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Federal Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Xoosh: “Completion of SSC-Khaatumo State is a People’s Aspiration, Not Factional or Political”

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Las Anod– Federal Minister of Interior Ali Yusuf Xoosh has declared that the re-establishment of the new SSC-Khaatumo Regional State will resolve the long-standing disputes in the Sool and Sanaag regions, areas recognized as contested territories.

“No one can oppose you. And you should not accept any dispute,” stated Minister Xoosh, speaking today at the inauguration of the conference finalizing the new SSC-Khaatumo administration.

Minister Xoosh affirmed that the Federal Government of Somalia fully supports the new administration to overcome its challenges and become a stable entity reflecting the will of the local population.

“I remind you that completing the SSC-Khaatumo administration is a people’s aspiration, not a factional or political matter. Unity and support for the new administration are imperative,” emphasized Minister Xoosh.

The Minister stressed that the Federal Government believes development in these regions is achievable only through an official administration that genuinely represents the people’s interests.

He further announced that following this conference, the SSC-Khaatumo Regional State will officially become one of the Federal Member States of the Somali Federal Government.

The ongoing SSC-Khaatumo Finalization Conference will deliberate on key agenda items including:
* Power-sharing within the administration
* Governance structure
* Drafting and ratification of the constitution
* Election of the President.

Taiwanese Tourists Welcomed in Somaliland, Signaling Closer Bilateral Relations

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – In a display of growing friendship, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Hon. Allen C. Leu, welcomed a delegation of Taiwanese tourists to his office in Hargeisa this week. The visit underscores the expanding people-to-people ties and deepening partnership between Taiwan and Somaliland.

The delegation arrived eager to experience Somaliland’s vibrant culture and history, as both nations seek to strengthen exchanges beyond government and business circles. Ambassador Leu expressed his delight at receiving the Taiwanese visitors, stating, “We are truly pleased to welcome tourists from Taiwan to the Republic of Somaliland. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our culture and achievements. We look forward to increasing such exchanges and wish everyone a safe and memorable journey.”

This visit follows the appointment of Somaliland’s new ambassador to Taiwan, Hon. Mohamud Adan Jama Galaal, in early 2025, which has further invigorated bilateral cooperation. Recent months have seen increased visits from business leaders and investors, as well as new initiatives in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Taiwan continues to support Somaliland through scholarships, medical donations, and key projects such as the improvement of Hargeisa Airport Road.

The growing relationship is also evidenced by the establishment of representative offices in the capitals of both countries. Local officials voiced optimism that such visits will boost Somaliland’s emerging tourism sector, while offering foreign visitors a firsthand look at Somaliland’s stability, rich heritage, and natural beauty.

Authorities in Hargeisa hope that these exchanges will promote greater international recognition for Somaliland and deepen mutual understanding between the people of Somaliland and Taiwan

Somaliland Livestock Minister, Mercy Corps Forge Partnership to Boost Sector Resilience

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – Livestock Minister Hon. Omar Shucayb Mohamed and Director General Ahmed Osman Jama held high-level talks with Mercy Corps representatives to advance collaboration on Somaliland’s livestock sector development.

The meeting centered on tackling critical challenges—including drought, disease, and infrastructure gaps—that impact the livelihoods of pastoralist communities. Minister Mohamed emphasized the sector’s vital role in Somaliland’s economy and welcomed Mercy Corps’ expertise:
“Partnering with Mercy Corps will drive transformative change. Their support is key to building a resilient, prosperous future for our livestock farmers.”

Mercy Corps reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable solutions, focusing on:
– Enhancing animal health services,
– Expanding market access,
– Strengthening community resilience.

Director General Jama highlighted upcoming joint initiatives, such as veterinary training programs, supply chain improvements, and community-led projects for livestock-dependent households.

Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian leader, noted its ongoing work in Somaliland and pledged deeper collaboration with the Ministry to address urgent sectoral needs.

The partnership marks a strategic step in fortifying Somaliland’s livestock industry—a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and food security.

Somaliland Parliament Advances Legislative Modernization Through Key Partnership with Max Planck Foundation

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa– In a significant boost to legislative development, the leadership of the Somaliland House of Representatives, Speaker Yasin Haji Mahmoud Hiir (Faraton) and First Deputy Speaker Said Mire Farah (Giire), held high-level talks with senior officials from the Max Planck Foundation. The meeting, hosted at the Speaker’s office, centered on a major collaborative project nearing completion, designed to modernize parliamentary systems and strengthen Somaliland’s legislative framework.

