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Renowned BBC Somali Journalist Abdilahi Haji Unveils Memoir in London, Spotlighting Dahabshiil’s Enduring Legacy

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

In a glittering evening that bridged decades of journalistic grit and Somali resilience, veteran broadcaster Abdilahi Haji launched his long-awaited memoir, Abdilahi Haji: My Life Through News Media, at a high-profile event in the heart of London. Sponsored by the Dahabshiil Group, the gathering drew an eclectic crowd of community leaders, fellow journalists, and diaspora figures, celebrating not just a personal odyssey but the unyielding spirit of Somali storytelling.

Haji, who dedicated over 40 years to the BBC Somali Service, traces his extraordinary journey in the book—from the raw edges of free press amid turmoil to front-row seats at history’s pivotal moments. Pages brim with vivid accounts of Somali upheavals, diplomatic intrigues, and the quiet heroism of delivering unfiltered truths to millions tuning into BBC airwaves across the Horn of Africa. “This isn’t just my story,” Haji remarked during his keynote, his voice steady with the gravitas of a lifetime in the field. “It’s a testament to the voices we’ve amplified, the risks we’ve taken, and the hope we’ve carried through every broadcast.”

The event’s grandeur owed much to Dahabshiil’s stewardship, a nod to the company’s deep-rooted commitment to cultural preservation and community upliftment. As Africa’s largest money transfer network, Dahabshiil—founded in the modest shops of Burao and now spanning 126 countries with 10,000 employees—has long transcended finance to become a lifeline for Somalis navigating exile, disaster, and renewal. CEO Abdirashid Duale, whose own path from childhood errands in his father’s Burao store to global stewardship mirrors Haji’s narrative arc, took the stage to laud the author as a “beacon of integrity.”

“I’ve known Abdilahi for over three decades,” Duale shared, his words laced with warmth. “He wasn’t just a client wiring funds to families in need; he embodied the honesty and generosity that define our shared world. This book unearthed tales even I hadn’t heard—like his youthful encounter with Emperor Haile Selassie. Buy it, read it; it’s a mirror to our collective soul.” Haji, in turn, hailed Duale’s vision, crediting Dahabshiil’s innovations for channeling aid through droughts, floods, and fires to remote villages in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. “Abdirashid isn’t just a businessman,” Haji said. “He’s the architect of quiet revolutions, ensuring no Somali is left adrift.”

The launch comes at a poignant time for the Somali diaspora, as global remittances—fueled by outfits like Dahabshiil—hit record highs amid ongoing regional challenges. With Somaliland’s minimalist state-building experiment holding firm despite odds, as noted in recent analyses, events like this underscore the diaspora’s role in weaving threads of heritage and progress. Attendees, including BBC alumni and Somali business pioneers, left buzzing, many clutching signed copies and vowing to spread the word.

As copies fly off shelves in London bookshops and online, My Life Through News Media promises to resonate far beyond its pages—a clarion call for truth-tellers everywhere. For those eager to dive in, it’s available now through select retailers, with proceeds supporting Somali media initiatives. In Haji’s words, closing the night: “Journalism isn’t about headlines; it’s about heartbeats. Let’s keep the story alive.”

Somaliland’s Cabinet Crisis: From Policy to Pop Culture

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Introduction: A Republic at Risk

Somaliland has long been hailed as a rare success story in the Horn of Africa, a self-declared republic that built democratic institutions, held peaceful elections, and maintained internal stability without international recognition. But beneath this celebrated surface lies a growing crisis of governance. The presidency, once the engine of reform and national unity, now appears paralyzed. The cabinet, entrusted with steering the nation, has become a symbol of incompetence, favoritism, and unchecked misconduct.

This exposé offers a comprehensive analysis of the structural dysfunction within Somaliland’s executive leadership, drawing on public statements, institutional failures, and the widening gap between state rhetoric and lived reality.

 

Presidency in Paralysis: From Reformist Promise to Passive Rule

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, elected in 2024 after years in opposition, entered office with a reformist mandate. His campaign promised reconciliation, transparency, and a new era of inclusive governance. Yet nearly a year into his term, the administration has failed to deliver on its core pledges.

