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Somaliland: Chairman Hersi Ali Haji Hassan praises Trump for his constructive role as a modern Peace Maker

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Jama Ayaanle Feyte

The Chairman of Somaliland Ruling party , Hon Hersi Ali Haji Hassan said in a statement on his social page commended  the President of United States of America for the release of Israel prisoners and ending the conflict.

‎”I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza,” Chairman of Somaliland Ruling party , Hon Hersi Ali Haji Hassan said in a statement. “This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years.

World leaders issued a wave of statements commending Israel and Hamas for agreeing to the first phase of a ceasefire deal, with many also praising U.S. President Donald Trump for his administration’s role in brokering the deal.

Somaliland Coast Guard Detains 21 Vessels for Illegal Fishing in Territorial Waters

By
Goth Mohamed
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SAYLAC,– In a significant 48-hour operation, the Somaliland Coast Guard from its 2nd Base in Saylac has detained 21 foreign vessels for illegal fishing within the nation’s territorial waters, specifically in the area of the Gulf of Aden.

A total of 102 individuals aboard the vessels have been apprehended and transferred to judicial authorities for investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. Military officials emphasized that such operations are a routine and critical part of their mandate to protect the nation’s marine resources and defend the fishing rights of local Somaliland fishermen.

Curbing Illegal Fishing to Protect Local Livelihoods

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing represents a major threat to the region, leading to the depletion of fish stocks, environmental damage to marine habitats, and severe economic harm to local fishermen who operate within the law. The seizure of these 21 vessels sends a strong message that Somaliland is committed to enforcing its maritime sovereignty.

A Boost for Domestic Industry

The crackdown on illegal fishing is expected to have a positive impact on Somaliland’s domestic economy, particularly for the fish processing industry in Berbera. The sector relies on a consistent and abundant supply of fish, which is undermined by foreign illegal operators.

By securing these waters for local fishermen, the operation helps ensure a more stable catch, supporting both the domestic market and the export-oriented processing plants. This initiative is also anticipated to stimulate local investment and create more job opportunities for youth in coastal communities.

Conclusion

The successful operation by the Somaliland Coast Guard underscores the nation’s determination to protect its maritime sovereignty and preserve its valuable natural resources. This achievement marks a significant step in bolstering the authority and operational effectiveness of Somaliland’s coastal defense forces.

Ethiopia and Somaliland Forge Trade Alliance: ‘Seamless Economic Future,’ Says Governor Abdinasir

By
Goth Mohamed
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In a pivotal August 2025 meeting in Addis Ababa, Somaliland’s Central Bank Governor Abdinasir Ahmed Hersi and Mamo Esmelealem Mihretu, then-governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), laid the groundwork for enhanced economic and financial cooperation. Held at NBE headquarters, the talks focused on streamlining payment systems, trade financing, foreign exchange, anti-money laundering efforts, and fintech innovation.

Governor Abdinasir declared, “We are building a future of seamless economic connectivity,” highlighting the transformative potential of the partnership. The two nations agreed to form a joint technical working group to implement frameworks for payments, trade finance, and financial security, with progress expected soon.

A key focus was leveraging Somaliland’s Berbera Port, where Ethiopia holds a 19 percent stake, to boost regional trade, with calls for swift banking and insurance protocols.The $700–800 million trade relationship, dominated by Ethiopian exports like khat, vegetables, coffee, and livestock, stands to benefit from formalizing the khat trade and exploring a Commercial Bank of Ethiopia branch in Somaliland. Berbera Port’s infrastructure, upgraded with over $400 million from DP World, is fully operational, awaiting finalized trade agreements to maximize its use.