The Max Planck Foundation highlighted the project’s achievements in enhancing parliamentary efficiency and empowering lawmakers. Speaker Faraton lauded the partnership, stating, “This collaboration has been instrumental in transforming our legislative processes and equipping our members.” Both sides expressed strong commitment to future cooperation building on this success.

This project’s impact includes extensive capacity building:
* A third “Training-of-Trainers” workshop for Parliament’s legal advisors (Feb 19-23, 2025), covering critical topics like Constitution-Making, Political Parties, Electoral Systems, and Local Government.
* Five specialized workshops for MPs in Hargeisa, focusing on Judicial Independence, Court Structures, Legislative Drafting, National Budget Processes, and Adoption of International Treaties. Sessions utilized a comparative constitutional law approach, analyzing Somaliland’s framework.

In a substantial resource boost, the Max Planck Foundation, with European Union funding

‎SSC-Khaatumo State Formation Talks Collapse Amid Leadership Rift and Violence 

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Traditional Elders Intervene After Failed Conference Sparks Armed Clashes in Las Anod

By Goth Mohamed Goth

‎A critical meeting sponsored by Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) to establish the SSC-Khaatumo administration has collapsed, deepening political divisions in the region. The failure underscores a defining power struggle between key figures: Khalif (an insider-turned-outsider) and Firdhiye (a federalist loyalist).
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‎On Wednesday, multiple presidential candidates accused interim leader Firdhiye of undermining the state finalization conference, scheduled to open Thursday in Las Anod. At a press briefing, they denounced the event as “exclusionary and illegitimate,” citing inadequate representation for the Warsangeli clan. They alleged delegates were selected without full clan endorsement.
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‎The crisis escalated when an initial attempt to convene the conference at Jabuutiwi Hotel was disrupted by six armed technical vehicles linked to Mr. Ahmed Kharash and Mr. Abdirisaaq Khalif. Rival factions later moved toward the University under armed escort but faced gunfire, heightening tensions.
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‎Traditional elders (Garaad’s) intervened, brokering a temporary ceasefire and demanding both sides lift their siege of Las Anod. Following an emergency meeting, the elders issued binding directives:
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‎1. No amendments to the existing SSC-Khaatumo charter agreed upon by Dhulbahante clans under Firdhiye’s interim administration.
‎2. Immediate withdrawal of the visiting Warsangeli delegation and tribal militias to their home territories.
‎3. Demilitarization of Las Anod: All candidate-aligned militia forces must exit the city and cease destabilizing actions.
‎4. Direct talks between elders and the Mogadishu-based delegation.
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‎The elders emphatically pledged that no faction would be permitted to unilaterally control future talks, reaffirming their authority over the process.
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Somaliland’s 3 National Political Parties are Set to hold their First National Conventions in December 2027

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – A critical timeline clarification has been issued regarding the holding of the first National Conventions (Shirwayne) of Somaliland’s three new political parties.
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‎In a statement released by the Secretary General of House of Representatives
‎Abdirisaaq Said Ayaanl in regard to timeline clarification has been issued regarding the holding the first National Conventions (Shirwayne) of Somaliland’s three new political parties.
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‎Background Context
‎The previous three political parties were established on December 12, 2012, and granted a 10-year mandate. This period concluded on December 22, 2022. Under Law No. 14,  new political associations must register six months prior to the expiration of existing parties’ mandates.
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‎The Registration Committee announced that all associations and parties must submit documentation detailing their:
‎- Central Committees
‎- Executive Committees
‎- Party Leaderships
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‎Seven political associations and three national parties participated. All submitted their organizational structures—Central Committees, Executive Committees, and Leaderships—following internal conferences.
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‎Current Status 
‎On November 13, 2024, elections were held for associations and parties. By December 13, 2024, three parties emerged: Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye.
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‎Key Questions
‎When will these new parties hold their inaugural National Conventions, per legal requirements?
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‎Legal Analysis
‎Under Law No. 14, the three newly recognized parties effectively initiated their conference cycles , following the conclusion of the previous parties’ 10-year term. The previous parties held their final regular conferences in 2022.
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‎Conclusion
‎The inaugural National Conventions for Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye are legally scheduled for December 2027, as their operational timeline commenced in 2022. Crucially, no legally recognized convention may occur before 2027.
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‎Somaliland China Dilemma