  • Peace in Sanaag and Sool remains fragile, with displaced communities still awaiting reintegration.
  • Electoral reform has stalled, with no clear roadmap for upcoming local and parliamentary elections.
  • Diplomatic engagement has weakened, especially after the controversial Ethiopia maritime MoU signed by the previous administration.

Presidential directives are vague, delayed, or ignored. The executive office, once envisioned as a strategic command center, now functions as a ceremonial hub—issuing statements, attending events, and deflecting responsibility. The president’s silence in the face of ministerial misconduct has become deafening. Public scandals, policy failures, and breaches of protocol have gone unaddressed, eroding public trust and emboldening a culture of impunity.

The Presidency itself, as an institution, has failed to establish mechanisms for oversight, policy enforcement, or strategic coordination. There is no functioning policy unit, no performance review framework, and no visible effort to align ministries under a coherent national agenda. The Office of the President has become reactive rather than proactive—responding to crises with vague statements and avoiding confrontation with underperforming ministers.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Silence in the Face of Diplomatic Collapse

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, once a cornerstone of Somaliland’s recognition campaign, now operates in near-total obscurity. Since the fallout from the Ethiopia maritime MoU, the ministry has failed to issue a comprehensive foreign policy statement, engage key partners, or defend Somaliland’s diplomatic posture.

  • No official rebuttal was issued to Ethiopia’s framing of the MoU.
  • No strategic outreach has been made to African Union members, Gulf states, or Western allies.
  • No public engagement has occurred with diaspora communities or international media.

The ministry’s silence has allowed adversarial narratives to dominate regional discourse. Somaliland’s diplomatic presence has shrunk, and its recognition campaign has lost momentum. The Foreign Minister has not held press briefings, or published any strategic documents like his predecessor Dr Essa Kaid. The absence of institutional diplomacy has left Somaliland vulnerable to isolation and misrepresentation.

A Cabinet of Spectators: When Ministers Stop Governing

The dysfunction is compounded by a cabinet whose members appear more invested in self-preservation than public service. Ministries operate in silos, rarely coordinate, and often fail to engage with the public or parliament. Performance reviews are nonexistent. Public accountability is absent.

Ministry of Health: Nepotism and Institutional Collapse

In a televised interview aired in mid-2025, the Minister of Health stated:

“It is normal for me to appoint my cousin as the department director. I trust him.”

This blatant admission of nepotism shocked the public. It reflects a broader culture of unapologetic favoritism, where personal ties override merit and officials flaunt their misconduct.

The consequences are visible at Hargeisa Group Hospital, located less than 50 meters from the minister’s office. Despite issuing multiple decrees and replacing key administrators twice, the minister has failed to enforce any meaningful change. The hospital remains dysfunctional, staff demoralized, and patients underserved.

Ministry of Justice: Discrediting the Judiciary from Within

In another televised interview, the Minister of Justice declared:

“The justice system in Somaliland is zero.”

Rather than proposing reforms or issuing policy frameworks, the minister chose to publicly discredit the very institution he leads. No follow-up reforms, legal reviews, or structural proposals have emerged. The judiciary remains underfunded, politicized, and vulnerable to clan influence.

This statement, made by the very person responsible for legal integrity, undermines public confidence and signals a dangerous normalization of failure.

Ministry of Education: Diplomatic Missteps and Symbolic Betrayal

During a Hargeisa University graduation ceremony, held in front of President Irro, Minister of Education Prof. Ismail Duale publicly greeted the Governor of Banadir (Mogadishu)—a representative of the Somali Federal Government, which Somaliland claims to be in political conflict with.

The gesture stunned attendees. Many interpreted it as a symbolic betrayal of Somaliland’s sovereignty. One attendee remarked:

“Maybe he is in love with Mogadishu in his heart.”

The incident was not only diplomatically inappropriate but also politically incoherent. No clarification, apology, or disciplinary action followed. The presidency remained silent.