Despite Mamo’s resignation, both sides are committed to advancing these efforts with the new NBE governor. The partnership aims to enhance financial flows, reduce informal trade, and drive economic integration in the Horn of Africa, setting a model for regional cooperation.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint technical working group to follow up on these initiatives. Governor Hersi highlighted the strategic importance of Somaliland’s Berbera Port and trade corridor for Ethiopia’s regional commerce, urging swift progress on banking and insurance protocols to facilitate port-use agreements. Governor Mamo, who resigned from his post in the days following the talks with his Somaliland counterpart, welcomed the initiative and pledged to raise the matter with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting also addressed strengthening financial flows, formalizing the khat trade across the border, and the potential opening of a branch of Ethiopia’s state-owned Commercial Bank in Somaliland. Both governors emphasized their commitment to deepening cooperation to support economic growth and regional stability. Yared Nigussie of The Reporter Magazine caught up with Abdinasir Ahmed to learn more. EXCERPTS:
The Reporter Magazine: Could you walk us through the main talking points of your recent meeting with outgoing NBE Governor Mamo Mihretu?
Abdinasir Ahmed: Our discussions primarily focused on deepening financial and economic cooperation between Somaliland and Ethiopia. We covered issues related to the payments and settlement system, foreign exchange and trade, counter-terrorism financing, FinTech licensing, cross-border foreign exchange operations, and regulatory frameworks for both banking and insurance. These were the main areas addressed during the meeting.
We agreed to establish a working group tasked with translating our arrangements into concrete actions. Its mandate will include designing frameworks, drafting protocols, and receivable missions in priority areas such as payments, trade finance, and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. We expect the initial work program to be rolled out in the coming months.
We agreed to explore interoperable, efficient, and secure systems. Such arrangements will enable businesses and traders to settle transactions more quickly, reduce reliance on costly informal channels, and directly boost cross-border trade.
What did the cross-border trade talks entail?
Strengthening financial flows will definitely have a positive impact on our trade relations. This can be achieved by improving banking connectivity, simplifying the trade settlement process, and establishing regulatory safeguards that embolden formal cross-border transactions. Both sides are committed to reducing bottlenecks and ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate funds.
How would you describe the banking connectivity between the two countries? Are there any transfer mechanisms currently in place?
At the moment, there is no banking connectivity or interoperable arrangement between our banking institutions. However, establishing such a system
is exactly what we are working toward.
We have agreed to align our approach to FinTech licensing so that innovation can flourish within a regulated environment.
Foreign exchange and trade financing were highlighted during your discussion. What specific mechanisms or frameworks are being considered?
On foreign exchange, we are exploring mechanisms for transparent and well-supervised cross-border transactions that strike a balance between innovation and financial stability.These include guarantees, letters of credit, and risk-sharing mechanisms designed to better support importers and exporters on both sides.
What do you mean by a risk-sharing mechanism?
At the moment, our traders are not well connected, and we don’t  have a financial system in place to support their trade activities—whether in cross-border trade financing or in transactions between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Therefore, we need to develop a mechanism that can support and facilitate their trade financing.
In monetary terms, what is the exact volume of trade between the two countries right now? And what are your main export and import items?
The trade exchange between Ethiopia and Somaliland is estimated at around USD 700 to 800 million, with the majority of products coming from Ethiopia. We import a wide range of goods from Ethiopia, including khat, vegetables, coffee, and livestock. Our exports to Ethiopia, however, remain very limited. While our export capacity is minimal at the moment, we are actively exploring ways to strengthen our trade links with Ethiopia and identify potential commodities that could be exported from Somaliland.
What new measures are being considered to formalize or regulate the cross-border khat trade?
Khat is just one of many commodities we trade with Ethiopia. Currently, much of this trade is informal. We are working to formalize our trade relations by establishing the necessary financial infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and economic connectivity between the two countries. These measures will strengthen trade not only in Khat but also across all commodities exchanged between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
