He calls upon the citizenry to promptly pay due taxes

By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has once again reiterated the fact that his government would have zero tolerance on corruption and maladministration.

The Head of State sternly expressed the sentiments as he toured the treasury headquarters on Saturday shortly after kicking-off the annual national school certificate examinations.

At the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development headquarters he was received by the Minister of Finance, the state minister for finance, the ministry’s director general and heads of various departments.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is the backbone of the nation, as it is the institution that is required to produce the budgets for all the various government agencies to operate on.

The President said that many important tasks for the nation have been added that are not included in the 2025 Budget, such as the Nationalization of the Civilian Forces and their transportation, and the Increase in the salaries of the various branches of the country’s Armed Forces.

The President underlined the additional efforts required of the ministry to meet the needs of the nation and ensure the various services that are important to the life of the society.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland called upon the citizens of Somaliland to promptly pay their due taxes.

He strongly stated that good governance and the fight against corruption are the basis for the development of any society and as such the government will not tolerate any corruption, both financial and administrative malpractices.

He directed all government servants at all levels to be diligent in their duties as expected and abstain from corruption.

The purpose of the President’s visit was to observe the progress of important activities for which the Ministry is responsible, especially in the areas of revenue, tax collection and economic development.

The President was given an in-depth report by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Aden, who emphasized that the Ministry has developed National Plans and Programs to increase the country’s income and economy.

The Minister briefed the President on important issues regarding tax collection and financial growth that are necessary for the implementation of the vast activities of the Nation, including:

1. The various regulations that the ministry operates under
2. Preparation of the National Budget for 2026
3. Tax Reform (such as GST taxes)
4. Combating Contrabands.
5. The optimistic change in the GDP of the economy
6. The Management of out-sourced projects, which were 4 projects before, but now are 11 projects
7. Exploring and implementing other sources of income that can contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

The Director General of Ministry of Energy and Minerals Mr Shu’ayb Osman Mohamoud officially opened the second Energy Sector Working Group (ESWG) meeting today at Mansoor Hotel in Hargeisa. The gathering brought together key stakeholders to discuss the progress and future of Somaliland’s energy sector, focusing on critical initiatives like the Somaliland Electricity Sector Recovery Project (SESRP).

In his opening remarks, Mr. Abdifatah Omar Abdilahi, Head of SESRP, provided updates on the project’s three key phases. “The first phase is advancing with the merger of electricity companies in Hargeisa to streamline operations. The second phase involves evaluating companies for electricity expansion in Berbera and Borama. The third phase, which will deliver reliable electricity to 46 health facilities and 57 educational institutions nationwide, is set to commence following the successful selection of implementing companies,” Abdilahi stated.

Mohamed Mahmoud Abdi, Director General of the Somaliland Energy Commission, emphasized the commission’s role in regulating the energy sector. “Our mandate is to establish robust regulations, procedures, and guidelines to ensure a sustainable and efficient energy framework for Somaliland,” he said.

Shuceyb Osman Mohamoud, Director General of Energy, welcomed attendees to the quarterly meeting, highlighting its focus on advancing Somaliland’s energy law, policy, and strategy. “This platform allows us to align our efforts and drive progress toward a resilient energy sector,” he noted.

The ESWG meeting underscores Somaliland’s commitment to enhancing energy access and infrastructure, aligning with broader goals of economic growth and sustainability. Discussions are expected to shape the nation’s energy roadmap, with outcomes to be presented at future regional and international forums.

By James Feyte
Austin, Texas

A former journalist based in Washington, DC, has declared her candidacy for a seat in Somaliland’s House of Representatives.

Sahra Eidle Nur, a longtime Somali-language journalist with Voice of America (VOA) in Washington, DC, announced her bid for parliament during a press conference in Hargeisa, which was attended by members of the Somaliland media.

In an interview with MMTV, Nur stated that she sees it as her duty today to actively contribute to her country’s progress.