Governance by Hashtag: When Social Media Replaces State Institutions

In a functioning republic, executive leadership is guided by policy frameworks, institutional mandates, and strategic planning. In Somaliland today, however, governance has been reduced to reactionary responses to social media complaints. The Presidency and its ministries no longer lead—they follow. They no longer govern—they respond.

Every minor complaint posted on Facebook, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter)—whether about hospital conditions, school fees, passport delays, or road repairs—now triggers a flurry of defensive statements, rushed visits, or shallow decrees. Ministries have become PR units, not policy engines. The Presidency itself has been transformed into a digital complaint desk, reacting not to national priorities, but to trending hashtags.

This pattern has created a dangerous precedent: governance by outrage, where the state responds only when embarrassed, and only to the surface—not the substance.

The Presidency, instead of setting the national agenda, now waits for public pressure to dictate its priorities. Ministers no longer fear institutional review—they fear viral criticism. The executive branch has become hostage to public opinion, not accountable to constitutional duty.

 

The Rise of Ministerial Vlogging: Vanity Over Vision

A disturbing new norm has emerged among government officials: the transformation of ministers into social media performers. Instead of publishing policy briefs or attending parliamentary hearings, ministers now record themselves walking into offices, sitting in meetings, or greeting guests—often overlaying the footage with background music, inspirational quotes, or trending Somali songs.

Some have turned their daily routines into vlogs, showcasing their travels, handshakes, and coffee breaks as if governance were a lifestyle brand. The line between public service and personal branding has blurred. Ministries now resemble influencer platforms more than state institutions.

This performative governance:

  • Prioritizes optics over outcomes
  • Distracts from policy failures
  • Reinforces a culture of superficiality
  • Undermines the seriousness of executive responsibility

The public watches ministers dance through their duties while hospitals collapse, schools stagnate, and diplomacy falters.

 

A Call for Structural Reckoning

Somaliland’s resilience has long depended on its ability to self-correct. But the current trajectory demands more than patience; it requires a structural reckoning. Civil society, parliamentarians, and regional leaders must demand:

  • Transparent performance reviews for all ministers
  • Immediate cabinet reshuffles based on merit and public trust
  • Public engagement mechanisms to restore accountability
  • Presidential leadership that acts, not observes

The illusion of governance must give way to real leadership. Otherwise, the cost will be borne not by ministers or presidents, but by the citizens who continue to believe in the promise of a republic that governs itself.

 

Conclusion: The Moment of Truth

Somaliland stands at a crossroads. The nation’s future depends not on slogans or ceremonies, but on the courage to confront its own failures. The presidency must rise to the occasion not with words, but with action. The cabinet must be restructured—not for loyalty, but for competence. And the people must continue to demand a government that serves, not survives.

The illusion is fading. The reckoning is near.

Mr. Harir Yasin – Freelance Journalist and Political Analyst.

hariryasin2@gmail.com

SOMALILAND ELDER KILLED IN AIRSTRIKE; MP DEMANDS INVESTIGATION

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Mogadishu, Somalia – Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Member of Parliament Aisha Ahmed Abdallah has issued a strong condemnation of the assassination of Elder Omar Abdillahi Abdi, who was killed in a suspected airstrike in the Sanaag region.

In a press statement, MP Abdallah extended her deepest condolences to the elder’s family, his community, and the people of Sanaag, whom she said had lost a figure of great wisdom and stature.

She placed ultimate responsibility for the incident on the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), stating it has a fundamental duty to protect Somali airspace and ensure the safety of its citizens.

“The targeted killing of Somali citizens without due process of law is completely unacceptable,” the MP declared. “The Federal Government has a sacred duty to protect the life of every citizen. The administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has failed in this responsibility.”

Abdallah called on the Somali public, political leaders, and intellectuals to reject this act and not to normalize such grave violations of national sovereignty and human rights. She also urged the people of Sanaag to stage peaceful protests, cautioning them against having their legitimate anger exploited by politicians pursuing narrow personal interests.

The MP demanded an immediate, independent, and comprehensive investigation to establish the facts surrounding the airstrike, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable.

