Erigavo – A major peace conference officially commenced today in Erigavo, the administrative capital of the Sanaag region, with President Abdirahman Cirro presiding over the opening ceremony.

The summit focuses on finalizing reconciliation efforts and resolving persistent conflicts that escalated in the region at the end of the previous year. The high-level meeting aims to build upon recent peace-building initiatives that have been underway in the area.

President Cirro’s visit to Erigavo marks his first official trip to the city. He is expected to be joined later today by Sultan Said Sultan Abdisalam Sultan Mahmoud Ali Shire, the Grand Sultan of Warsengeli who will participate in the ongoing peace negotiations.

DP World has unveiled a new strategic shipping route linking Jebel Ali Port in the UAE to Berbera Port in Somaliland

Operating every nine days, the service strengthens DP World’s global network and enhances Berbera’s position as a key logistics hub and maritime gateway in East Africa.

The Jebel Ali–Berbera route improves trade connectivity between the Gulf and East Africa, providing a faster maritime link to Somaliland. Scheduled stops at Aden and Djibouti further expand access to vital port cities, enabling smoother connections to markets across the Horn of Africa.

From Berbera, cargo can reach inland destinations, including Ethiopia, offering an alternative to the traditional Djibouti Port-dependent overland routes. The service also promises more predictable transit times while mitigating risks from regional bottlenecks.

Berbera Port features a 1,050-metre quay with a 400-metre section capable of handling Triple E vessels, extensive bulk and breakbulk facilities, and an annual livestock handling capacity of around four million heads.

Ganesh Raj, group chief operating officer, Marine Services at DP World, said, “The Jebel Ali to Berbera service further complements our investment drive into Africa. Building on the significant infrastructure we have developed across the continent, the service enhances connectivity for our customers as we continue to boost trade links between the Middle East and East Africa.”

“In doing so, we are supporting the growth of resilient, sustainable corridors that unlock prosperity for our partners, customers and the communities we serve,” he added.

Berbera is home to the region’s most modern container terminal and the Berbera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), designed to attract foreign investment and support long-term industrial growth.

DP World holds a 58.5% stake in the Berbera container and general cargo terminal, providing deep-water access to major East–West shipping lanes. The nearby Berbera Economic Zone further accelerates local industrialisation, while the port handles over 4.1 million heads of livestock annually, generating trade worth more than US$1bn.

Community initiatives, including training the region’s first “Solar Mamas” as solar-energy technicians, illustrate how trade infrastructure can deliver economic and social benefits.

Supachai Wattanaveerachai, CEO, DP World Horn of Africa, commented, “The launch of this new corridor is a milestone in our ambition to build faster, safer, and more reliable trade routes. It reflects our commitment to creating meaningful economic benefits for businesses and communities in the region.”

“Our work in Berbera is already stimulating trade and industry, while supporting wider community development. Looking ahead, this service will strengthen Berbera’s role as a gateway for East Africa’s future growth and prosperity,” he added.

Nearly 50 Staff Members of Consilient Research Centre Detained in Somaliland

Hargeisa – For the past two nights, public discourse has been dominated by talk of an event titled, ‘Understanding Federalism, Constitutional Review, and Elections in Somalia,’ which was being organized by the Hargeisa-based Consilient Research group.

Reports now confirm that Somaliland’s security forces have detained several individuals involved in organizing the forum. Those arrested are said to include both Somalis and foreign nationals.

The organization, whose website shows it undertakes numerous projects, including some linked to the Somalia Stability Fund, had circulated an invitation for this three-night forum on Somali elections, scheduled to be held in Hargeisa. The plan sparked a strong public backlash, which was particularly visible on social media, with many Somalilander youth accusing the government of allowing a reopening of political dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia.

In response to this public pressure, the police appear to have taken this preemptive step to halt the forum.

It remains unclear who was behind the initiative to host a program concerning Somalia’s constitution and elections in Hargeisa, where political matters pertaining to Somalia are not permitted. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, and the Consilient Research group remains in custody.

Neither the security forces nor the government have yet made any official statement regarding the planned forum or the reported police action.