How are the two central banks planning to cooperate on anti-money laundering and combating illicit financial flows?
The two central banks have agreed to strengthen information sharing, align supervisory practices, and jointly build the capacity of their financial institutions. This cooperation will help both countries combat illicit financial activities and safeguard the integrity of their financial systems.
During the meeting, you emphasized the role of the Berbera Port in Ethiopia’s commerce. Ethiopia holds a 19 percent stake in the port. What progress has been made so far in operationalizing Ethiopia’s use of the Berbera Port?
Ethiopia is using the port of Berbera right now, but it is not fully utilizing it. Among the options on the table are customs facilitation measures, logistics and trade financing arrangements, and potential joint investment initiatives that might happen in the future. The measures will make the corridor more efficient, competitive and attractive for Ethiopian traders. At the moment, the economic free zones and the corridor that connects toTog Wajaale on the Ethiopian border has been completed. The only thing that’s under discussion is the trade facilitation and customs agreement about utilization. That’s why we are actually working with the National Bank of Ethiopia to take the lead and to implement what we call the insurance and banking protocol, which is part and parcel of the overall agreement.
 What are the commodities passing through Berbera, if Ethiopia is using the port as you stated?
I cannot specifically mention the commodities currently being sent through Berbera, but what I can confirm is that Ethiopia has been using the port for quite some time. The port has now been expanded and modernized with the latest equipment, including operational management systems. Our focus is on scaling up Ethiopia’s utilization of Berbera while also mitigating potential risks associated with Ethiopian trade with other regional partners.
Are there any ongoing infrastructural projects to expedite trade across the region and through the port?
Yes, the infrastructure at the port has already been completed. The port itself has been operational for quite some time. The economic free zone is also fully established, and the corridor connecting Berbera Port to Ethiopia is complete. The remaining task is to finalize the regulatory and cooperation framework to be signed between the governments of Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Previously, the United Arab Emirates’ DP World was engaged in developing infrastructure at Berbera. Has the company completed all necessary construction to make the port fully operational?
DP World is the company managing Berbera Port and has been the main investor in its infrastructure. The multinational logistics company has already invested over USD 400 million in the port, the economic free zone, and related facilities, including around USD 100 million specifically for the corridor. This significant investment has completed critical infrastructure, which will facilitate and streamline trade links between Ethiopia and the wider region.
What’s next for Ethiopia and Somaliland?
The next step is to expedite the engagement between our two governments to finalize the port utilization agreements. A key focus is on the insurance and banking protocols, which were central to our discussions with the NBE. With the recent transition [Mamo’s resignation], we aim to continue these discussions with the incoming NBE governor. Once these agreements are finalized, Ethiopia’s use of Berbera Port is expected to increase significantly.
Did you discuss joint investment schemes at Berbera Port?
We haven’t discussed that particular area in detail yet, but there is potential for co-investment between Somaliland and Ethiopia. Given our strong cultural, social, and economic connectivity, we can enhance these ties by jointly investing in areas that are mutually beneficial.
We allocated 19 percent stake to Ethiopia during the initial stage of the investment, but Ethiopia has not committed to invest that 19 percent stake in Berbera; I don’t think they have invested that 19 percent but maybe in the future, there might be a discussions for Ethiopia to be also to have a share or stake in the Berbera Port and other critical infrastructures in Berbera.
When Ethiopia was assigned the 19 percent stake, what commitment was made?
There was initial interest from the Ethiopian side; it has not yet invested in the 19 percent stake. I am not sure what the reason is for the delay, but the interest was there from the beginning.
There was mention of a possible Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) branch in Somaliland. How concrete are these plans, and what would be their significance for trade and financial flows?
Our discussions are still at an early stage, but the prospects are promising. A Commercial Bank of Ethiopia branch in Somaliland would expand access to trade finance, provide a formal channel for remittances and foreign exchange, and further integrate our financial sectors.
Looking ahead, how do you see Ethio-Somaliland financial cooperation shaping regional economic integration in the Horn of Africa?
We are very hopeful. We believe that Ethiopia and Somaliland can effectively cooperate and integrate their economies, setting an example for other countries in the region and across Africa to follow.

