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Ethiopian Exporters Encouraged to Leverage UK Duty-Free Market Access

By
Goth Mohamed
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Addis Ababa – Ethiopian exporters are being urged to make full use of the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers reduced or zero-tariff access for eligible products entering the UK market. The call came during a hybrid training workshop held in Addis Ababa on 8 July 2026, designed to help Ethiopian businesses navigate the opportunities, requirements, and practical steps for exporting to the UK.

The workshop was co-organized by the Embassy of Ethiopia in London, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the UK Department for Business and Trade, the British Embassy in Addis Ababa, and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations. The event drew around 50 in-person participants in Addis Ababa and another 50 online attendees from Ethiopia and the UK. Its primary goal was to raise awareness of the DCTS and equip exporters with actionable knowledge to enter the UK market.

In his opening remarks, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the UK and Northern Ireland, Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen, described the DCTS as a significant opportunity for Ethiopian exporters to broaden their market presence in the UK. He identified sectors such as coffee, agriculture, horticulture, textiles, and apparel as well-positioned to benefit from the scheme. However, he stressed that preferential access must be matched by exporters’ capacity to meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and ensure consistent and reliable supply. Ambassador Biruk reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to deepening Ethiopia–UK trade ties and supporting local businesses in reaching international markets. He also emphasized that successful use of the DCTS will depend on close collaboration among government bodies, the private sector, and development partners to convert trade opportunities into tangible business results.

Mr. Tsegaw Belete, Advisor to the State Minister for Trade Integration and Export Promotion at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, highlighted international trade as a vital driver of economic growth and structural transformation. He noted that Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms aim to enhance the business climate, boost productivity, and strengthen the global competitiveness of Ethiopian products.

The workshop featured several expert sessions. Jamal Hussain, UK Regional Trade Advisor, offered practical guidance on the DCTS, covering product eligibility, tariff benefits, rules of origin, and application procedures. Rebecca Schneider, UK Agriculture, Food and Drink Attaché, provided insights on agricultural exports to the UK, including market entry protocols, competent authorities, and compliance standards. Dr. Jean-Baptiste Damestoy from GIZ discussed opportunities and challenges in the textile and apparel sector, touching on market trends, certification requirements, and lessons from previous market engagements.

Overall, the workshop underscored the need to boost awareness among Ethiopian businesses of available trade preferences and ensure they are well-prepared to compete internationally. By more effectively utilizing the DCTS, Ethiopian exporters can expand their UK market access, diversify exports, strengthen participation in global value chains, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s export growth.

Minister of National Planning and Development Chairs Third Quarterly Meeting of the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) Joint Steering Committee

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – 08-July-2026 – The Minister of the Ministry of National Planning and Development, Ms. Kaltuun Sheikh Hassan Abdi, today chaired the third quarterly meeting of the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) Joint Steering Committee (JSC).

The meeting, which took place at the Minister’s office at the Ministry of National Planning and Development, was attended by the Director General of the Ministry and the senior management of the Somaliland Development Fund Secretariat, while representatives of the donor countries allied to the Fund participated via video conference.

During the session, the committee reviewed the progress of projects funded by the Somaliland Development Fund, the challenges hindering their implementation, and measures to accelerate project delivery in order to ensure they are completed on schedule and achieve the expected developmental outcomes.

Furthermore, committee members held in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation between the Government of Somaliland and its partner countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining collaboration, enhancing efficiency and accountability, and expediting the implementation of projects that are priorities for national development.

The SDF Joint Steering Committee is composed of representatives from donor countries allied to the Somaliland Development Fund, including the UK, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, alongside the Government of the Republic of Somaliland, and is chaired by the Minister of National Planning and Development.

The Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) is a joint grant mechanism designed to support the Government of the Republic of Somaliland in implementing development projects aligned with the priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP III). The third phase of the Fund (SDF III) focuses on strengthening community resilience to the impacts of climate change, developing economic infrastructure and basic services, fostering employment opportunities, enhancing citizens’ incomes, and reducing poverty, in order to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.

