In a powerful demonstration of self-determination and advanced capabilities, the Republic of Somaliland has officially implemented its long-awaited aviation directives today, requiring all aircraft to secure prior authorization before entering its airspace.
This milestone, coupled with the firm rejection of Somalia’s e-visa system, underscores Somaliland’s unwavering commitment to independent governance and national security.
During an exclusive interview with the BBC Somali, Minister of Aviation and Airport Development Hon. Fu’ad Ahmed Nuh proudly announced the successful rollout of these measures. “Starting today, November 10, no aircraft can transit Somaliland’s airspace without our permission,” the Minister declared. “We have established direct, real-time communication with all flights crossing our borders using state-of-the-art equipment. Many airlines have already responded positively and confirmed their full compliance with Somaliland’s laws.”
Minister Nuh highlighted the seamless execution: “Our advanced systems allow us to contact aircraft directly in the airspace, sharing our orders and requirements instantly. The response has been outstanding – numerous carriers are eager to adhere to our regulations.” He added that any non-compliant flights would be promptly diverted, emphasizing Somaliland’s resolve and technical prowess.
This historic step also reinforces Somaliland’s independent immigration policies, with the government formally banning recognition of Somalia’s e-visa introduced in September. Travelers are warmly welcomed through Somaliland’s efficient visa-on-arrival and diplomatic channels, ensuring smooth entry for tourists, investors, and diaspora alike.
Today’s achievements mark a new chapter in Somaliland’s journey toward greater autonomy and international engagement. With robust infrastructure, proactive leadership, and widespread airline support, the republic is soaring higher in asserting its rights and delivering safe, sovereign skies.
Somaliland invites the world to experience its stability, hospitality, and progress firsthand – a beacon of peace in the Horn of Africa region.
A detailed investigation into the operational structure of Premier Bank reveals that its public assertion of running an independent branch in Somaliland is a strategic facade, leveraging a legal construct known as the “corporate veil” to present a misleading image of autonomy. Despite claims to the contrary, forensic evidence from the global financial system confirms that Premier Bank operates as a single, centralized institution.
The Unmistakable Fingerprint: A Single SWIFT Code
At the heart of this revelation is the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) network—the backbone of international finance. Every legitimate bank is assigned a unique Business Identifier Code (BIC), commonly known as a SWIFT code, which acts as its unambiguous digital passport for all cross-border transactions.
Premier Bank is registered globally under one solitary SWIFT code: PBSMSOSMXXX. This code is explicitly linked to its headquarters in Somalia. Crucially, all transactions, including those originating from or destined for its branch in Somaliland, are routed through this single identifier.
“This is the most definitive proof you can get in international banking,” explained a financial compliance expert who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Two genuinely independent, separately capitalized banks cannot and will not share the same SWIFT code. The system is designed to prevent this exact kind of ambiguity. The use of one code for all operations, from Mogadishu to Hargeisa, demonstrates irrefutably that this is one financial entity, not two.”
Deconstructing the “Corporate Veil”
Premier Bank’s claim hinges on a common corporate legal strategy: establishing a branch in a new jurisdiction as a separate legal entity under local law. This “corporate veil” can offer operational flexibility and limit certain liabilities. However, in banking, this technicality rarely translates to financial or managerial independence from the parent organization.
“Registering a branch to comply with local commercial laws is a standard procedure,” says a lawyer specializing in corporate structures. “However, this is a world away from being an independent bank. The branch has no separate capital base, no independent board making strategic decisions, and most importantly, no distinct financial identity on the global stage. It is an operational office, not a peer institution.”
Global Precedents: Why a Single Identity Matters
The significance of this unified structure is best understood through the practices of global banking giants and the enforcement of international law.
· The Case of Sanctions Enforcement: When the United States or the European Union imposes sanctions on a nation like Iran or Russia, they target entire corporate organisms. A bank like JPMorgan Chase cannot shield its operations by arguing that its London branch is a separate entity that is free to engage with sanctioned Russian banks. Regulators hold the entire global network accountable. Similarly, if Premier Bank were ever implicated in a financial dispute or sanctions regime, the entire network—including the branch in Somaliland—would be considered involved.
Implications: Risk, Liability, and Public Trust
The assertion of independence is not merely a technical inaccuracy; it has real-world consequences.
Consolidated Risk: Financially, the assets and liabilities of the Somaliland branch are ultimately consolidated onto the balance sheet of the parent bank in Somalia. A shock or failure in one location would inevitably affect the other.