From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Farmers’ Resilience in Somaliland

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Mohamed Abdullahi Omer

Assistant Professor, University of Hargeisa

What Farmers in Somaliland Taught Us About Climate Change

When people talk about climate change, it can sound complicated. However, for the farmers we met in Somaliland, it is simple: the rains do not come like they used to, the sun is hotter, and growing enough food to feed their families is getting harder every year.

These farmers live in a place called the Gabiley Region. It is known as the “breadbasket” of Somaliland because it grows most of the country’s food. For years, we have heard stories about how difficult farming has become there. We wanted to understand the real situation, not just from reports but from the people living it every day.

Therefore, we started our research project, which you can now read about in the journal Discover Sustainability. We traveled to villages in Gabiley to ask the following three basic questions:

  1. What changes are farmers observing in the weather?
  2. What are they doing to deal with these changes?
  3. What is helping them and what is holding them back?

How We Learned from the Community

This work was not just about handing out papers. It is difficult to obtain a real picture of someone’s life with just a multiple-choice survey. So we did two things.

First, we surveyed 193 farming families to obtain the numbers. This helped us to see the big picture and find patterns. However, the numbers do not tell the whole story.

Second, we sat down and talked with people. We held group discussions in which farmers shared their experiences with each other. We also conducted one-on-one conversations with long-time farmers and local farming experts. These stories provide meaning to the numbers. Combining the surveys with conversations was our biggest success because it gave us a deep and truly human understanding of the situation.

What We Found: A Clear Problem, but Not an Easy Fix

The message from the farmers in Gabiley was powerful and clear. Here are the four main things that we learned.

1. Farmers See Climate Change with Their Own Eyes
Almost every farmer we spoke to (over 86%) said that they knew that the climate was changing. They do not need a scientific report to tell them. They see it when the rains are late, the wells run dry, and their crops struggle. Nearly all of them (94%) have lived through extreme weather events, such as droughts, which are occurring more frequently.

2. There’s a Big Gap Between Knowing and Doing
This is an important discovery. Even though farmers know the problem, they cannot always do everything needed to solve it. On average, farmers used only approximately 45% of the available helpful farming techniques. We call this the “adaptation gap.” It is not that they do not want to adapt; it is that something is stopping them.

3. Farmers Use What They Can Afford
We observed a significant difference in the types of solutions used by farmers.

  • Easy and low-cost ideas were popular. For example, almost 85% of farmers had started changing the time when they plant their crops to match the shifting rains. Many were also using special crops that could survive with less water.
  • Tougher and more expensive ideas were not. Important techniques, such as building systems to save rainwater, setting up irrigation, or buying better quality seeds, were used by very few people. The reason is simple: these things cost money, require new skills, or require a lot of work.

4. What Helps Farmers Adapt?
So, who is able to do more? We found a few key factors that made a big difference:

  • Knowing more helps. Farmers with more education are more likely to try new ideas.
  • More hands to help. Larger families had more people to do the work needed for things such as building terraces to save soil.
  • Living through it makes you act, she said. Farmers who experienced the worst droughts were the most motivated to try new water-saving methods.
  • Younger farmers are often more willing to try new things.

Why This Matters and What We Can Do

This study provides a clear path forward to help farmers grow food in Somaliland. Just telling them about climate change is not enough; they already know. We need to focus on closing that “adaptation gap.”

The following simple steps can make a real difference:

  • Share useful knowledge. We need training programs that show farmers how to do things like save water and protect their soil in an easy-to-understand way.
  • Farmers should be provided with the right tools and money. This could mean small loans or community programs that help them afford things such as irrigation pipes or better seeds.
  • This will provide better information. A good weather forecast can make a significant difference. Early warnings about an impending drought can help a family prepare and save their crops and animals.

Climate change will continue to shape Somaliland’s agricultural future, but vulnerability need not define it. Farmers in Gabiley have already demonstrated determination and adaptability. With the right support, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for a more resilient, food-secure Somaliland.

This study, while focusing on one region, offers lessons for all semi-arid areas where smallholder farmers are on the frontlines of climate change. Listening to their voices is the first step toward designing solutions that truly work—solutions that are local, inclusive and sustainable.

You can read our full academic paper here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43621-025-01543-9

 

Somaliland Engages Swedish Parliament in High-Level Talks on Recognition and Cooperation

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA, Somaliland – Monday, October 6, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Acting President of Somaliland, H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, met with a high-level delegation from the Swedish Parliament at the Presidential Palace today.

The Swedish delegation, which included senior officials from Sweden’s coalition government, discussed strengthening bilateral ties and advancing efforts for Somaliland’s international recognition.

Acting President Abdi provided a detailed overview of Somaliland’s history as a sovereign state and its critical role in fostering stability and peace in the Horn of Africa. He specifically urged the Swedish government and parliament to take a clear and visible stance in supporting Somaliland’s quest for full diplomatic recognition, emphasizing that the country has met all the necessary criteria for statehood.