‎Prof. Abdi Samatar Blasts Opposition’s Acceptance of Turkish Mediation as a ‘Strategic Catastrophe’ for Somalia

By
Goth Mohamed
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By. Goth Mohamed Goth

‎Mogadishu – ‎In a sharp and impassioned intervention, veteran Somali scholar and seasoned politician Professor Abdi Ismail Samatar has condemned the country’s political opposition for agreeing to Turkish-brokered dialogue with the federal government, warning that the decision amounts to a profound strategic blunder that may permanently weaken their bargaining power.

‎The Context of the Meeting

‎Samatar’s rebuke came in response to Tuesday’s high-stakes preliminary discussions held at the Turkish Hotel, a secure facility located within Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. The session, which brought together federal government envoys and opposition figures, was facilitated by senior Turkish intelligence officials, including the deputy intelligence chief. While the international community has largely welcomed Ankara’s growing role as a conflict mediator in the Horn of Africa, Samatar views this particular intervention with deep skepticism.

‎A False Hope for Peace

‎While acknowledging that ordinary Somalis remain desperate for a peaceful resolution to the nation’s entrenched political deadlock—particularly regarding credible elections and the contentious constitutional review process—Samatar insisted that the opposition has dangerously miscalculated. He argued that by conceding to a mediator so closely aligned with Mogadishu’s current administration, the opposition has effectively surrendered the moral high ground and legitimized a process tilted heavily in favor of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government.

‎Accusations of Government Divisiveness

‎Expanding on his critique, Samatar accused the federal administration of deliberately pursuing exclusionary policies that exacerbate clan and regional tensions. He specifically pointed to the volatile situation in Baidoa—the administrative capital of South West State—where federal interference has sparked local resistance—and what he described as a systematic campaign to politically isolate Puntland. According to Samatar, these maneuvers are not signs of strong governance but rather desperate attempts to fracture the opposition, masking the administration’s failure to build a genuinely inclusive national consensus.

‎The Geopolitical Irony of Turkish Mediation

‎Samatar’s most pointed criticism, however, centered on Ankara’s neutrality—or lack thereof. He questioned how Somalia’s opposition could realistically expect impartial arbitration from a nation that has extensively invested in Somalia’s security infrastructure, including the high-profile Turkish military base in Mogadishu that trains federal army forces. “It is exceptionally ironic,” Samatar wrote, “for the opposition to place their fate in the hands of a Turkish government that faces relentless domestic criticism for its own heavy-handed treatment of political rivals and civil society back home.” He implied that a mediator with such deep financial and military stakes in the status quo cannot credibly facilitate a fair transition of power.

‎Beyond Prayers: A Call for Agency

‎Concluding his statement with remarkable urgency, Samatar dismissed passive reliance on divine intervention to resolve Somalia’s man-made crises. “My dear Somalis. Prayers alone are not enough. Wake up!” he declared, urging the public and political elites alike to reclaim agency over their national destiny. For Samatar, the opposition’s willingness to outsource their political future to a foreign power with questionable impartiality reflects a broader failure of Somali leadership to articulate a coherent, indigenous vision for statehood and democratic governance.

‎The Broader Mediation Landscape

‎Despite Samatar’s fierce objections, Turkey remains actively engaged alongside other international partners—including the UN, AU, and IGAD—in pushing for a comprehensive agreement between Mogadishu and regional states. However, as disputes over universal suffrage, federal power-sharing, and the constitutional status of the capital continue to stall progress, Samatar’s warning underscores a growing domestic unease: that foreign-mediated solutions, however well-intentioned, may ultimately serve external strategic interests rather than heal Somalia’s fractured political fabric.

Ministers of Water Development and Transport Hold Strategic Talks with NIS Foundation and NRC

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – The Minister of Water Development and the Minister of Road and Transport Development, alongside senior officials from both ministries, convened a high-level strategic meeting with representatives from the NIS Foundation and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

The talks focused exclusively on transformative infrastructure projects designed to upgrade water supply systems and road networks across four priority regions—Sanaag, Sahil, Togdheer, and Maroodi-jeex. The joint delegation assessed actionable next steps to fast-track implementation while strengthening coordination mechanisms between all stakeholders.

Both ministers underscored that dependable access to clean water and efficient transport links are non-negotiable pillars of community well-being and economic vitality. They stressed that sustained investment in these foundational sectors is critical for unlocking regional prosperity and fostering long-term social development.