“Justice must be served. This matter transcends the loss of a single individual; it strikes at the heart of our national honor, our sovereignty, and our future security,” she stated.

Concluding her statement, MP Abdallah reaffirmed her unwavering support for the people of Sanaag and all Somalis in their struggle to defend their rights and security.

Taiwan Celebrates the Launch of Somaliland’s Gender Advisory Office and Advocates for ICAO Inclusion at UNGA80

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

On September 17, 2025, Taiwan’s Representative Office in Somaliland celebrated the launch of the Gender Advisory Office (GAO) at the Damal Hotel in Hargeisa, marking a significant milestone in the decade-long partnership between the two nations. Supported by the European Union and Somaliland’s parliament, the GAO underscores Taiwan’s commitment to advancing gender equality in Somaliland, a nation that is celebrating 35 years of independence while facing ongoing challenges to global recognition.

In a keynote address, senior Taiwanese diplomat Ambassador Allen Leu used the metaphor, “Even the Burj Khalifa starts from one grain of sand,” to highlight the GAO’s role as a foundational step toward greater progress. The launch coincides with the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), where global leaders are addressing gender equality and collaborative governance. Taiwan, ranked sixth globally on the OECD Social Institutions and Gender Index under CEDAW, emphasized its progressive gender policies, including strong female representation in government and robust anti-discrimination measures.

The GAO’s establishment strengthens Taiwan’s soft power in Somaliland, where it has maintained a de facto embassy since 2009 despite limited formal diplomatic ties globally. The ceremony, attended by local and international leaders, featured a Somali-language banner promoting women’s issues, symbolizing shared goals. Taiwan’s prior investments in Somaliland’s health and education sectors reflect a mutual resilience against diplomatic isolation—Taiwan from China, and Somaliland from the African Union and the global community. Somaliland’s strategic position along the Red Sea, recently underscored by Ethiopia’s 2024 recognition agreement, amplifies the partnership’s significance.

As UNGA80 focuses on gender disparities, Taiwan’s efforts in Somaliland could enhance its international visibility. Concurrently, Taiwan’s Somaliland Mission amplified a message from Foreign Minister @chia_lung, thanking U.S. Senator @SenTedCruz for advocating Taiwan’s full membership in @icao. In a letter to @SecRubio, @SecDuffy, and @JCS_ICAO, Cruz emphasized that Taiwan’s inclusion is essential for ICAO’s vision of “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future.”

Somaliland and Taiwan Discuss Strengthening Media and Cultural Ties

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral relations, Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Awareness, Hon. Ahmed-Yasin Sh. Ali Ayanle, hosted a high-level meeting with Hon. Allen Leu, Taiwan’s Representative to Somaliland, and accompanying officials at his office in Hargeisa today.

The engagement underscores the growing partnership between the two nations, focusing on mutual cooperation amid recent advancements in the financial, technological, and maritime sectors. The meeting aimed to promote mutual understanding, offer a formal welcome, and establish a framework for collaborative efforts between Somaliland’s Ministry of Information and the Taiwanese Representative Office.

Attendees from the Somaliland side included the Deputy Minister, Director General, Director of Planning, Director of Administration, Deputy Director of Radio, and Head of Monitoring and Evaluation.

Key discussion points highlighted strategic priorities:

  1. Countering Misinformation: Both parties agreed to intensify joint efforts in combating propaganda and false narratives directed against Taiwan and the Republic of Somaliland, utilizing their shared experiences in digital resilience.

  2. Media and Cultural Exchange: Emphasis was placed on collaborative initiatives in modern media, information sharing, and promoting the cultural heritage of both Somaliland and Taiwan to foster public awareness and strengthen people-to-people ties.

  3. Showcasing Achievements: The Ministry presented an overview of its foundational milestones and notable successes, receiving positive feedback from the Taiwanese delegation on Somaliland’s progress in information management and public outreach.

  4. Awareness Programs: Plans were outlined for co-developing reports, campaigns, and programs to highlight the value of bilateral cooperation and the fraternal bonds between Somaliland and Taiwan, targeting both domestic and international audiences.