The Swedish delegates commended Somaliland’s democratic governance and its notable developmental progress. They pledged to initiate debates and advocate within the Swedish Parliament for Somaliland’s right to full international recognition.

Separate Meeting with Somaliland’s House of Representatives

In a parallel meeting, the Swedish delegation held talks with the House of Representatives, where they were received by the Acting Speaker, H.E. Siciid Mire Farah (Giire).

Discussions between the two legislative bodies centered on strengthening parliamentary cooperation, the role of Somaliland’s Parliament in consolidating its democracy, and future collaboration in areas of community development and effective governance.

Acting Speaker Farah described the relationship between Somaliland and Sweden as “historic” and worthy of continuous reinforcement. The Swedish MPs, in turn, praised the tangible progress they witnessed in Somaliland and committed to presenting a comprehensive report to their parliament upon their return.

These high-level talks mark a continued push by Somaliland to garner international support for its recognition, with European nations being a key focus of its diplomatic efforts

Somaliland and Taiwan Celebrate Strong Partnership on Taiwan’s 114th National Day

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

The Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland hosted a vibrant celebration of Taiwan’s 114th National Day, marking a significant milestone in the deepening relationship between the two nations.

The event, filled with warmth and mutual respect, highlighted the shared democratic values and collaborative spirit that continue to strengthen ties between Somaliland and Taiwan.

Taiwan’s envoy to Somaliland, Ambassador Allen Leu, expressed gratitude to government officials, international friends, and like-minded partners who joined the celebrations or sent their congratulations.

“Taiwan is a facilitator, catalyst, leading indicator, and diplomatic leverage for catalyzing international support for Somaliland,” Ambassador Allen stated.

He emphasized that the success of their cooperation stems from shared visions, common goals, and collective efforts, with every joint project standing as a testament to their achievements.

Republic of Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Hon. Abdirahman Adam, extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Taiwan.

“The government of the Republic of Somaliland reaffirms its commitment to the enduring partnership and shared democratic values that unite our two nations,” Minister Adam declared, echoing the spirit of solidarity.

The celebration underscored the growing bond between Somaliland and Taiwan, with both nations committed to fostering mutual prosperity and international cooperation. This milestone event serves as a beacon of hope and collaboration, showcasing the power of shared values in building a brighter future together.

Puntland and Somaliland Forge Landmark Security and Cooperation Pact in Nairobi

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

NAIROBI, Kenya – In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, high-level delegations from Puntland and Somaliland have concluded a historic summit, resulting in a comprehensive agreement to enhance security cooperation and foster economic ties between the two neighboring regions.

The two-day talks, held on October 4-5, 2025, brought together ministers, senior security officials, and top advisers. The discussions focused on the broader political and security dynamics of the Horn of Africa, with a particular emphasis on resolving long-standing issues between the two sides.

A notable spirit of mutual respect marked the summit. Somaliland officials commended Puntland’s progress in maintaining peace and its counter-terrorism efforts. In turn, Puntland acknowledged Somaliland’s achievements in state-building and development.

Key Agreements Reached:

  1. A Unified Security Front
    The two regions agreed to a multi-faceted security partnership,pledging to:

· Combat Terrorism Jointly: Collaborate closely to fight against Al-Shabaab, ISIS, and other terrorist groups operating along their shared border.
· Secure Maritime Domains: Enhance cooperation in maritime security to combat crimes such as piracy in their respective waters.
· Tackle Organized Crime: Strengthen coordination between their security agencies to prevent and counter organized criminal networks that threaten mutual economic and security interests.

  1. A Path to Lasting Peace in Sool Region
    A central outcome was the mutual commitment to achieving a permanent peaceful resolution for the conflict in Las Anod and surrounding areas.The agreement paves the way for the safe and voluntary return of displaced communities to their homes.

· The summit endorsed the peace committee initiated by Somaliland’s President, urging full community participation.
· Puntland’s crucial role in facilitating the Las Anod peace process was formally recognized and welcomed.

  1. Strengthening Economic and Social Ties
    Acknowledging that stability is underpinned by economic opportunity,both sides agreed to:

· Boost cross-border trade and facilitate the free movement of people.
· Pursue joint economic projects and infrastructure development to interconnect the two regions.

