Israel becomes the first country to recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, more than three decades after it broke away from Somalia.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sign the declaration for Israel, while Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signs for his country.

Somaliland, a Sunni Muslim country, enjoyed five days of independence in 1960, during which time it was recognized by Israel and 34 other countries before uniting with Somalia. Somaliland formally broke away in 1991, and while no other countries recognized it, several powerful countries — the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan — maintained liaison offices.

Speaking to Abdullahi by phone, Netanyahu says the friendship between the countries is “seminal and historic.”

“We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development,” Netanyahu says.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu statement

I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Together with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration.

This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.

I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel.

The President thanked me for this historic declaration and expressed appreciation for my achievements in fighting terrorism and advancing regional peace.

I thank Foreign Minister Sa’ar, the Head of Mossad David Barnea and the Mossad, for their contribution to today’s development, and I wish the people of Somaliland success, prosperity, and freedom.

The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.

PRESS RELEASE: WADDANI Party Endorses National Electoral Commission Decision

Hargeisa, December 24, 2025 – The WADDANI opposition party has formally accepted and endorsed the National Electoral Commission’s (NEC) procedural decision concerning voter registration for the upcoming elections in the Republic of Somaliland.

Issued earlier today, the NEC’s decision details the voter registration process to be implemented nationwide and mandates the correction of inaccuracies within the existing voter registry. The WADDANI party regards the decision as fully consistent with the legal framework, which authorizes the NEC to establish such procedures.

In a statement reaffirming its respect for the Commission’s independence, WADDANI announced its support for the voter registration plan and welcomed all lawful decisions by the NEC that facilitate the timely holding of parliamentary and local council elections as scheduled on May 31, 2026.

· END –

Hirsi Ali H. Hassan
Chairman, WADDANI Party
Hargeisa, Somaliland

Hargeisa – The KAAH party has strongly criticized the decision issued today by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) regarding voter registration and electoral procedures, calling it biased.

In a statement published on its official Facebook page, the party declared:

“The KAAH party views the decision announced today by the NEC as one-sided, demonstrating irresponsibility, acting against the national interest, and failing to reflect the true reality and internal circumstances within the NEC offices.

Consequently, we will issue a response in the near future—a response grounded in accountability, transparency, responsibility, integrity, patriotism, and the public interest—and will announce the KAAH party’s official stance on this decision.

There will be no retreat.”

— Mr. Abdulkarim Mohamed Haji Ali
Deputy Chairman for Regions and Districts, KAAH Party

Hargeisa, December 2025 – His Excellency President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) chaired the 47th session of the Council of Ministers today at the Presidential Palace, with Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Cabdi in attendance.

The session featured comprehensive briefings from key ministries, covering security, economic performance, public health, livestock development, youth engagement, and governance. Below are the key outcomes:

1. Security Situation Rated Stable

Minister of Interior and National Security Abdalle Mohamed Carab reported nationwide stability, with no significant security disturbances recorded across Somaliland’s regions. The main challenges remain petty crime and road accidents, which continue to be the leading cause of fatalities.

1. Economic Growth and Revenue on Track

Minister of Finance and Economic Development Abdullahi Hassan Aadan confirmed that revenue collection is meeting 2025 budget targets, keeping the government on course to achieve its annual fiscal objectives. He also thanked all branches of government for their collaboration in the timely preparation and approval of the 2026 National Budget—the first to be completed within the standard budgetary timeline.

In a related development, the Minister noted ongoing efforts to enhance operations at Berbera Port, following a recent working visit by a high-level Ethiopian trade delegation. The delegation, led by the Secretary-General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, toured the port, the National Strategic Fuel Reserve, and the Berbera Free Zone.

1. Public Health Priorities and Drought Advisory

Minister of Health Development Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi provided an update on national health services, emphasizing epidemic prevention, healthcare accessibility, and quality improvement. Given current drought conditions, the Minister issued a public advisory urging citizens to exercise caution regarding drinking water quality.

1. Livestock Sector Identified as Economic Backbone

Minister of Livestock and Rural Development Dr. Omar Shucayb Mohamed reported on the outcomes of the recent National Livestock Trade Conference, describing the sector as the core of Somaliland’s economy. The conference highlighted the need for a national strategy, increased investment, and public-private collaboration to address value-chain challenges and expand into international markets.

Key opportunities identified included modernizing hide production, developing meat and dairy processing, and meeting export certification standards.

1. Youth and Sports Development Advancing

Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmed-Yassin Mohamed Farah announced that regional youth forums have been successfully concluded and that the National Youth Forum will be held in Berbera on January 1, 2026. Preparations are also underway for a national inter-regional sports tournament designed to promote talent, transparency, and social cohesion.

1. Government Performance Reporting Framework Introduced

Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi outlined a new framework for assessing government performance in 2025 using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The system is intended to enhance accountability and track progress against electoral commitments and national priorities. He also emphasized the need to finalize and implement a unified Government Communication Strategy.

1. National Land Management Policy Deliberations Begin

Government Spokesperson Ali Bashe Mohamed and Minister of Public Works, Land, and Housing Hussein Ahmed Caydiid presented the draft National Land Management Policy, which seeks to provide a clear, equitable, and legally sound framework for land administration and conflict prevention. Discussion on the policy will continue in the next session.