  5. Capacity Building: Opportunities for ministry staff to access Taiwanese training programs, scholarships, and educational grants were explored, with a call for active participation to enhance professional skills in information and cultural sectors.

This meeting follows several recent developments that have strengthened Somaliland-Taiwan relations.

Somaliland Signs $70 Million Deal to Transform Hargeisa Airport into a Regional Hub

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA, Somaliland – In a significant boost to its aviation and economic infrastructure, the Republic of Somaliland has signed a landmark $70 million agreement to modernize Egal International Airport in its capital, Hargeisa. The deal, announced by Presidential Spokesperson Eng. Hussein Adan Cige (Deyr), represents the largest single investment in the country’s civil aviation history and highlights Somaliland’s increasing engagement with global business partners.

The agreement was finalized at the Dubai International Financial Center between Somaliland’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Hon. Fu’ad Ahmed Nuh, and representatives from the International Maharat Investment Company, a Dubai-based firm specializing in infrastructure development.

The ambitious project aims to comprehensively upgrade the airport’s facilities. Planned improvements include extending runways, constructing new passenger terminals, and installing enhanced security and modern navigational systems. These upgrades are designed to accommodate larger aircraft, significantly increase passenger capacity, and position Hargeisa as a key gateway for regional trade and tourism in the Horn of Africa.

“This investment is a game-changer for Somaliland’s economy,” said Eng. Deyr in a statement. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to developing world-class infrastructure and forging deeper ties with the international community. Somaliland is open for business, ready for investment, and eager for meaningful global cooperation.”

The partnership with Maharat, a company with a portfolio of projects across the Middle East and Africa, is seen as a vote of confidence in Somaliland’s stable governance and business-friendly environment. Minister Nuh stated during the signing ceremony that the project would “not only modernize our skies but also elevate Somaliland’s profile on the global stage.”

Industry experts predict the modernized airport could handle up to one million passengers annually by 2030, a substantial increase from the current annual traffic of approximately 200,000. The enhancements are also expected to pave the way for direct flights to major international hubs like Dubai, Istanbul, and Addis Ababa, further integrating Somaliland into global economic and supply chains.

With construction scheduled to begin in early 2026, this development marks a new chapter in Somaliland’s pursuit of economic self-sufficiency and broader international recognition.

Somaliland Government Reinforces Livestock Export Ban and Moves to Approve Fisheries Law

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Hargeisa, Somaliland – The 35th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland convened today at the Presidential Palace. The meeting was chaired by H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) and co-chaired by H.E. Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Adbi.

The council deliberated on several key national issues, with ministers providing comprehensive briefings on their respective sectors. The following is a summary of the proceedings:

  1. Security Situation Briefing

The Minister of Interior and Security, Mr. Abdalle Mohamed Carab, reported that the overall security situation across all six regions of the country remains stable. He confirmed the absence of any significant disturbances or instability and further noted that the nation continues to enjoy complete political stability.

  1. Economic and Revenue Update

The Minister of State for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Ismail Mawlid Abdullahi, provided an update on the nation’s fiscal health. He reported that the National Revenue Collection for September 2025 is on track to meet its targets and expressed optimism for continued improvement in the nation’s revenue and economic performance throughout the remainder of the year.

The Minister also informed the council that strategic studies and plans to strengthen the national economy and boost domestic production are advancing systematically. These initiatives are being overseen by the Council’s High-Level Economic Committee, which has recently submitted comprehensive proposals.

  1. Drought Relief Efforts

A member of the National Drought Relief Committee and Minister of Religion and Endowments, Sheikh Abdullahi-Baashe Dahir Jama, delivered a briefing on the drought response. He stated that relief efforts are progressing effectively, highlighting the rehabilitation of water wells and the successful distribution of food aid to the regions with the most critical needs.

  1. Livestock Export and Quality Standards

The Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Dr. Omar Shucayb Mohamed, provided a positive update on the livestock sector. He reported that the Ministry is enhancing the export system and enforcing stringent quality control measures for livestock.