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Mohamed Ahmed Awil

Somaliland has historically struggled to establish reliable relationships with international development partners in its quest for international recognition.
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‎Previous administrations prioritized partners who endorsed Somaliland’s aspiration for sovereign statehood, often at the expense of tangible economic or developmental gains for its citizens.
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‎This approach has limited Somaliland’s official ties to a handful of countries—Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States, and Taiwan.
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‎Unfortunately, most of these relationships are heavily one-sided, skewed in favor of the external partner, and lacking in mutual benefit or alignment with international legal frameworks.
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‎A prime example is Somaliland’s engagement with the UAE, which is primarily confined to managing the Port of Berbera. This arrangement denies Somaliland a significant share of revenue from one of its most strategic national assets.
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‎With recent leadership transitions, Somaliland must recalibrate its foreign policy strategy.
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‎Greater emphasis should be placed on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and international aid, rather than fixating on diplomatic recognition, particularly since the global consensus still supports Somalia’s territorial unity and federal structure.
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‎Nonetheless, recognition can still be pursued—strategically—by crafting a foreign policy that garners acceptance and cooperation from members of the international community.
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‎Such a policy must address the concerns of sovereign states wary of legitimizing secessionist or “de facto” entities, which they often see as threats to international borders and regional security.
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‎Why China?
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‎Engaging China would bring significant economic and diplomatic benefits to Somaliland.
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‎Records indicate that China had previously expressed interest in cooperating with Somaliland—offering to fund road infrastructure, develop an airport, and open a liaison office to enhance bilateral ties. These offers were never realized.
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‎Instead, Somaliland chose to partner with Taiwan, with both parties recognizing each other publicly. This move, observers argue, went against the expectations of a region increasingly aligned with Afro-Chinese cooperation.
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‎Somaliland’s decision was likely influenced by the hope of gaining international recognition, access to Western donors, and limited development aid—such as scholarships and infrastructure funding—from Taiwan.
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‎However, the potential benefits from partnering with China, the world’s second-largest economy, far outweigh those offered by Taiwan.
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‎China offers an alternative to the legacy of Western dependence. It is also a critical player in the global minerals market—an area in which Africa, and potentially Somaliland, has a comparative advantage.
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‎Engaging Beijing could offer Somaliland both economic leverage and diplomatic visibility, without closing the door to relations with the West.
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‎Africa is already central to China’s global strategic ambitions. With a growing population and underserved markets, the continent is fertile ground for trade, infrastructure, and industrial partnerships.
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‎China is Africa’s top trading partner, and its firms are rising rapidly in sectors such as manufacturing and construction—often outpacing their Western counterparts, who typically focus on resource extraction and finance.
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‎At the 2024 Beijing Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion in loans, investments, and aid to Africa over three years.
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‎Somaliland could benefit from this pledge, if it reconsidered its diplomatic posture and embraced strategic pragmatism over symbolic partnerships.
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‎Importantly, building ties with China does not preclude engagement with other international actors. Somaliland must leverage its strategic location and potential to draw value from both Chinese and alternative partnerships.
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‎The future of Somaliland’s diplomacy will depend on its ability to demonstrate strategic, material, and political relevance to emerging and established global powers.
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‎Mohamed Ahmed Awil is the former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Federal Republic of Somalia to the People’s Republic of China. X (@m_amb)
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Somaliland Central Bank Governor Emphasizes Critical Role of Financial Laws in National Development

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa, – Central Bank Governor Abdinasir Ahmed Hirsi has asserted that robust financial laws and policies are fundamental to securing global confidence and attracting international investment to Somaliland.

“Global trust in our financial institutions surges when we strengthen the legal frameworks and policies combating financial crimes,” Governor Hirsi stated during his opening address at a specialized training program organized by the Somaliland Bankers Association for the nation’s financial institutions.

Governor Hirsi underscored the urgent need to enhance the skills and awareness of personnel within Somaliland’s financial sector. “Developing accounting expertise and unified systems is essential. This enables us to effectively combat financial crimes and build standardized financial practices,” he emphasized.

He directly linked regulatory strength to economic growth: “Transparent financial practices and legally sound policies are the gateway to attracting international investment. When our laws and policies align with global standards, the world invests confidently in Somaliland.”

Collaborative Anti-Crime Effort
Khalif Sheikh Omar, Head of the Somaliland Bankers Association, and Mustafe Abdi, Director of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Department, also addressed the gathering. They highlighted the training’s critical role in establishing foundational capabilities to combat money laundering and related financial crimes.