Unified Oversight: Regulatory oversight, particularly concerning anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT), is ultimately the responsibility of the home country’s central bank—in this case, the Central Bank of Somalia—for the entire institution.
Public Perception vs. Reality: The narrative of independence could mislead customers, investors, and even local regulators in Somaliland into believing they are dealing with a locally rooted, autonomous financial institution, when in reality, key decisions and financial flows are managed from a central point outside their jurisdiction.
Conclusion: A Strategic Narrative Versus Financial Reality
The evidence from the immutable protocols of the global financial system paints a clear picture. While Premier Bank’s branch in Somaliland may operate under a local business license, it remains an inseparable part of a single financial organism. The claim of autonomy, while perhaps legally convenient for certain local engagements, is dismantled by the fundamental architecture of international finance. The shared SWIFT code, the unified management, and the consolidated financial base all affirm a simple truth: there is only one Premier Bank.
Two rival forces, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti have plunged Sudan into chaos. What may seem like a straightforward power struggle between two generals is, in truth, the complete extrication of a fragile nation. Once uneasy partners, the SAF and RSF are now locked in a brutal contest that has shattered institutions, displaced millions, and reduced cities like Khartoum and El Geneina to ruins. The conflict exposes deep rot within Sudan’s political and military establishment fueled by regional rivalries, illicit gold networks, and an international community largely watching in silence.
Within months, Sudan became the epicenter of one of the world’s worst displacement crises. More than 14 million people roughly 30 percent of the population have been forced from their homes since the fighting began. Entire urban centers, including Khartoum, have been devastated by shelling, looting, and siege warfare. The United Nations Human Rights Office and Human Rights Watch have documented atrocities that go beyond the battlefield: mass executions, the discovery of graves containing dozens of bodies, and the systematic targeting of the Masalit ethnic community in West Darfur. Yet as the scale of suffering grows, the world’s dominant response remains silence.
Investigations by Reuters, CNN, and UN-appointed panels reveal a darker undercurrent external material support that sustains the RSF’s war machine. These inquiries trace the movement of arms and supplies through shadowy networks stretching across borders, with flights landing on remote airstrips in eastern Chad and weapons surfacing with RSF units on the ground. Central to many of these reports is the alleged role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in providing logistical and financial backing, despite existing arms embargoes. The UAE has formally denied any wrongdoing, yet Sudan has taken the unprecedented step of filing a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the Emirati government of complicity in genocide through its support for the RSF. The core legal question remains stark: when a state knowingly provides material support to a group credibly accused of mass atrocities, does that state become legally complicit under international law? Yes, this external assistance doesn’t just extend the war, it risks making outside actors part of the crimes committed on the ground
Sudan’s tragedy is not only human but geopolitical. The country sits astride the Red Sea, a critical artery for global shipping and military logistics. Control over this corridor, along with access to Sudan’s vast gold reserves, has drawn in a web of competing actors from the Gulf states and Egypt to Russia and the United States. According to a United Nations Panel of Experts, gold production in Sudan has become a key source of revenue for armed groups, particularly the RSF, with an estimated 90 percent of output smuggled out through illicit networks into global markets In effect, the world’s appetite for gold is helping to bankroll one of Africa’s most devastating wars.
In short, global demand for gold may be indirectly financing mass violence. Meanwhile, competing global actors, from Russia and the United States to Gulf states and Egypt see Sudan as a stage for influence, turning its territory into a proxy-theatre where civilians pay the price.
History has a way of repeating itself when the world decides that economic interests outweigh human suffering. During apartheid in South Africa, global powers insisted on maintaining trade and political ties, claiming that economic stability mattered more than moral intervention. Likewise, in Rhodesia under Ian Smith, governments tolerated systematic violence because the regime promised “order” and “stability.” That same language echoes today in Sudan, where actors involved in the conflict justify military actions as counter-insurgency, necessary security measures, or steps toward national stability. The jargon changes, but the logic remains constant: brutality is excused when those in power promise control.
The parallels stretch further. Between 1987 and 1989, the Siad Barre regime in Somalia carried out a campaign that killed as many as 200,000 Isaaq civilians yet the world responded with silence. Today, the same silence surrounds Sudan. Entire communities are being displaced, cities reduced to ash, and civilians targeted, while the international community debates terminology instead of acting.
Genocide does not erupt overnight; it grows while institutions hesitate, while diplomats argue procedures, and while powerful nations decide whether the suffering of Black Africans aligns with their national interests. Silence is not neutrality, it is complicity.