A key policy highlighted was the complete ban on the export of underage livestock, a measure designed to protect the national breeding stock and uphold quality standards. The Minister emphasized that this step is crucial for strengthening Somaliland’s reputation in international markets and securing the sector’s long-term economic future. He also noted an increase in health inspections and monitoring of livestock.

  1. National Health Situation

The Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, presented a report on the public health situation. He outlined the ongoing provision of health services across the regions while also acknowledging significant national challenges that require addressed.

The Minister detailed the severe impact of recent global funding cuts from the United States government on critical health programs administered by the Ministry. These cuts have created a substantial financial shortfall and posed a major challenge to public health services. Despite this, the Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to securing and strengthening public health services through international cooperation to ensure the people of Somaliland receive sustainable, high-quality healthcare.

  1. Deliberation on the National Fisheries Law

The Council of Ministers concluded a rigorous two-week deliberation on the Somaliland National Fisheries Law (Act No. 84/2025). Following extensive discussions, proposals, and a detailed review of the law’s articles, H.E. President Cirro issued a directive. Noting the critical importance of the fisheries sector, the President instructed the Council to integrate its recommendations into the draft and ensure it is harmonized with other existing national laws. The technical drafting committee was tasked with finalizing the document, with a view to its approval scheduled for next week.

Traditional and Religious Leaders in Eastern Regions Demand Answers from Puntland Over Airstrike Killing of Elder

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

BADHAN, SANAG – Traditional elders, intellectuals, and religious leaders from the Sanaag, Haylan, and the western parts of the Bari region have issued a formal and urgent demand to the Puntland government, seeking a transparent explanation for the deadly airstrike that killed a respected elder and the ongoing use of airstrikes that have terrorized local communities.

The demand, outlined in a strongly-worded statement, comes in the wake of the killing of Caqil (Chief) Cumar C/laahi Cabdi Ibraahim on September 13, 2025. According to the statement, the elder was traveling alone from the city of Ceelbuh to Badhan in the Sanaag region when his vehicle was struck by three missiles near the village of Jicanyo.

The leaders condemned the attack, describing the slain chief as “a stabilizing traditional elder” who was widely known for his work in promoting “security, peace, and reconciliation throughout the country and its people.” They emphasized that he was a key figure in peacebuilding and was not a legitimate target.

The statement poses four critical questions to the Puntland administration:

  1. Identification of Perpetrators: They demand to know who authorized and carried out the airstrike using an aircraft and missiles, and who was complicit in the killing.
  2. Motivation for the Attack: They question why a peace-promoting elder was specifically targeted in what they imply was an assassination.
  3. Official Silence: They challenge the Puntland government’s continued silence on this “brutal killing” and the “large-scale attacks” that have been launched against the people and territories of Sanaag and Haylan.
  4. Inaction on Previous Complaints: They ask why the government has ignored their weeks-long pleas and complaints about the aircraft that have been sowing “fear and panic” among the populace, which culminated in the elder’s death. They note that these aircraft are still active.

The leaders, representing the voices of their communities, have declared that they await a prompt and satisfactory response from the Puntland leadership. They warned that based on the government’s reply, they will formulate a “comprehensive and significant general position” regarding the security and stability of their people and regions.

The ball is now in the court of the Puntland government, as pressure mounts from its eastern regions for accountability and a immediate halt to military operations threatening civilian lives.

Somaliland Applauds Germany’s Recognition of Sovereign Visa-on-Arrival Policy and Reaffirms Role of the Diaspora

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Exclusive By Abdul Rafay Afzal

📌 Official Visa Requirements

The Diaspora Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the Somaliland

has officially welcomed the Federal Republic of Germany’s recent update recognizing Somaliland’s visa-on-arrival policy for international travelers. The acknowledgment, published on Germany’s official travel advisory portal, is seen as a significant affirmation of Somaliland’s sovereign immigration framework and its dedication to secure, dignified, and accessible mobility for all.

The Government of Somaliland expressed its sincere appreciation to German authorities for their constructive engagement and for offering practical guidance to travelers, marking a meaningful step in global diplomatic recognition of Somaliland’s governance capabilities. While Mogadishu has not yet issued an official response, online reaction from within Somalia has been mixed—ranging from concern over Germany’s position to broader reflections on Somaliland’s growing international profile.

