal System
The Somali Future Council, which describes its primary responsibility as defending the constitution, framed the government’s stance as an attempt to centralize power in Mogadishu at the expense of the federal system.
“The Council has decided not to be a victim or sacrifice for a constitution being altered, a rigged election, and the division of the country,” the statement read. It affirmed its commitment to a “consensual, legitimate election” and accused the government of seeking to control the mechanisms, procedures, and outcomes of the vote.
Call for Dialogue and Concerns over Term Expiry
Despite the强硬 rhetoric, the Council expressed readiness for “genuine dialogue” to achieve a productive outcome. It stressed that any solution must involve regional states whose terms have expired holding elections consistent with their own constitutions and the federal framework.
A key demand is for the Federal Government to halt what the Council describes as “unilateral actions aimed at amending the constitution.”
Warning of a Power Vacuum
Concluding its statement, the Somali Future Council assured the public that it stands firm against the country falling into a constitutional vacuum. It called for national leadership willing to make compromises to preserve unity and respect the rule of law.
The disagreement highlights the ongoing tensions between Mogadishu and federal member states as Somalia navigates its complex political transition and prepares for future elections. The April 14th deadline proposed by the Council now looms as a potential inflection point in the standoff.
Mogadishu, February 22, 2026 – In a strongly worded address last night, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni questioned the legitimacy of the ongoing federal constitution review process, suggesting the proposed amendments are tailored to serve the personal interests of Somalia’s top two leaders, not the Somali people.
Speaking at a community engagement event in Mogadishu, President Deni specifically named President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Parliament Speaker Adan Madoobe, asserting they are the primary beneficiaries of the constitutional changes being pushed forward. “I am aware that this constitution serves Hassan Sheikh and Adan Madoobe. I do not know who else it is meant for,” he stated firmly, insisting that all parties must continue to adhere to previous agreements until a broad-based consensus is achieved.
The Puntland leader issued a stark warning that any unilateral action taken without inclusive consultation risks undermining national unity and stability. He reiterated his commitment to federalism, emphasizing that its success hinges on mutual agreement and shared decision-making.
During his remarks, President Deni commended the Mustaqbal Council for its efforts in steering the country toward peace and stability. “Those who are steering us away from war and destruction are the Mustaqbal Council,” he said, expressing confidence that a successful outcome from the ongoing dialogue would represent a collective victory for all sides.
While voicing hope that the current negotiations could lead to a breakthrough in stabilizing the nation, Deni stressed that Somalia’s future ultimately depends on genuine dialogue and consensus. His comments come at a critical juncture, as talks between the Federal Government and the Mustaqbal Council continue in Mogadishu. With no agreement yet in sight and growing concerns over a potential deadlock, the path forward remains uncertain.
Somaliland Offers US Exclusive Mineral Access and Military Bases
Sunday, February 22, 2026 – Somaliland has signaled its readiness to forge a strategic pact with the United States, offering exclusive rights to its mineral wealth and the use of military bases along the Gulf of Aden, according to a senior official.
Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s Presidential Communications Minister, confirmed the region’s interest in a formal agreement with Washington in an interview with AFP. “We are prepared to grant the United States exclusive access to our mineral resources. Furthermore, we are open to providing military bases,” Minister Abdi stated.
He expressed strong optimism about the potential for successful negotiations, telling AFP, “We are confident that we can reach an agreement with the United States.”
The minister also left the door open for potential security cooperation with Israel, particularly regarding the strategic port of Berbera. This follows recent announcements by Somaliland’s president regarding ongoing discussions with Israel concerning technology and mineral sector agreements.
The AFP report notes that while Somaliland officials assert their territory is rich in valuable minerals like lithium and coltan, these claims have yet to be independently verified.
This diplomatic push comes as Somaliland intensifies its campaign for international recognition. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Aden has garnered increased attention, particularly after Israel voiced support for Somaliland’s sovereignty this past December.
The Somali federal government has firmly rejected any potential deal between Somaliland and a foreign nation, reiterating its stance that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia’s territory.
MOGADISHU, Somalia – High-stakes talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, his administration, and the Somali Future Forum concluded without a breakthrough on Sunday, deepening political uncertainty over the country’s electoral roadmap.
The meeting, which commenced at 11:00 a.m. at the Villa Somalia presidential palace, was highly anticipated after several postponements. Although it began cordially, discussions quickly deteriorated into a tense standoff over the framework for federal and regional state elections.
According to sources familiar with the talks, President Mohamud took a firm stance, asserting that federal elections cannot be on the agenda until local council polls are conducted. He also reportedly dismissed any discussion regarding the electoral processes in the Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West states during the session.
Following a brief recess, the gathering reconvened but failed to bridge the widening gap between the two sides. The meeting officially adjourned around 4:00 p.m. with no tangible progress or signed communique.