Concluding the session, the ministers made a firm commitment to accelerate the delivery of these jointly overseen public works. They further agreed to institute a robust oversight framework to ensure that these collaborative initiatives yield tangible, enduring benefits for the communities they are designed to serve.

Somaliland’s Recognition Is a National Right, Not a Personal Trophy,” Says KULMIYE Leader

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – The chairman of the opposition KULMIYE party, Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, has firmly stated that the drive for Somaliland’s international recognition is a shared national endeavor—not a prize to be claimed by any one person, faction, or political outfit.

Returning to Somaliland on Wednesday, Kahin addressed the press and underscored that the recognition campaign rises above partisan lines, uniting all citizens in a common historic mission.

He made it clear that Somaliland stands ready to embrace recognition from any nation willing to offer it, and that such a breakthrough would be welcomed with open arms, whenever it materializes.

“Whoever chooses to recognize us, we will accept it wholeheartedly,” he declared. “This cause belongs to every Somalilander. It is not the property of the government, Kaah, KULMIYE, or Waddani. We all bear equal responsibility in pushing this forward and seeing it through.”

At the same time, Kahin pointed out that Somaliland holds no expectations of recognition from countries it views as adversarially disposed toward its interests.

Making a passionate appeal for unity, the KULMIYE chair cautioned against turning recognition into a political football or exploiting it for narrow party gain. He insisted that securing international acknowledgment would mark a triumph for the nation as a whole—not a personal victory for any sitting leader, current administration, or opposition figure.

“Recognition, once achieved, will be a collective asset for every Somalilander,” he affirmed, calling on both citizens and political actors to present a united front and champion the cause with one voice on the global stage.

Somalia’s Federal Government and Opposition Reach Breakthrough Agreement to Sustain Political Dialogue

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Mustafa Abdi Ibrahim

MOGADISHU, Somalia – July 8, 2026 – Somalia’s Federal Government and opposition leaders have reached a landmark agreement to continue high-level political dialogue, signaling a potential de-escalation of tensions as the country navigates a critical transitional period.

In a press statement issued Wednesday by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, both sides confirmed that a productive meeting was held in Mogadishu on July 7, 2026, in an atmosphere described as cordial and constructive. The talks enabled open, candid exchanges and in-depth deliberations on the nation’s prevailing political landscape.

According to the communiqué, the government and the opposition jointly committed to advancing an all-inclusive dialogue process, with the shared objective of reinforcing political stability, bolstering national security, and accelerating Somalia’s development agenda.

While the statement stopped short of disclosing specific agreements or a roadmap for subsequent sessions, it affirmed that the engagement process remains firmly on track and will continue in the coming weeks.

Both delegations extended their appreciation to the Republic of Turkey for its mediatory role, lauding Ankara’s continued support in facilitating constructive negotiations between Somali stakeholders.

The renewed dialogue comes amid intense domestic debate over Somalia’s electoral model and the broader political transition, with international partners closely monitoring developments and urging all parties to resolve outstanding differences through peaceful consensus-building to preserve the country’s fragile stability.

Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development Engages Pharo Foundation to Boost Animal Feed Production

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Mustafa Abdi Ibrahim

HARGEISA – The Director General of the Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development, Mr. Ahmed Osman Jama (Talosame), held a high-level meeting on Thursday with a delegation from the Pharo Foundation at his office in the capital.

The discussions centered on deepening bilateral cooperation between the Ministry and the Foundation, with a specific focus on advancing livestock feed production. Both parties explored strategic plans aimed at enhancing the quality, productivity, and accessibility of animal feed—a critical step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s pastoral sector.

Throughout the engagement, the two sides exchanged insights on expanding joint initiatives that would not only boost feed output but also strengthen the resilience of rural communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on livestock rearing.

In his closing remarks, Director General Talosame commended the Pharo Foundation for its ongoing partnership with the Ministry and reiterated that feed development remains a top governmental priority. He further affirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to rolling out programs and projects designed to elevate feed production, thereby reinforcing livestock productivity and spurring economic growth in rural areas.