The United Nations has repeatedly issued urgent warnings about the situation in Sudan, some even using the word “genocide” yet such statements alone do not stop bullets. The United Nations Security Council remains hamstrung by its structure: the five permanent members hold veto power, allowing any one of them to block meaningful action, and deploying a peacekeeping force depends entirely on member-states volunteering troops and resources. With no army of its own and collective paralysis, the UN often ends up as a witness rather than a defender.
Meanwhile, the African Union once bold in opposing regimes like apartheid South Africa and Rhodesia has offered little unified action in Sudan despite its stated principle of “African solutions to African problems.” Instead, diplomatic ties, political caution and fear of setting intervention precedents have blunted the AU’s response. The brutal takeaway is that in today’s global order African lives carry less political value than diplomatic convenience.
Global silence persists because Sudan’s war intersects with forces more powerful than morality: economic interests, in which gold wealth and control of Red Sea trade routes outweigh concern for civilian lives; geopolitical competition, where foreign governments treat Sudan as a strategic chessboard for influence; and institutional paralysis, with bodies like the UN and African Union structurally unable to act quickly when political costs are high. As these forces collide, civilians are left trapped between armed men who fight for power and institutions that debate procedure. The result is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in plain sight abandoned not for lack of evidence, but for lack of political will.
In Sudan, silence is not neutrality it is surrender. What is unfolding is not just a war, but a test of international conscience: whether the global community has learned anything from Rwanda, Bosnia, or Darfur itself. As gold flows and trade routes remain open, the world’s priorities stand exposed. The civilians of Sudan are not dying in darkness because the world cannot see them. They are dying because the world chooses not to look.
Somaliland will never sit idle while others attempt to control or administer our skies- Airspace sovereignty is a national red line and the very emblem of our independence, he asserts
M.A. Egge.
The President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro conducted on Saturday a working inspection tour to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airport Development (MoCA) where he met the Minister and senior officials. He chaired a high-level national airspace coordination meeting and also officially inaugurated new buildings and services added to Egal International Airport.
Minister of Civil Aviation and Airport Development, Hon. Fu’ad Ahmed Nuh, briefed the President in detail on the progress of operations at Egal International Airport and the Ministry as a whole, as well as the improvements made to flight services and public facilities at the capital’s airport.
During the tour, the President inspected the newly upgraded Flight Information Centre (FIC), now equipped with modern systems that enable full upper-airspace management and aircraft guidance for all flights using Somaliland’s airspace corridors.
The President praised the Minister, Deputy Minister, Director-General and the entire Ministry staff for their tireless efforts to modernize the national aviation system, upgrade airports and raise the quality of flight services. He stressed that civil aviation is the backbone of national connectivity and Somaliland’s reputation on the global stage.
President Abdirahman Irro declared that his administration accords the highest priority to safeguarding the sovereignty of Somaliland’s airspace and building complete technical and administrative capacity so that Somaliland can formally and independently manage its own skies.
National Airspace Coordination Meeting
Immediately after the inspection of the airport facilities, the President chaired the Somaliland Airspace Management High-Level Coordination Meeting. The closed-door session addressed critical issues of airspace governance, sovereignty, flight safety, the e-Visa question and the optimal framework for upgrading air-traffic communication and international flight management.
The President had appointed a high-level national coordination committee meeting, chaired by the Minister of Civil Aviation and comprising the Ministers of Interior and National Security, the Presidency, Defense, and the President’s Legal Adviser, to oversee policy, regulation and strategic advice on upper-airspace matters.
Communiqué Issued
The meeting concluded with a strong National Declaration on Somaliland Airspace Sovereignty. Key articles include:
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland hereby notifies the international community that full sovereignty, management and safety oversight of the airspace over its land, territorial waters and air belongs exclusively to Somaliland. Any use of this airspace requires prior authorization solely from the Somaliland Ministry of Civil Aviation, in strict accordance with national laws and international conventions.
The Republic of Somaliland categorically rejects and declares null and void the recent “e-Visa” issued by Somalia. That document has no legal effect in Somaliland territory and cannot be used for entry.
Effective 10 November 2025, every aircraft operating in or overflying Somaliland airspace must obtain prior overflight clearance issued exclusively by the Somaliland Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Somaliland appeals to the international community, UN agencies, ICAO, IATA, global aviation authorities and all flight-service partners to recognize the grave danger posed to civil aviation by Somalia’s unilateral actions that interfere with Somaliland’s sovereign airspace management.