  1. Depoliticizing Airspace
    The joint statement condemned the politicization of civil aviation and any violations of international airspace protocols,calling for their depoliticized and professional management.

A Foundation for Future Cooperation

In their concluding remarks, the delegations committed to institutionalizing this new dialogue, with regular follow-up meetings to ensure the implementation of the agreements.

The summit also extended an invitation to the international community, welcoming support for these peace and development initiatives and expressing readiness to build a productive partnership for the region’s stability and prosperity.

NEC Wins the Prestigious ICPS Excellence Award 2025

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

The National Electoral Commission of the Republic of Somaliland (NEC) participated this week in the 21st Annual International Electoral Award and Symposium, held in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, from October 1–4, 2025. This is a global forum that honors the world’s most deserving electoral institutions.

This high-level occasion, organized annually by the UK-based International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) and hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission of Botswana (IEC-Botswana), saw the NEC being honored with the ICPS Excellence Award. This plaque and official recognition were awarded to the NEC for its diligent work, innovation, and technical leadership in enhancing the modern electoral systems of the Republic of Somaliland.

The Meaning of the Award:

The ICPS Excellence Award is one of the most prestigious international awards in the field of electoral management. It honors electoral institutions that have demonstrated:
•High technical proficiency and innovation.
•The strengthening of public confidence in the voting system.
•The building of strong institutions that form the foundation of a lasting democracy.

The National Electoral Commission of Somaliland’s (NEC) success in winning this international award is a symbol that our country, the Republic of Somaliland, is a leader in democracy in the Horn of Africa and the wider world.

A Victory for the Republic of Somaliland:

This international award is clear testimony to the success of our country, the Republic of Somaliland, in the field of democracy, where over the past thirty years, a constitutional referendum and ten credible national elections have been implemented peacefully and orderly.

The achievements for which the NEC is celebrated include:
•The implementation of the Biometric Voter Registration and Verification System (BVR/BVV), making it the first country to implement such a system.
•The execution of the Presidential and National Parties elections of the Republic of Somaliland, which were observed by international monitors who described Somaliland’s elections as free and fair, and thus credible.

Conclusion:

The NEC views this award as a great achievement for the Republic of Somaliland and an international honor shared by all. It also translates the desire, perseverance, and determination of the resilient people of the Republic of Somaliland, who have chosen for their country to be an independent, peaceful, stable, and democratic nation.

Winning the ICPS Excellence Award elevates the reputation of the Republic of Somaliland on the global stage and sends a clear message to the international community that Somaliland possesses democratic institutions that are functional, transparent, efficient, and worthy of international recognition and award – and deserving of recognition as an independent state among the global community of the United Nations.

Summary

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Somaliland has won the prestigious ICPS Excellence Award 2025 at an international electoral symposium in Botswana. The award recognizes the NEC’s technical innovation, efficiency, and leadership in running credible elections.

Key points highlighted include:

· Somaliland is praised as a leader in democracy in the Horn of Africa.
· The award is a testament to its 30-year record of holding peaceful and credible elections, including a referendum and ten national polls.
· Specific achievements noted are the pioneering implementation of a Biometric Voter System and internationally observed elections declared free and fair.

The award is framed as a major international achievement for Somaliland, boosting its global reputation and serving as a strong argument for its recognition as an independent, democratic state.

Council of Europe’s Marc Cools Praises Somaliland’s Stability Amid Somalia’s Continued Turmoil

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

In an exclusive interview with The Advocate Post, Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, underscores that lasting stability in the Horn of Africa depends on credible governance — a standard Somaliland has long upheld.

Hargeisa — In an exclusive interview with The Advocate Post by Abdul Rafay Afzal, Marc Cools, President of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, offered candid reflections on the Horn of Africa’s enduring instability, pointing to Somalia’s governance crisis and the contrast with Somaliland’s democratic resilience.

Discussing the persistent challenges in Somalia — from Al-Shabaab’s insurgency to divisions between regional states such as Jubbaland and Puntland — Cools emphasized that true stability cannot be imported.