Speaking with The Advocate Post on the development, Ougbad Omar, Director of the Diaspora Department MOFAIC, stated:

“This recognition by Germany is not merely administrative—it is symbolic of Somaliland’s progress, stability, and growing international credibility. It also ensures that our diaspora in Europe, particularly in Germany, can return home with greater ease, dignity, and confidence. We see this as a step toward deepening global respect for Somaliland’s institutions.”

Implemented across all major entry points, including international airports and land borders, the visa-on-arrival framework reflects Somaliland’s broader strategy to foster tourism, business, and humanitarian cooperation. The move is also a major development for the Somaliland diaspora in Europe, particularly in Germany, where it simplifies travel and strengthens civic and cultural links with the homeland.

In reiterating its commitment to global engagement, the Ministry emphasized that all travelers—especially returning Somalilanders—will be welcomed with clarity, professionalism, and respect. Somaliland continues to project itself as a peaceful, self-governing democracy committed to responsible diplomacy, international partnerships, and the welfare of its global diaspora.

📝 For full visa requirements, visit: Somaliland Visa Info

Source: The Advocate

Somaliland and Taiwan Forge Historic Partnership to Strengthen Financial Sector Connections

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Press Release

Taipei, September 13, 2025 – Today, I had the privilege of holding high-level meetings with two of Taiwan’s leading financial institutions: the Central Bank of Taiwan and the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC). These discussions focused on building closer cooperation to strengthen Somaliland’s financial sector and enhance the institutional capacity of the Central Bank of Somaliland.

I was honored to be joined by the Somaliland Ambassador to Taiwan, H.E. Mohamoud Adam Jama Galal, and Mr. Mohamoud Ahmed Mohamed, Senior Advisor to the Central Bank of Somaliland, who both contributed meaningfully to these engagements.

Meeting with the Central Bank of Taiwan

At my meeting with Deputy Governor Tzung Ta Yen, Ph.D., and senior colleagues of the Central Bank of Taiwan, we explored areas of collaboration that will help Somaliland strengthen its financial stability. The Central Bank of Taiwan kindly expressed readiness to support us in the following areas:

1. Capacity Building and Technical Support:
Training programs, staff secondments, and knowledge exchange to build institutional capacity.

2. Financial Technology Infrastructure:
Development of IT systems, cybersecurity frameworks, servers, core banking platforms, switching, and payment systems.

3. Policy and Regulatory Framework Development:
Guidance in designing and implementing sound policies, supervisory practices, and regulatory standards.

4. International Payments and SWIFT Integration: Assistance in accessing modern settlement systems, SWIFT integration, and secure cross-border payment platforms.

I commended Taiwan’s success in building a resilient, technologically advanced financial sector despite diplomatic challenges, noting how much Somaliland can learn from this experience.

Meeting with the Financial Supervisory Commission

I also met with Vice Chairperson Sherri H. Y. Chuang and colleagues of the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), where we focused on strengthening Somaliland’s supervisory frameworks and regulatory capacity. The FSC kindly expressed willingness to support us in the following areas:

1. Supervisory and Regulatory Development:
Assistance in developing prudential policies and regulatory frameworks aligned with international best practices.

2. Capacity Building:
Technical training, knowledge exchange, and staff development initiatives for the Central Bank of Somaliland’s Supervision Department.

I emphasized that a strong supervisory framework is essential for financial stability, credibility, and the long-term growth of Somaliland’s financial system.

Shared Aspirations

Both the Central Bank of Taiwan and the Financial Supervisory Commission expressed their strong desire to support my efforts in modernizing the Central Bank of Somaliland. I firmly believe that these partnerships represent a major step forward in strengthening our financial infrastructure, promoting financial inclusion, and achieving sustainable economic growth.

“By working together with our partners in Taiwan, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient, modern, and inclusive financial system that will safeguard depositors, enable cross-border trade, and contribute to the prosperity of our people.”

Abdinasir Ahmed Hersi
Governor
Bank of Somaliland

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