In closing the meeting, President Abdirahman Irro stated unequivocally, “Somaliland will never sit idle while others attempt to control or administer our skies. Airspace sovereignty is a national red line and the very emblem of our independence.”
Hargeisa, 8 November 2025 – The Somaliland Cabinet Committee, recently appointed by His Excellency President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has announced a definitive four-point policy concerning its national airspace and in response to Somalia’s newly launched e-Visa system.
The government reiterated its longstanding position of exclusive sovereignty over its airspace, land, and sea.
Rejection of Somalia’s e-Visa
The Republic of Somaliland has declared the e-Visa system introduced by the Federal Government of Somalia null and void within its territory. The statement emphasized that Somaliland operates an independent immigration system.
“Somaliland’s policy is open: we offer a Visa on Arrival,” the government clarified. “Every traveler can obtain their visa upon landing at either Hargeisa Egal International Airport or Berbera International Airport.”
Regulation of Somaliland Airspace
In a significant move to assert its sovereignty, the government announced that effective 10 November 2025, all aircraft transiting through Somaliland’s upper airspace must hold a valid overflight permit issued directly by its Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development.
The statement warned that any aircraft failing to secure this permission will be denied transit and could face enforcement measures under Somaliland and international aviation law.
Urgent International Appeal
Somaliland issued a direct appeal to international aviation authorities, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as well as the United Nations and bilateral partners.
The government accuses Somalia of “politicizing civil aviation and airspace management,” turning it into a “weapon” against Somaliland, thereby threatening the safety of commercial and passenger flights.
Somaliland’s demands for immediate action include:
· Restoring neutrality in airspace management in line with international law.
· Correcting an error in IATA’s Timatic database that incorrectly lists Somaliland airports as part of Somalia.
· Finding a lawful solution that recognizes Somaliland’s sovereign control over its territory.
· Establishing a transparent financial mechanism for airspace management, rather than the current system where revenues are directed solely to the Federal Government of Somalia.
· Conducting an independent ICAO assessment of flight and airport management and creating a direct channel for dealing with Somaliland’s civil aviation authorities.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that permission to use Somaliland’s airspace can only be granted by its own Ministry of Aviation, in full compliance with national and international law.
The nation is geared towards entrenching national strategic peace policy and integrating it, by linking efforts on peace projects, in order to attain a permanently harmonious setting in the nation.
This has been revealed during this week’s meeting of the cabinet members in their 40th session. Also, disclosed is the fact that the recruitment of public servants is henceforth to be led by the Civil Service authority.
The meeting was chaired by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, who was flanked by his deputy the VP H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, was held on Wednesday at the Somaliland Presidential Palace.
The agenda this week entailed the following 11 points:
Civil Service Employment and census
The Chairman of the Civil Service Commission Mr. Abdiaziz Hirsi Warsame briefed the Cabinet on the reform, administration and management of the Civil Service, detailing the process of verifying, securing and correcting the personal data of the civil service employees as per the HRMIS system.
The Chairman said that the said system has been fully tested, and the first phase of establishing, developing and implementing the Personnel Verification and Assurance System has been successfully completed.
He informed the cabinet members to prepare the personnel under their management to be at the designated place and time for verification of their personal data and ensure their security.
He likewise informed the Cabinet members of the Presidential Decree on the essence of the Civil Service Recruitment System, which will henceforth be led by the Civil Service Authority, in accordance with the Civil Service Law and related regulatory laws.
?. Interior and Security:
The Minister of Interior and Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, informed the members of cabinet that security of the nation was generally secure in all the regions of the country, and that there was no unrest or instability of any kind in the six regions of the country, both politically and socially.
?. Finance and Economy:
The Minister of State for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Ismail Mawlid Abdilaahi, informed the House that, following the efforts made by the Ministry, revenue collection activities for January-October are proceeding as planned, with all the revenue projected for the 10 months having been collected as envisioned.
The Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the collection of national revenue, as stipulated in the General Revenue and Taxes Law (Law No. 72/2016) and the Financial Management Law (Law No. 75/2016), hence that it is necessary that the revenues established by the law and collected by Government Agencies be directly deposited into the State Treasury; and that other revenues that are not legally established should be subject to legal verification.
He further noted that the Ministry has conducted studies and surveys to obtain data on the country’s economy, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to boost the national economy.
Launching of DMSS at the Presidency.
The Minister of the Presidency Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, announced the launch of the Digital Media System Service (DMSS) in the Ministry of the Presidency, stating that the system was a modern process for unifying and improving the data, news and daily events that are necessary for the smooth flow of information sharing and communication among all government institutions.
The Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, observed that based on the impact of digital media on social life, it was thus necessary to coordinate, plan, analyze, and regularly share information among government agencies achieving a purpose of having a government with one aim and one voice.
Animal husbandry and drought impact:
This was reported by the Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Omar Shuayb Mohamed.
The Minister told the Council that the recurring droughts have greatly affected the health, population and production capacity of the country’s livestock, especially in the eastern and Hawd periphery regions of Somaliland.
The Minister underlined that livestock are the backbone of the country’s economy, but unfortunately climate change and droughts have had a negative impact on the lives of livestock. Their weight and reproduction rates have decreased, while malnutrition-related diseases have increased.
However, the Minister said that it is necessary for the Ministry and its collaborating agencies to implement a National Plan and applicable programs to address the increasing difficulties faced by livestock.
?. Health:
The Minister of Health Development, Hon. Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, briefed the Cabinet on the general health situation in the country.
Of note, he especially pointed out the three most reported diseases namely, diphtheria, measles and malaria.
The Minister detailed the measures taken by the health services such as awareness campaigns, vaccination, emergency treatment and expansion of health services at regional and district levels, to address the spread of these diseases and protect the general health of the community.
He also reported that the immunization campaigns to combat the major malaises afflicting children has kicked off across all regions in the country, with 533 teams, 2130 health workers,
It has projected to achieve vaccinations of 182,000 children.
He also informed his colleagues that the Ministry has made progress in using modern technologies such as the DHI2 HIV Tracker System and the EIR Tracker System (Electronic Immunization Registry).
?. The Investment Conference:
The Minister of Investment and Industrial Development, Hon. Said Mohamed Burale gave the Council of Ministers a comprehensive report on the Somaliland Investment Summit which has just ended. He noted the major achievements, such as the interest shown by investors attending the Conference, the new MoUs and associated agreements signed, and the economic opportunities opened up for the nation, which will boost investment, job creation and economic growth in our country.
The Minister told the Council that the Somaliland Investment Conference has proven our country’s readiness for real investment and international cooperation, as the government of Unity and Action has demonstrated its commitment to Economic Development and Investment Facilitation.
Fisheries Development:
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Ali Jama Farah, briefed the Council of Ministers on the general situation of Somaliland’s fisheries, especially the ice-making facilities in coastal towns.
The Minister noted that they have activated several ice generation and refrigeration centers in the Sanaag and Awdal regions.
The Minister also gave a brief on a delegation from the Ministry of Fisheries of Yemen that visited Somaliland, and the cooperation measures agreed upon by the two countries. He said that bilateral discussions were led by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry, Hon. Sharmarke Abdi Musa.
Planning: Peace projects and National Peace Policy
The Minister of the Ministry of Planning and National Development, Hon. Kaltuun Sh. Hassan Abdi, while giving the Council a comprehensive report on the most appropriate way to nationally link the efforts of Peace Projects and the National Policy on Peace issues.
The Minister highlighted the importance for the nation to have a system that unifies peace-making plans, development and the government’s overall Agenda for the National Peace Policy and the unity of the Somaliland nation.
The Minister emphasized the goals of linking Peace Projects and the National Peace Policy of Somaliland being:
To prevent conflicts and violence.
To strengthen public trust and cooperation between the State and the people.
To create a system of justice that is equal for everyone.
To build institutions capable of resolving conflicts.
To promote education and peace awareness.
To strengthen peaceful relations with neighbouring countries and the international community.
??. IDPs situation:
The Minister of the Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs Hon. Suleiman Duale briefed the Cabinet on the difficult situation of the displaced people in the country, noting that the drought has greatly affected their lives, especially their access to water, food and adequate shelter.
The Minister said that the Ministry is making efforts to the best of its ability, including emergency assistance, to reduce the burden on the displaced community, but there is a need for a national consultation on this issue.
??. National drought brief:
This was reported by the Minister of Religion and Endowments, Sheikh Abdullahi-Bashe Daahir Jama who is a member of the National Drought Emergency Committee.
He told the cabinet meeting that the drought situation is worsening, especially in the eastern regions of the country where there is a severe water shortage.
The Minister said that the Drought Emergency Committee is planning to provide relief and assistance to the Somaliland community affected by the drought.
The President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, popularly known as Irro, presented the Presidential National ICT Innovation Award to the winners of this year’s expo who presented new ideas and innovations related to modern ICT knowledge.
The Head of State congratulated the Somaliland students from Amoud University and their teachers who won first prize in the National ICT Innovation Award.