She emphasized that “Somaliland is a pioneer in women’s political participation“, though she acknowledged that societal and clan-based challenges often hinder full support for female candidates.

However, amidst this challenge, there remains hope. Women’s rights organizations and activists quickly mobilized, raising their voices and calling on the president to honor his commitment. Their advocacy efforts have not gone unnoticed. In response to the growing pressure, President Irro acknowledged the concerns raised addressing the limited representation of women in his administration. While this recognition is a step in the right direction, his justification for the lack of appointments—pressure from traditional elders—is deeply concerning and unacceptable.

The women of Somaliland are watching closely, and they will not accept symbolic gestures. Concrete steps must be taken to rectify the imbalance and ensure that women are not only included in leadership but also given influential roles where they can shape policies and decisions that affect the nation.

Education is the foundation of our nation’s future, says the President, encouraging students to strive for excellence

40,749 students are seating for the exams, states the education minister Prof Ismail

The exams are being held across the nation from Zeyla to Badan, adds the examinations CEO Daud

H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Irro) officially inaugurated the 2025 National Certificate Examinations for primary and secondary school students across the nation.

The event, held at Farah Omar High School in Hargeisa, marked a significant milestone in the nation’s academic calendar, with 40,479 students participating in the exams nationwide.

In his address, President Irro underscored the pivotal role of education in driving Somaliland’s progress and fostering national unity. He commended the students for their dedication and urged them to approach the examinations with integrity and confidence, emphasizing the importance of adhering to exam protocols.

“Education is the foundation of our nation’s future,” the President stated, encouraging students to strive for excellence.

The Chairman of the National Examinations Office, Mr. Daud Ahmed Farah, noted that the examinations commenced peacefully across the country, from in the Zeyla to Badan in the eastern most parts of the country.

“We pray to Allah for a smooth and peaceful conclusion of the exercise,” he added, expressing optimism about the process.

Minister of Education, Prof. Ismail Duale Yusuf, confirmed that the 40,749 candidates, comprising of both boys and girls from Grade 8 and Form 4, are sitting for the exams at 304 centers across Somaliland.

He noted that stringent measures are in place to ensure a fair and transparent process, reflecting the government’s commitment to upholding academic standards.

The examinations, which began on Saturday morning, are a critical step for students seeking to advance to higher levels of education.

President Abdirahman Irro concluded his remarks by wishing all candidates success, expressing hope that their efforts would contribute to a brighter future for Somaliland.

The examinations are expected to continue over the coming days, with results anticipated to shape the academic and professional paths of thousands of the young Somalilanders.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), officially inaugurated the national certificate examinations for the 4th grade of secondary schools and the 8th grade of intermediate schools in Somaliland this morning.

President Abdirahman Irro wished success to the students sitting for the exams today, emphasizing that this is a necessary stage they must go through.

He said, “It is a great pleasure for me to officially open the national certificate examinations for secondary and intermediate schools in Somaliland, taking place across the entire country, from Saylac to Badhan, as mentioned by the chairman of the examination board and the Minister of Education.

“I wish the students success in their exams. You have worked hard, and these exams are no different from those you have taken before. You have taken many exams, and this is a stage you must pass. With determination, you will succeed.”

The examinations, which began today across Somaliland, are being taken by a total of 40,749 students.

Among them, 15,696 students are from secondary schools, while 24,836 are from intermediate schools. Additionally, 217 students are taking vocational (handicraft) exams.

There are a total of 304 examination centers spread across all regions of Somaliland.

Addis Abeba – Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa, has functioned autonomously since proclaiming independence in 1991, despite lacking international recognition. Over the years, it has built a functional democracy, held regular elections, maintained judicial independence, and achieved relative stability in a region often characterized by disorder. Its strategic location near the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait also lends it considerable maritime and geopolitical significance.

This article argues that Somaliland offers a range of opportunities—particularly for India. By advancing a compelling case for formal engagement, it will demonstrate how India could deepen its Indo-Pacific strategy and counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region through a bold and rarely exercised move in modern diplomacy: the formal recognition of Somaliland.