HARGEISA – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), convened a briefing meeting with the nation’s business leaders today. The session focused on the overall progress of national affairs, with particular emphasis on the outcomes of the President’s recent working visits to the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia.

President Cirro provided a detailed account of the diplomatic achievements from his high-level talks, highlighting strengthened bilateral partnerships in critical sectors including security, trade, investment, and financial cooperation. He underscored that these agreements are yielding tangible benefits for the nation.

Addressing domestic priorities, the President reaffirmed that fostering peace, unity, and national solidarity remains the foremost objective of his administration. He also provided a positive update on the peace and reconciliation process in the Ceerigaabo district, noting that efforts to restore harmony among local communities are progressing successfully.

“The international community is currently focused on our nation,” President Cirro stated. “Our diplomatic campaign for recognition is advancing on a promising path. Let me be clear: peace is the essential foundation of our statehood. Without it, the economic development, foreign investment, and global recognition we seek cannot be realized.”

The President commended the business sector for its indispensable role in driving national progress, attracting investment, and maintaining the country’s security and stability. He called upon business leaders to take an active role in reinforcing social cohesion and to educate their communities against any actions that could undermine national sovereignty, peace, or unity.

In response, the attending business representatives expressed their strong appreciation for the comprehensive briefing and pledged their full support for the government’s initiatives. They lauded the President’s dedicated efforts to bolster peace, stimulate investment, and enhance Somaliland’s diplomatic standing abroad.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of mutual understanding and confidence, highlighting the robust and collaborative relationship between the national leadership and the private sector.

Hargeisa – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), convened a high-level national briefing at the Presidential Palace today with senior leadership from the country’s three recognized political parties: Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye.

The politically significant meeting focused on the nation’s overall situation, with particular emphasis on national security and stability, the economy, the progress of foreign policy, and upcoming elections. President Cirro provided the party leaders with a comprehensive update on the nation’s current affairs and strategic trajectory.

A key focus of the briefing was the President’s recent working visits to the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia. President Cirro detailed the objectives and diplomatic outcomes of these trips, characterizing them as strategic efforts to enhance Somaliland’s bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in security, economic development, and investment. He emphasized the goal of solidifying Somaliland’s role as a key stakeholder in matters affecting the Horn of Africa.

Reaffirming the nation’s core principles, the President stated that democracy and dialogue remain the foundational pillars of the Somaliland state. He underscored that national peace, unity, and the overarching interests of the Republic of Somaliland consistently take precedence.

The President also provided an update on the oil exploration project in Ceerigaabo, reporting positive progress and noting that stabilization efforts in the area are proceeding effectively.

In his closing remarks, President Cirro called for strengthened collaboration between the government and all political parties, urging a united effort to maintain the nation’s course toward peace, development, and the consensus-based politics for which Somaliland is known.

In a unified response, the senior leadership from both the opposition and ruling parties welcomed the briefing. They praised the meeting as a exemplary demonstration of functional democracy and genuine patriotism, pledging their support to the government on all issues of national significance.

The session was widely seen as a reflection of President Cirro’s sustained commitment to fostering political unity, stability, and inclusive dialogue in the Republic of Somaliland.

Washington, D.C. – The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Somaliland, Hon. Mohamed Yusuf, participated in a high-level international defense conference hosted by the U.S. Department of Defense in Washington, D.C.

The conference convened defense leaders from around the world to foster international cooperation, strengthen bilateral ties, and address critical global security challenges. Discussions emphasized proactive strategies to counter emerging threats and enhance collective security.

Invited as a key participant, Minister Yusuf took part in discussions focused on reinforcing Somaliland’s role in promoting stability within the Horn of Africa. The conference highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling shared security concerns.

In a significant diplomatic extension of his visit, Minister Yusuf was also welcomed at the U.S. Capitol for meetings with members of Congress. The discussions centered on deepening the strategic relationship between Somaliland and the United States, underscoring Somaliland’s commitment to democratic values and its strategic importance in the region.