He likewise praised the students and their teachers who won 2nd and 3rd places in the Technology Innovation Competition held at Golis and Hargeisa Universities, stating that their success is the success of the Republic of Somaliland.
The President said that this is clear evidence that “our youth are the most precious asset of the Republic of Somaliland”.
He pointed out that the future development of the Republic of Somaliland is largely dependent on the Creativity and Knowledge of the New Generation, which can play a significant role in building the Digital Economy, business innovation and social services.
The President said that his vision is for this Program to make the Republic of Somaliland become a country whose creativity is based on modern technological knowledge and ideas that enhance the services provided by the government, business and social life, where technology has currently a significant impact.
He said that his government will continue to invest and encourage the creativity of young people in modern technology, in order to create a new generation with the power and advanced knowledge to lead the country to reliable digital development.
It is worth noting that the Technology Fair, the 7th Conference and the Somaliland Technology Innovation Competition were prepared with greatly by the Ministry of Communications and Technology, in collaboration with major telecommunications companies and stakeholders in the modern technology sector.
The President was accompanied at the Awards Ceremony by the Ministers of Communications and Technology, Presidency, Energy and Mining, Deputy Minister of Communications and Technology, and the Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs.
Also present at the event and delivering speeches were, renowned Professor Suleiman Ahmed Guuleed, the President of Amoud University, Professor Mahmoud Muse Jibriil, the Dean of ICT at Amoud University, members of the ICT Innovation Competition Judging Committee and other distinguished guests
In a landmark move for inclusion, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has officially opened a barrier-free entrance, ensuring persons with limited mobility can now access its services without hindrance.
To inaugurate the new ramp and widened doorway, Director-General Mr. Mohamed Hassan Saleban personally welcomed athlete and disability rights campaigner Mr. Abdirisak Shabeel inside the building. This was the first time a wheelchair user could enter the Ministry’s main offices independently.
“This simple ramp is a powerful symbol of progress,” said DG Saleban. “It means that every citizen can now walk—or roll—into any government office to be served quickly and with dignity.”
Mr. Shabeel, who had long advocated for such changes, expressed his appreciation: “I thank the Minister, the DG, and the entire team for their decisive action. They have shown that when leadership listens, real change happens.”
The Ministry has announced an ambitious plan to replicate this model, installing similar ramps across all its regional offices within the next 90 days.
The recent decision by Somalia’s federal authorities to impose an E-Visa requirement on all flights to Somaliland represents yet another unnecessary escalation in an already strained relationship. This move does not promote peace, progress, or regional cooperation undermines them.
For years, Somaliland has stood firm as a beacon of stability, governance, and democratic values in the Horn of Africa. Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland’s achievements in maintaining peace, conducting free elections, and fostering development have earned it growing respect from the international community.
It is no coincidence that this E-Visa decree comes at a time when Somaliland’s diplomatic outreach to the United States, Europe, and the UAE has gained new momentum. Rather than responding with engagement or constructive dialogue, Mogadishu has chosen to weaponize airspace and travel regulations, a tactic that only highlights the fragility of its institutions and its fear of Somaliland’s success story.
A Misguided and Counterproductive Decision
The imposition of E-Visas on people traveling to Somaliland by Somalia is not about security or policy modernization; it is a political reaction rooted in insecurity. This decision does nothing to improve the lives of ordinary Somalis on either side of the border. Instead, it hinders travel, trade, and family connections, hurting Somaliland diaspora businesses and ordinary citizens who depend on the free movement of goods and people.
Moreover, this action represents a clear violation of Somaliland’s sovereign right to administer and control its own airspace, a right it has exercised responsibly for decades. Until the legal separation between Somaliland and Somalia is formally and legally resolved through international mechanisms, Somalia has no legitimate authority to unilaterally impose aviation or visa restrictions on Somaliland. Such actions only deepen mistrust and further complicate efforts toward peaceful coexistence.
As President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro rightly stated, “Somaliland is not an enemy of Somalia nor we hate Somali people, nor does it seek conflict with its brothers.” Somaliland’s vision is one of peaceful coexistence, economic development, and deeper engagement with the global community. The future belongs not to those who build walls, but to those who build bridges.
A Call for Strategic Thinking
Rather than escalating tensions through bureaucratic obstacles, Somalia’s leadership should embrace a new strategic mindset, one grounded in regional cooperation and shared prosperity. The Horn of Africa faces immense challenges: climate change, unemployment, insecurity, and migration. These issues demand coordination, not confrontation.