Geopolitical counterbalance

Establishing official ties with Somaliland would bring India closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait—a critical maritime chokepoint through which approximately 10% of global trade flows. Access to ports such as Berbera offers India a strategic maritime advantage, particularly in light of China’s expanding military presence in nearby Djibouti.

Somaliland’s coastline offers India a strategic gateway to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Given that approximately 90% of India’s trade is seaborne, secure access to maritime routes is essential. Berbera represents the closest viable location for a future Indian maritime base west of the Malacca Strait, potentially reducing India’s dependence on existing facilities in locations such as Réunion or Madagascar.

India’s strategic posture aligns with the principles of defensive realism—emphasizing power projection without direct confrontation. The Somaliland coast lies directly across from China’s naval base in Djibouti. Gaining surveillance access in Berbera would enable India to monitor critical sea lanes and counterbalance the growing influence of other powers in the region.

Such a strategic position would significantly enhance India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, complementing its existing maritime presence in Chabahar, Duqm, and along the East African coast. Integrating Somaliland into India’s maritime domain awareness would contribute to a network of strategic encirclement around China’s Maritime Silk Road.

As a leading advocate of South-South cooperation, India stands to enhance its influence by supporting Somaliland’s institutional capacity building. Initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program and the Pan-African e-Network already align with Somaliland’s development needs. This approach stands in sharp contrast to the extractive and infrastructure-intensive Chinese diplomacy. Indian assistance would foster people-to-people connections and reinforce democratic legitimacy in the region.

Soft power projection

Somaliland fulfills all the criteria for statehood as outlined in the Montevideo Convention of 1933: a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government, and the capacity to engage in foreign relations. From a constructivist perspective, Somaliland’s democratic credentials merit normative recognition by India. Despite its lack of formal recognition, Somaliland upholds press freedom, conducts competitive elections, and maintains traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution.

Somaliland’s bold diplomatic engagement with Taiwan since 2020 can be interpreted as a challenge to Chinese orthodoxy. In this context, India—currently engaged in ongoing border tensions with Beijing—could adopt a strategy of strategic hedging. A decentralized axis involving India, Somaliland, and Taiwan would represent a form of unofficial diplomacy grounded in shared democratic values.

India’s potential diplomatic recognition of Somaliland would be consistent with its historical support for the independence struggles of Namibia and Bangladesh.”

India and Taiwan are already cooperating in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. This understated Taiwan policy complements Somaliland’s commitment to pluralism and its pursuit of international recognition. As a member of the Quad, India benefits from an informal alignment with fellow democracies, reinforcing its image and credibility as a liberal power.

India’s potential diplomatic recognition of Somaliland would be consistent with its historical support for the independence struggles of Namibia and Bangladesh. Unlike China and Russia, India places greater emphasis on democratic legitimacy rather than the preservation of regimes. India has historical precedent for such a move, notably its support for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Recognizing Somaliland would reaffirm India’s post-colonial ideals and open avenues for trade, intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation.

India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision emphasizes maritime cooperation and regional stability. In this context, Somaliland—particularly the Emirati-managed Port of Berbera—offers a potential strategic foothold for India in the western Indian Ocean.

Somaliland should be integrated into India’s SAGAR framework to foster a collaborative maritime order in the Indian Ocean. Such cooperation would strengthen regional security, support economic resilience, and promote the sustainable development of the blue economy.

Expansion of maritime security

Somaliland’s geographic proximity provides India with opportunities to conduct anti-piracy missions, humanitarian assistance, and logistical operations. Given the rise in maritime crimes—including arms trafficking, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and drug smuggling—joint enforcement efforts are increasingly vital. Somaliland could be integrated into India’s existing network of naval bases in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Oman, thereby contributing to the formation of a western Indo-Pacific arc of stability.