Members of the Somali Future Forum have since withdrawn for internal consultations to determine their next political steps. An official statement from the opposition group outlining its position is expected in the coming hours.
The presidential administration has yet to release a detailed readout of the meeting, signaling the deep divisions that remain. The failure of the talks is likely to intensify political jockeying, with both sides expected to trade blame for the impasse.
The outcome is a significant blow to public and international hopes that the dialogue could ease escalating political tensions and provide clarity on the nation’s contested electoral future.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s official visit to Ethiopia due next week carries implications far beyond a routine diplomatic engagement. The composition of his delegation—including the Foreign Minister and heads of intelligence agencies—underscores that the agenda encompasses sensitive security coordination and strategic realignments with profound regional consequences.
The Geopolitical Landscape
The Israel-Turkey Rivalry Intensifies: Herzog’s arrival in Addis Ababa concurrent with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s presence reflects an overt competition for influence. Turkey has consistently championed Somalia’s territorial integrity, while Israel’s strategic calculus increasingly recognizes Somaliland as a distinct and reliable partner.
The Recognition Question: Should Herzog encourage Ethiopian recognition of Somaliland during this visit, it would transform the Memorandum of Understanding between Muse Bihi and Abiy Ahmed from a symbolic gesture into a concrete diplomatic initiative with implementation timelines.
Davos as Precursor: The recent Herzog-Irro meeting in Davos now appears as deliberate groundwork—establishing personal rapport and policy alignment before this high-stakes Ethiopia engagement.
Strategic Analysis
The Red Sea Security Architecture
The Bab el-Mandeb corridor represents one of the world’s most strategically contested waterways. Ethiopian maritime access through Somaliland—particularly with Israeli involvement—would fundamentally reconfigure regional power dynamics:
· Strategic Transformation: Ethiopia’s evolution from landlocked state to maritime stakeholder alters the security calculus for every Red Sea littoral state, introducing new alliances and potential flashpoints.
· Israeli Monitoring Capability: Access to Somaliland’s coastline provides Israel with forward positioning to monitor Iranian maritime activity and the operations of Tehran-aligned proxies operating in the region.
· Militarization Risk: Somaliland’s strategic real estate attracts competing interests, potentially transforming it from a stability island into an arena for proxy competition.
2. The Somaliland Opportunity
For Somaliland, this realignment presents a historic window to translate strategic relevance into tangible diplomatic and economic gains:
· Recognition Pathway: Ethiopian recognition—particularly with Israeli endorsement—would shatter the diplomatic status quo. As a founding AU member and regional heavyweight, Ethiopia’s formal recognition could catalyze a cascade of similar decisions across Africa and beyond.
· Economic Transformation: Full activation of the Berbera corridor would connect Ethiopia’s 120 million consumers to global markets while generating sustainable revenue streams for Somaliland’s development priorities.
· Israeli Partnership: Direct engagement with Israel offers access to advanced capabilities in security cooperation, agricultural technology, water resource management, and cybersecurity—sectors where Somaliland seeks rapid development.
· Diplomatic Irreversibility: Hosting international partners creates vested interests in Somaliland’s stability, compelling the international community to engage Hargeisa as a necessary partner rather than a diplomatic abstraction.
· Strategic Autonomy: Balancing relationships with Ethiopia, Israel, the UAE, and potentially others strengthens Somaliland’s bargaining position and reduces dependence on any single patron.
Regional Reactions and Risks
Egyptian Opposition: Cairo views this alignment with deep alarm. Already locked in the Renaissance Dam dispute with Ethiopia, Egypt would interpret Israeli-backed Ethiopian maritime access as a two-front strategic challenge, likely intensifying security cooperation with Mogadishu.
Gulf Divergence:
· The UAE, with substantial investments in Berbera and established relationships in both Addis Ababa and Hargeisa, is positioned to accommodate or quietly facilitate the emerging arrangement.
· Saudi Arabia, asserting Red Sea stewardship, may view an Israel-Ethiopia entente as complicating its regional leadership aspirations.
Conclusion: Navigating the Currents
The Horn of Africa stands at a inflection point. For Somaliland, these dangerous currents carry unprecedented opportunity—the possibility of transforming three decades of self-governance into formal recognition and sustainable prosperity. Ethiopia’s forthcoming decisions will ripple far beyond its borders, potentially redrawing the region’s political map. Whether Somaliland emerges as a beneficiary or a battleground depends on leadership that can balance ambition with prudence, leveraging strategic relevance without becoming ensnared in rivalries beyond its control. The coming weeks will reveal whether this moment becomes a breakthrough or a mirage.
Jama Ayaanle Feyte is Somaliland Born Journalist and Horn of Africa Political Analyst