Somalia’s Federal States Boycott Turkey-Led Talks, Opposition Joins Rebuke, Deepening Political Crisis

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

MOGADISHU – A major diplomatic push to resolve Somalia’s protracted electoral deadlock has hit a significant roadblock, as the semi-autonomous states of Puntland and Jubaland formally reject an invitation to Turkey-brokered reconciliation talks in Mogadishu. Adding to the federal government’s woes, the country’s main opposition alliance has also refused to engage with Ankara’s mediation, deepening Somalia’s internal fractures and exposing the intense geopolitical rivalry playing out across the Horn of Africa.

In a coordinated stance against the federal government, the two regional administrations have cited Ankara’s inability to serve as a neutral mediator. Their objections stem from Turkey’s extensive military, economic, and political footprint in Mogadishu, which includes managing the city’s strategic airport and seaport, alongside operating its largest overseas military training base in the capital. Regional leaders argue that these deep-seated ties render Turkey a partisan actor rather than an honest broker, raising serious questions about its impartiality in facilitating a fair national dialogue.

The boycott arrives at a critical moment, as Turkey joins traditional Western partners—including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations—in a renewed diplomatic offensive to break Somalia’s election impasse. The federal government’s preference for a centralized, indirect clan-based voting system remains sharply at odds with the demands of Puntland and Jubaland, who insist on a direct one-person, one-vote model. Fearing that Ankara will simply rubber-stamp Mogadishu’s preferred timetable due to its close alliance with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the regional states have chosen to withdraw from the process entirely, leaving the international community scrambling to salvage the negotiations.

Beyond the immediate electoral dispute, the rift highlights a deepening geopolitical contest reshaping the region. The United Arab Emirates, which maintains robust security and economic ties with both Puntland and Jubaland—including heavy investment in port infrastructure and counter-terrorism forces—is increasingly viewed as a counterweight to Turkish influence. As the two Gulf powers vie for strategic leverage over Red Sea shipping lanes, lucrative defense contracts, and emerging energy corridors, Somalia’s federal states are actively leveraging these rivalries to assert their autonomy.

In a parallel development that has further isolated the federal government, opposition parties united under the Somali Future Council alliance have also voiced profound distrust of Turkey’s role. Opposition leaders have accused Ankara of outright partisanship, alleging that Turkish-supplied military equipment and elite Somali forces trained by Turkey have been deployed against opposition-aligned groups. The opposition has consistently insisted that any credible mediation must involve the broader international community to ensure genuine neutrality, and has previously declined to engage in Turkish-led talks alone. In closed-door meetings with Turkey’s ambassador, opposition figures explicitly warned that Ankara’s significant commercial and military investments should not be weaponized to serve narrow political interests.

The combined boycott by regional states and the opposition creates a unified front against Turkey’s mediation, effectively preventing Ankara from independently steering the dialogue. With the federal government pushing for centralized control while regional states and political rivals demand greater autonomy and fair representation—often through competing international alliances—the diplomatic deadlock appears far from resolution. For now, the absence of key federal members and political stakeholders from the Turkey-led table suggests that Somalia’s path toward political stability remains hindered not only by internal disagreements but also by the competing ambitions of external powers vying for influence in the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland Health Ministry and WFP Pledge Enhanced Cooperation on Food Security

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Hargeisa – Somaliland’s Minister of Health Development, Hon. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the UN World Food Programme (WFP), led by Representative Hameed Nuru. Joined by senior ministry directors, the summit focused on a comprehensive review and strengthening of the ongoing strategic partnership between the two institutions.

Discussions centered on combating malnutrition by expanding and enhancing the quality of national nutrition services. Both sides underscored the critical importance of implementing the National Nutrition and Food Security Policy to protect vulnerable groups, agreeing to fully align WFP interventions with Somaliland’s core national health priorities.

Minister Hirsi expressed profound gratitude for the WFP’s continuous support, which has been instrumental in safeguarding vulnerable mothers and children. He stressed that future collaborations must prioritize sustainable funding models, reinforce government-led health frameworks, and bolster domestic systems to ensure long-term resilience against food insecurity.

Representative Nuru commended the Ministry’s proactive leadership and reaffirmed the agency’s steadfast commitment to supporting Somaliland’s public health sector. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to accelerate joint operational plans, ensuring the delivery of sustainable programs that will drive lasting improvements in the nation’s overall health and nutrition standards.

Somaliland’s Strategic Importance in the Red Sea Is Rising as Regional Security Dynamics Continue to Evolve.