HARGEISA – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), convened a high-level briefing session on Tuesday with the nation’s top legislative and judicial leaders. The meeting included the Chairpersons of both Houses of Parliament—the Guurti (House of Elders) and the House of Representatives—as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

In a demonstration of national consultation and governmental transparency, President Cirro provided a comprehensive overview of the nation’s current affairs. He detailed the administration’s progress in key areas, including security, social development, and the ongoing efforts to achieve international recognition.

“The President underscored the government’s commitment to its strategic plans for peace, stability, and social progress,” a statement from the presidency noted. “He emphasized that all national initiatives are advancing effectively.”

A significant portion of the briefing was dedicated to the President’s recent diplomatic engagements. President Cirro reported on his working visits to the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, characterizing them as successful missions that have elevated Somaliland’s bilateral relations.

“The discussions in both nations yielded positive outcomes, strengthening cooperation in critical sectors such as trade, investment, and regional security,” President Cirro was quoted as saying.

During the session, the President commended the legislative and judicial leaders for their pivotal role in upholding the nation’s constitutional order, democratic principles, and the effective operation of state institutions.

In response, the parliamentary chairpersons and the Chief Justice praised the President’s consultative leadership style and commitment to regular briefings. They highlighted that such cooperation fosters greater confidence between the branches of government and ensures a unified approach to national decision-making.

In his concluding remarks, President Cirro affirmed that Somaliland continues on a stable trajectory, anchored by peace, democracy, and functional governance. “The synergy between our national institutions remains the bedrock of our progress,” he stated.

LONDON, UK – In a significant diplomatic recognition, Ambassador Abdi A. Hersi, the Former Somaliland Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has been formally invited to receive the “LPSA Outstanding Diplomat Of The Year Award 2025” at the prestigious 10th Anniversary London Political Summit & Awards (LPSA).

The invitation, extended by the LPSA Secretariat, also names Ambassador Hersi as a Special Guest of Honour for the three-day summit, scheduled for October 15-17, 2025.

The award celebrates Ambassador Hersi’s “remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment” during his tenure, highlighting his role in amplifying “the voice of the Somaliland people on the global stage.” The citation praises his visionary leadership, calm diplomacy, and steadfast pursuit of peaceful engagement.

The LPSA Secretariat outlined several key achievements that form the basis for this honour:

· Strengthening UK-Somaliland Ties: Organizing and leading multiple delegations of UK Members of Parliament and Lords on fact-finding missions to Somaliland.
· Facilitating Trade and Goodwill: Acting as a central figure in enhancing trade and bilateral relations between the two nations.
· Diaspora Engagement and Awareness: Keeping the British-Somalilander community informed while raising the profile of Somaliland’s ongoing challenges internationally.
· High-Level Diplomatic Advocacy: Successfully participating in the UK Conservative Party Conference to bring the issue of Somaliland’s independence to the attention of senior UK leaders and lawmakers.
· Securing Local Recognition: Leading the Somaliland Diaspora Agency to secure diplomatic victories at the municipal level, including a recognition motion passed by Birmingham City Council.
· Promoting Education: Fostering educational opportunities for Somalilanders through engagement with UK-based scholarship programmes like Chevening, and mentoring future leaders.

Summit Agenda

The London Political Summit will feature a series of high-level events:

· Day 1 (Oct. 15): A Parliamentary Opening Session in the House of Commons, hosted by Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan, MP.
· Day 2 (Oct. 16): A Mayoral Session and Diplomatic Roundtable at Islington Town Hall, hosted by The Worshipful Mayor of Islington, Cllr. Jason Jackson.
· Day 3 (Oct. 17): The flagship LPSA 10th Anniversary Awards Dinner Gala Night at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, under the theme “Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Leadership, Inspiring the Future.”

The LPSA awards are noted for celebrating excellence in political and diplomatic service. Ambassador Hersi’s recognition underscores the significant, albeit unofficial, diplomatic inroads Somaliland has made in the United Kingdom and celebrates his personal legacy as a “respected advocate, community champion, and tireless ambassador for dialogue, recognition, and hope.”

The summit organizers have expressed their warm anticipation to celebrate this honour with Ambassador Hersi this October in London.