Government-Wide Commitment
The event underscored a coordinated national effort:
– The Somaliland Government
– The Central Bank
– The Specialized Banking Sector
Are collectively engaged in an intensive campaign to eliminate financial crimes, particularly money laundering. A core focus remains elevating the expertise and qualifications of the nation’s financial workforce

Gabiley Governor Reaffirms Transparency for Transformative Wajaale Project

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

The Wajaale Development Project is a comprehensive development initiative jointly implemented by the Government of Somaliland and the Pharo Foundation, focusing on the development of the Wajaale area and improving the lives of its residents.
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‎The Governor of Gabiley, Mr. Mohamed Abdilahi Bookh outlined ambitious plans for the Wajaale Project, highlighting its potential to reshape the region’s economy and community welfare through sustainable development.
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‎’A Flagship Initiative for Somaliland’s Future, designed as a cornerstone of national development strategy, the Wajaale Project integrates:
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‎Project Objectives:
‎ Water Reservoir (Dam): Construction of a large dam to harvest rainwater for use by the local community and livestock.
‎  Farmers. The second phase of the project will focus on developing farmers to increase agricultural production and create jobs.
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‎Social Service Development:
‎  Health: Building or rehabilitating healthcare facilities.
‎  Education and Skills: Programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of youth.
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‎Job Creation: Direct and indirect employment opportunities accessible to the community.
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‎Regarding livestock, land will be cultivated with fodder crops like grass, which will be provided free of charge to the local community.
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‎Collaboration:
‎The project will work closely with:
‎ The Wajaale Local Government
‎  National level Ministries
‎   Community leaders and local organizations.
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‎Partnership:
‎ The Somaliland Government is fully committed to collaborating with the Pharo Foundation to achieve food security and sustainable development.
‎ The project will serve as a strategic model for regional development, economic growth, and improving the lives of the local population.
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‎Land Management and Control:
‎ Land management and control will remain, as before, under the authority of the Somaliland Government Forces.
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‎Project Output:
‎* All the benefits will accrue to Somaliland. This will eliminate the need for the country to import wheat and flour from abroad.
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‎Addressing recent community discussions, Governor Bookh emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and open dialogue: Our offices are open to anyone seeking information about this initiative. We are dedicated to addressing concerns and ensuring the project serves our people’s needs.
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‎He also issued a firm warning against misinformation campaigns, vowing to safeguard the project’s progress from disruptive efforts.
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Upcoming Somaliland Diaspora Week 2025 Announcement 

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Hargeisa, Somaliland – August 2–5, 2025; The vibrant capital city of Hargeisa is proud to host the Somaliland Diaspora Week 2025 at the newly inaugurated Serene Seravor Hall. This year’s event, themed “Redefining the Role of Diaspora,” highlights the strategic importance of the diaspora in shaping Somaliland’s future.

Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation’s Diaspora Department, this edition of the Somaliland Diaspora Week represents a major evolution in its format, expanding in duration, scope, and scale. Over four days, nearly 500 delegates from across the globe will convene to celebrate, collaborate, and chart new pathways for diaspora involvement.

The event will bring together a rich tapestry of participants, including representatives from Somaliland’s global diaspora communities, academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, youth groups, and women’s organizations. Government officials from various ministries and agencies, civil society leaders, domestic investors from key sectors such as banking, commerce, industry, agriculture, and higher education, and mayors from Somaliland’s major cities.

Central to the week’s agenda are expert panel discussions featuring both diaspora and local specialists. These sessions will delve into critical topics such as:

● Enhancing Somaliland’s international recognition and global participation

● Trends and impacts of diaspora investment

● Harnessing diaspora skills and expertise for national growth

● Engaging diaspora-born youth in preserving national identity, language, culture, and civic values

Historic Presidential Inauguration

In a landmark moment, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) will officially inaugurate the Somaliland Diaspora Week, becoming the first head of state in Somaliland’s history to do so. This underscores the government’s strong commitment to prioritizing diaspora relations.

Event Highlights

● Day 1: Opening ceremony and high-level panel discussion. Diaspora exhibition spotlighting diaspora entrepreneurs, investors, exporters, and social impact projects.

Day 2:: Partnership Innovation Day “Somaliland & Its Global Citizens: A New Partnership Model”

● Day 3: Cultural celebration featuring traditional performances, arts, and family-friendly activities designed for diaspora communities

● Day 4: Grand closing ceremony and gala dinner

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation reaffirms its dedication to strengthening ties with the Somaliland national diaspora communities.

Diaspora members currently in Somaliland or planning to attend can register through the event website, www.sldiasporaweek.org, +252-63-8880240, diaspora.mofa@sldgov.org

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Shirka Todobaadka Qurba-joogga Somaliland 2025-5

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