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Ottawa, Canada — As the security environment of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait undergoes profound transformation, Somaliland is emerging as an increasingly important partner for regional stability, maritime security, and international trade.

For decades, Somaliland’s quest for international recognition has largely been discussed through legal and diplomatic frameworks. Today, however, geopolitical realities are creating a new context. The growing importance of securing one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors has placed Somaliland’s strategic location, stability, and governance record at the center of regional and international attention.

A Strategic Position Rooted in History.

Somaliland’s strategic significance is not new. During the British Somaliland Protectorate period, the territory served as an essential gateway connecting Africa, the Middle East, and global trade routes. The Port of Berbera was recognized as one of the most valuable maritime assets along the Gulf of Aden.

During the Cold War, both the Soviet Union and the United States recognized Berbera’s importance due to its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Following the collapse of the Somali state in 1991, Somaliland embarked on a successful process of reconciliation, institution-building, and democratic development, creating a stable political environment despite the absence of international recognition.

The Impact of Yemen and Red Sea Security.

The conflict in Yemen and the growing threats to international shipping have significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the Red Sea. Attacks on commercial vessels, maritime insecurity, and disruptions to global trade have elevated the strategic importance of stable territories capable of supporting maritime security operations.

Without the instability originating from Yemen and the increasing global focus on protecting shipping routes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Somaliland would likely not have reached its current level of strategic relevance. The international community’s growing concern for freedom of navigation has highlighted the importance of reliable partners along the African coast of the Gulf of Aden.

Today, a significant portion of global trade and energy supplies passes through the Bab el-Mandeb corridor. As a result, Somaliland’s geographic location has become an important factor in discussions surrounding the future security architecture of the Red Sea.

Berbera and the Future of Regional Connectivity.

The Port of Berbera has evolved from a commercial port into a major strategic gateway linking Africa to international markets. Investments in infrastructure and regional connectivity have strengthened Somaliland’s position as a potential hub for trade, logistics, and maritime cooperation.

For Ethiopia, Berbera offers an alternative route to the sea and an opportunity to diversify access to international markets. For international partners, Somaliland provides a stable platform for strengthening maritime surveillance, logistics support, and regional security cooperation.

Growing Concerns Over Regional Military Competition.

At the same time, Somalilanders are increasingly concerned by the rising militarization of the region and the growing involvement of external actors in Somalia’s security sector.

Many Somaliland citizens and supporters view Turkey’s extensive military support for Somalia, including the training and development of Somalian armed forces, as a policy that risks increasing regional tensions rather than encouraging a lasting political settlement between Somaliland and Somalia. Concerns are also being raised regarding the broader involvement of foreign powers whose strategic interests may reinforce confrontation instead of promoting peaceful dialogue.

From Somaliland’s perspective, efforts to strengthen military capabilities without addressing the underlying political realities between Hargeisa and Mogadishu risk creating new sources of instability in the Horn of Africa. Somalilanders argue that the region has already experienced the failures of ethno-nationalist politics and centralized state-building projects that have struggled to deliver peace and security for decades.

Many fear that continued geopolitical competition involving Somalia, Djibouti, Turkey, Qatar, and other regional actors could create strategic tensions and governance gaps that hostile actors may exploit. Such developments could ultimately threaten the security of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, affecting international trade and regional stability.

Recognition Through Strategic Relevance.

As global attention increasingly focuses on securing the Red Sea, Somaliland’s importance is being recognized through practical engagement, economic partnerships, infrastructure investment, and security cooperation.

While formal diplomatic recognition remains unresolved, Somaliland’s contribution to regional stability, secure maritime trade, and political resilience continues to attract growing international interest.

Looking Ahead.

The future of Somaliland is increasingly tied to the evolving security architecture of the Red Sea. As international stakeholders seek reliable partners capable of supporting maritime security and economic connectivity, Somaliland stands ready to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity across the Horn of Africa.

The international community must closely monitor developments in the region and recognize that sustainable security cannot be achieved solely through military partnerships. Long-term stability requires support for effective governance, peaceful coexistence, economic integration, and respect for the political realities that have emerged over the last three decades.

For Somalilanders, the message is clear: Somaliland is not merely a question of recognition—it is an increasingly important strategic partner in safeguarding one of the world’s most vital maritime

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