Somaliland, for its part, must continue to strengthen internal cohesion, institutional development, and national unity. Our greatest asset lies in our stability and our ability to solve disputes through dialogue and democratic processes.
At the same time, I fully support the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air Transport of Somaliland in pursuing legal and diplomatic channels to challenge this unjustified E-Visa policy. Somaliland’s response should remain principled, lawful, and rooted in international norms.
Moving Forward
Somaliland’s success has never depended on recognition from Mogadishu, it has come from the hard work, resilience, and vision of its people. Let us not be distracted by provocations or short-sighted policies. Instead, let us continue investing in education, infrastructure, technology, and governance, because that is where our true strength lies.
The world is watching. And the message Somaliland must send is clear: we seek peace, progress, and partnership not provocation.
By Engineer Ahmed Abdi Abdlahi Chairman, Waddani Party of Minnesota-USA
H..E. Prof. John Cortes stands as one of Gibraltar’s most distinguished public figures a scientist-turned-statesman whose career spans academia, ecology, and public service. Currently holding six ministerial portfolios Education, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change, Heritage, Technical Services, and Transport he embodies the rare blend of technocratic expertise and political leadership.
An Oxford-trained ecologist, Prof. Cortes has spent decades promoting biodiversity, sustainability, and civic progress in Gibraltar. Before entering politics, he directed the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, co-founded the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society, and became an influential voice for environmental advocacy. Since 2011, he has been at the helm of multiple ministries, helping transform Gibraltar’s education system, green infrastructure, and climate policy.
In this Exclusive Interview with The Advocate Post, Prof. Cortes speaks with Editor in Chief, Abdul Rafay Afzal about his scientific roots, Gibraltar’s educational vision, environmental diplomacy, heritage preservation, and what small states can teach the world about resilience and sustainable development.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Prof. Cortes reflects on his journey from ecology to politics, sharing how science equips governance with a foundation of evidence and ethics. He outlines Gibraltar’s remarkable educational reforms building 10 of 14 schools and ensuring university scholarships for all qualifying students. He discusses his country’s post-Brexit political landscape, the EU–Spain border agreement, and how sustainability and education shape Gibraltar’s future.
He also underscores the role of cultural heritage as a bridge between civilizations, emphasizing cooperation with regions such as Morocco and potential collaboration with Pakistan, Somaliland, Africa and beyond.Finally, he offers a message of purpose to youth worldwide: lead with knowledge, heart, and service to others.
Q1. You began your career as a scientist and ecologist before entering politics. How did this background shape your vision as Gibraltar’s Minister across such diverse sectors?
My background as a scientist profoundly shaped how I view governance. I trained in biology at Royal Holloway, University of London, and completed my doctorate at Oxford in ecology. After returning to Gibraltar, I initially worked in health administration but soon returned to my roots becoming Director of the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, which I restored from abandonment into a recognized institution.
For decades I led environmental advocacy through the Ornithological and Natural History Society, which I co-founded in 1976. Eventually, my frustration with the government’s outdated environmental policies led me to politics. In 2011, I stood for election with the encouragement of family and friends and was elected, later taking charge of the Environment Ministry. A scientist in politics brings something unique: decisions guided by evidence, long-term vision, and responsibility to both people and planet.
Q2. As Minister for Education, how do you see education preparing young people in small states like Gibraltar to become global citizens?
Our education system follows the British model like GCSEs and A-Levels but we’ve invested heavily to adapt it to Gibraltar’s needs. Since 2011, we’ve built or completely refurbished 10 out of 14 schools, with the rest underway.
We emphasize project-based learning, inclusivity, and special-needs education. Every Gibraltarian who secures a university place, typically in the UK, receives full government sponsorship tuition and living expenses. This ensures equality of opportunity and brings back skilled professionals. We’re now expanding vocational training because not all talent is academic. Our investment in education is the foundation of Gibraltar’s progress.
Q3. As Gibraltar’s Minister for Education, how do you view the potential for cooperation with countries like Pakistan in areas such as curriculum development, teacher training, scholarships and student or academic exchange?
I would absolutely welcome such collaboration. Education is universal, and the sharing of ideas strengthens both sides.
From that perspective, cooperation with Pakistan especially in areas such as teacher training, student exchanges, scholarships and education technology would be very welcome. We already have agreements with Morocco and the University of Tétouan for language and academic exchange, and we would gladly explore similar links with Pakistan and others too. Education diplomacy is a bridge between nations, and Gibraltar is open to it.