The Council of Ministers is scheduled to reconvene to further review pending policy matters and continue deliberations on the national agenda.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B37F4YPGA/

Press Release

Date: 24th December 2024

The National Electoral Commission (NEC), in its commitment to ensuring that elections are held on time, shared three different options with the Three National Political Parties and the Government in May 2025 on how to conduct the voter registration, along with technical reports prepared by international companies on the system and data for the national voter registration.

The National Electoral Commission, in upholding the transparency of its work for the nation, submitted three types of registration methods to the Three National Political Parties, to solicit national input; these three methods are ones the National Electoral Commission had previously presented to the country in the years 2016, 2021, and 2023.

The Three National Political Parties and the Government held meetings for a period of seven months, from June to December 2025, in order to reach a unified consensus. During this period, the National Electoral Commission held various separate meetings with the Three National Political Parties and the Government to mediate and reach a unified national consensus.

After this lengthy period, the Three National Political Parties individually submitted their opinions to the National Electoral Commission, which contained differing views.

The National Electoral Commission, in strict accordance with Articles 17, 46, and 47 of the General Elections and Voter Registration Act, Law No. 91/2023, hereby issues the following provisions.

Decision of the National Electoral Commission (NEC)

The National Electoral Commission, after deliberating and considering the proposals and opinions of the Three National Political Parties regarding the registration system and the timely conduct of elections, and considering Article 47, Section 4 of the General Elections and Voter Registration Act, Law No. 91/2023, which states: “For the revision of the voter register before any election, the Commission shall determine the system and manner of the revision,”

The National Electoral Commission has today, on the 24th of December 2025, decided that the registration system shall be as follows:

1. To use the existing voter registration data, by conducting a registration update.
2. The registration update shall consist, in accordance with the law, of:
   · Registering all citizens who have reached voting age or who have not previously registered.
   · Reissuing cards for all persons who have lost their voter cards.
   · Changing polling stations for all persons wishing to change their polling station.
3. The registration update shall be conducted from 500 centers across the districts and regions of the country.
4. To perform a cleanup of the existing registration data, following the technical recommendations provided by the experts who independently audited the registration data.
5. The cleanup and registration process shall be transparent, with the participation of the Three National Political Parties.
6. Finally, the National Electoral Commission shall conduct a simulation exercise across the country by the end of January 2026, and simultaneously release the work schedule for the commencement of registration and the conduct of the elections in accordance with the laws of the country.

Tel: +232 2 5298772
Website:www.slsec.com
Email:info@slsec.com
Address:26 June District, Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Hargeisa – The Director-General of the Bank of Somaliland (BoSL), Mr. Yassin Jama Ahmed, joined the National Committee for the Reconstruction of the Waaheen Market today to inspect the ongoing construction progress. The project is financed by the Central Bank.

The joint visit focused on assessing the new Livestock and Vegetable Market section within the Waaheen Market complex, which is administered by the local government.

During the tour, the delegation received detailed briefings from the construction firm, Daryeel Construction, and the project consultant, SEMA Consultants. Both companies provided comprehensive updates, confirming the project is advancing according to schedule. Construction is currently in its 81st day and is reported to be 20% complete.

The inspection concluded with remarks from the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments of Somaliland, Mr. Sheikh Abdullahi Dahir Jama (Bashe).

Hargeisa – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), today inaugurated the Livestock Trade and Production Conference at the Grand Haadi Hotel in Hargeisa.

This first-of-its-kind conference focused on the livestock sector in Somaliland was organized to a high standard by the Ministry of Livestock and Pastoral Development, in collaboration with its partner agencies and organizations. The conference will run for two days.

This national forum brought together all diverse stakeholders involved in the livestock trade and development sector. The Director General, Mr. Ahmed Osman Jama (Talo-same), and the Minister of Livestock and Pastoral Development, H.E. Dr. Omar Shucayb Mohamed, delivered speeches and expert presentations. They provided comprehensive details on the conference’s objectives, which are to showcase the real potential of Somaliland’s livestock and to strengthen the care, production, trade, and marketing chain for live animals.

Furthermore, the Minister and the Director General emphasized that this conference genuinely encourages innovation, improves livestock production, and opens new business opportunities to increase income, job creation, and the economic development of the Republic of Somaliland.

In his keynote address at the Livestock Trade and Production Conference, the President extended his gratitude and commendation to the senior officials, staff of the Ministry of Livestock, and the agencies and individuals who made the conference possible.

The President stated that livestock are the foundation of the country’s economy, a symbol of our heritage and culture, and the cornerstone of life and unique livelihood for the people of Somaliland.

The President underscored that live animals are central to the country’s production output (GDP) and the backbone of the hard currency we earn from livestock exports.

The President noted that every Somalilander, in their daily life, witnesses the importance livestock hold for us.

On another note, the President affirmed that it is imperative to make a significant shift from our traditional livestock husbandry methods, which can no longer withstand the living conditions our livestock now face, particularly environmental degradation, recurring droughts, and the impacts of Global Climate Change. The President stated that the Government has begun taking many steps to address the problems and challenges facing the Livestock Trade and Production sector.

The President highlighted that the Government is committed to:

1. Developing modern livestock farming systems,
2. Creating new grazing regulations for all regions of the country,
3. Caring for and expanding rangelands,
4. Environmental conservation,
5. Resilience against Climate Change,
6. Controlling livestock diseases.

In conclusion, the President of the Republic of Somaliland noted that the Government welcomes the advice and expertise of national and international investors and experts who participated in the conference, stating that investment and participation in the Livestock Trade and Production sector of Somaliland is open to anyone ready to invest, ensuring mutual and equitable benefit for all.