Establishing formal relations between Somaliland and India could pave the way for joint ventures in mineral development, fisheries, coastal tourism, and diaspora engagement. Additional areas of cooperation might include port logistics, utilization of air corridors, and defense technology exchanges.

Somaliland is actively engaged in piracy prevention, maritime law enforcement, and the development of its coast guard. India, in partnership with Kenya, could conduct joint naval exercises, share surveillance technologies, and coordinate counterterrorism efforts—particularly against threats posed by Al-Shabaab. With its fleet of nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, India is well positioned to utilize Berbera for maintenance, refueling, and intelligence operations.

With the expansion of BRICS to include Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, Somaliland is increasingly positioned as a strategic bridge. India is well placed to lead and shape this emerging dialogue.

Recognizing Somaliland would reinforce India’s image as a principled power committed to democracy and post-colonial justice. It would also grant India strategic access to the Port of Berbera, enhance the maritime framework of the SAGAR initiative, and solidify India’s standing as a credible leader within the BRICS+ grouping. AS

Editor’s Note: Gulaid Yusuf Idaan is a senior lecturer and researcher specializing in diplomacy, politics, and international relations in the Horn of Africa. He can be contacted at Idaan54@gmail.com

In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation, the Republic of Somaliland has appointed its most seasoned diplomat, Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, to Nairobi, recognizing Kenya’s growing stature as a pivotal hub for international diplomacy in East Africa. This strategic appointment underscores Somaliland’s commitment to deepening ties with Kenya and fostering collaboration on regional peace, security, and economic growth.

Dr. Omar, a distinguished diplomat and scholar with a PhD in International Political Economy from the United Kingdom, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His illustrious career spans diplomacy, politics, mediation, and academia, making him uniquely positioned to advance Somaliland’s interests in the region. As former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and later Minister of Trade & Investment, Dr. Omar spearheaded initiatives that strengthened Somaliland’s regional diplomacy and economic partnerships. Notably, he was the architect of the historic 2012 political dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia, marking a breakthrough after over two decades of non-engagement.

For the past decade, Dr. Omar has served as a senior mediator with the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD), focusing on resolving political conflicts in the Horn of Africa. His expertise has been instrumental in fostering peace and crafting durable solutions to complex regional challenges. Drawing on his academic background as a former lecturer at Brunel University and the Institute of Education at the University of London, Dr. Omar continues to blend scholarly insight with pragmatic diplomacy to promote international partnerships.

This appointment signals Somaliland’s optimism about building stronger ties with Kenya and leveraging Nairobi’s role as a diplomatic and economic powerhouse to advance mutual goals. Dr. Omar’s arrival in Nairobi is a promising step toward enhanced collaboration, peacebuilding, and prosperity in the region.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa– The Ministry of Health Development of the Republic of Somaliland today convened a broad consultative meeting in Hargeisa, focusing on the drafting process of the National Health Policy, which is currently under development.

The high-level meeting centered on establishing a modern health law that will institutionalize the framework for nationwide healthcare services and create a unified system for managing the country’s health sector.

The session was officially opened by the Deputy Minister of Health Development, Ms. Samsam Mohamed Salah, who emphasized that the health policy serves as a critical foundation for improving healthcare services and ensuring an efficient, transparent, and people-centered health system.

“We consider this policy the backbone of the nation’s healthcare system. It is essential that all health stakeholders contribute meaningful insights and recommendations to produce a comprehensive and widely agreed-upon law,” stated Ms. Samsam.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including:
– Assistant Directors from various departments of the Ministry
– Representatives from specialized hospitals
– Members of the Somaliland Healthcare Professionals Association
– Officials from international health organizations operating in the country

During the discussions, participants thoroughly debated key aspects of the draft policy, submitting critical feedback and proposals expected to be incorporated into the final version. All attendees expressed strong support for establishing an official health law capable of addressing current challenges and gaps in Somaliland’s healthcare infrastructure.

In closing, the Ministry of Health Development reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an inclusive and transparent policy development process, with active participation from all healthcare stakeholders and public health advocates across the nation.