Q4. Gibraltar’s recent EU–Spain border talks have drawn international attention. How do you see Gibraltar’s political and economic landscape evolving under this new agreement?
The outlook is better than it’s been in decades. Gibraltar overwhelmingly voted about 96% to remain in the EU. Though the UK’s decision to leave affected us, the June political agreement between the EU and the UK over the Spain–Gibraltar border offers stability.
Around 10,000–15,000 Spanish residents work in Gibraltar daily; this arrangement safeguards their livelihoods and boosts investor confidence.
For my ministries particularly Transport and Technical Services this means preparing for smoother border flow, managing traffic, and improving public transport. It’s a moment of cautious optimism.
Q5. Gibraltar is rich in both natural and cultural heritage. How do you balance modernization with heritage preservation, and do you view heritage as a diplomatic tool?
Yes, heritage is both identity and diplomacy. Gibraltar’s name itself derives from Jabal-al-Tariq, the “Mountain of Tariq,” linking our history to the Islamic era and the Iberian Peninsula’s shared past.
We’ve passed strong heritage protection laws, designating over one-third of Gibraltar’s land and waters as nature reserves. We also protect historic buildings through heritage licensing.
Our projects include restoring the World Heritage Site atGorham’s Cave, the Moorish Castle from the 8th century, and the WWII tunnels. Recently, we installed 70 interpretive panels across the territory to connect citizens and tourists with our past.
We are proud of our multi-layered heritage Roman, Moorish, British and welcome international cooperation to preserve and celebrate it.
Q6. Turning to the Horn of Africa, Somalia continues to face instability, while Somaliland has maintained relative peace and democratic governance. As several European countries such as Denmark and France have already engaged Somaliland in education and environmental sectors, do you believe Gibraltar could also engage Somaliland through non-diplomatic cooperation for example, in education, environment, climate adaptation, or heritage projects?
That’s an excellent question. While formal foreign relations constitutionally rest with the United Kingdom, Gibraltar is very open to non-diplomatic and technical cooperation.
We already collaborate through NGOs and civic partnerships for instance, with Morocco and Senegal and we mobilized aid when Morocco faced the recent earthquake. So yes, if Somaliland or any region in the Horn of Africa approached us with constructive proposals, we would certainly be willing to explore joint work on environmental management, heritage preservation, sustainability, or educational initiatives and more.
We may be a small territory, but a big heart, even small states can often serve as role models. Gibraltar’s strength lies in practical, science-based governance and community engagement. These values are universal they can be shared anywhere cooperation is built on mutual respect and benefit and we would contribute and assist however we can.
Q7. From Asia to Africa, countries face climate crises floods, desertification, deforestation. What lessons from Gibraltar’s environmental management can larger nations learn?
The key is determination. If there’s a will, there’s a way. You can pursue strong climate policies without sacrificing growth. Gibraltar’s climate legislation is robust, and though our emissions are tiny globally, we act as a model of what’s achievable.
Our message is: be committed, understand your data, respect your ecosystems, and engage people. Progress is possible when policy is guided by both science and empathy.
Q8. Gibraltar’s terrain presents unique challenges in transport and infrastructure. How are you advancing sustainable transport innovations?
Our small size is both a challenge and an opportunity. We’ve transitioned from diesel to natural gas generation cleaner, though still interim and are expanding solar power. Land scarcity limits large installations, but we explore innovative solutions, like undersea energy links with Morocco for renewable supply.
We’re improving public transport and park-and-ride systems to manage traffic flows. Sustainability requires creativityespecially in compact territories like ours.
Q9. You hold multiple portfolios education, environment, climate change, heritage, transport. How do you personally manage this vast range of responsibilities?
I simply get on with it! (laughs) I’m fortunate to have excellent teams. My scientific background means I grasp technical matters quickly, saving time. My years in academia help me bridge education and policy.
Above all, I work long hours with strong conviction not for personal gain but for public service. I believe in what I do, and that keeps me going.
Q10. Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave, as a scientist and policymaker for Gibraltar and the world?
I’ve tried to make Gibraltar fairer, greener, and more compassionate. As Health Minister, I built new medical centers, mental-health and dementia facilities, and introduced cancer treatment locally. As Environment Minister, I’ve turned car parks into green parks.
In education, we’ve built the schools of the future.
My message to young people everywhere is simple: have a big heart. Think with your head but act with your heart. Don’t enter public service for yourself; do it for others. Remember, people don’t work for you work for them. That’s the essence of leadership.
By Abdul Rafay Afzal (Editor in Chief – The Advocate Post)