“Foreign support is only ever a form of support. It is primarily up to the Somalis to take control of their own destiny,” Cools said. “Europe can support them, but it can only do so by backing a Somali government that is honest, determined to take action, and enjoys broad public trust.”

Cools’ remarks come as Somalia continues to rely on extensive international military and financial assistance yet struggles to achieve national cohesion. His observation — that external aid cannot replace local legitimacy — resonates strongly when juxtaposed with the Somaliland model, where stability has been sustained from within, without reliance on international intervention.

Somaliland: A Model of Local Ownership and Democratic Maturity

In striking contrast, Somaliland — the self-governing region in the north — has maintained peace, democracy, and regular transfers of power for over three decades. While refraining from direct comment on recognition, Cools acknowledged that Somaliland’s territory “is currently more stable than the rest of Somalia,” a statement that implicitly underscores its unique governance success.

“Europe has everything to gain from stability in the Horn of Africa,” Cools added, suggesting that deeper engagement by the European Union, alongside regional actors such as Ethiopia, Kenya, the UAE, and the United States, could contribute to broader regional peace.

While noting that the EU formally upholds Somalia’s territorial integrity, Cools’ emphasis on effective governance, stability, and local legitimacy mirrors the very qualities Somaliland has embodied — often described by observers as a functioning democracy in a turbulent region.

A Call for Pragmatic Engagement

Analysts view Cools’ remarks as a subtle but significant nod toward a more pragmatic European approach: recognizing and engaging with territories that have built stability and democratic institutions on their own merit.
With the Bab al-Mandab strait emerging as one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints, Europe’s economic and security interests are directly tied to stability in Somaliland’s neighbourhood.

Somaliland officials and international policy experts alike argue that expanding EU engagement — through development partnerships, municipal cooperation, and academic exchange — could help reinforce peace across the Horn of Africa, complementing the work of regional powers already active in Hargeisa.

In conclusion, Marc Cools’ interview underscores a quiet but growing realization in European policy circles: that the path to a stable Horn of Africa lies not merely in declarations of sovereignty, but in governance that works. And by that standard, Somaliland continues to stand out — not as a problem, but as a potential partner.

Somaliland’s Opportunities in AfCFTA: Berbera Port as Ethiopia’s Trade Gateway

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By. ENG Moussa Abdillahi Nour                                           

International Relations and Diplomacy

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the largest free trade agreement in the world, connecting 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. After several postponements, Ethiopia is expected to formally accede to AfCFTA on 3 October 2025, opening its domestic market to continental free trade.

As a landlocked nation with over 120 million people, Ethiopia’s trade competitiveness depends on secure, efficient, and affordable access to maritime gateways. Somaliland’s Berbera Port, strategically located on the Gulf of Aden and linked by the Berbera Corridor to Ethiopia, is well positioned to become a primary logistics hub for Ethiopian goods entering and leaving AfCFTA markets.

Opportunities for Somaliland

1. Berbera as Ethiopia’s Preferred Trade Route

– Berbera offers the shortest maritime outlet for eastern and central Ethiopia.
– Increased Ethiopian exports and imports under AfCFTA could transform Berbera into a regional cargo hub.

2. Revenue Generation & Employment

– Growth in port usage and transit trade could generate:
• Port fees, customs duties, and service charges
• Thousands of new jobs in logistics, trucking, warehousing, and port operations

3. Regional Integration

– Establishment of dry ports, bonded warehouses, and free trade zones along the Berbera Corridor.
– Opportunity for joint Somaliland–Ethiopia initiatives in trade facilitation and customs harmonization.

4. Infrastructure Investment

– Upgrading the Berbera–Togwajaale corridor will attract donor support and private investment.
– Expansion of industrial parks, fuel depots, cold storage, and ICT systems will increase Somaliland’s value-added services.

5. Strategic Positioning

– Berbera’s role under AfCFTA enhances Somaliland’s regional and geopolitical relevance.
– Potential to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in logistics, manufacturing, and financial services.

Key Policy Recommendations

  1. Strengthen Bilateral Trade Framework with Ethiopia
    – Negotiate preferential agreements for Ethiopian goods transiting via Berbera.
    – Establish joint trade and customs committees.    2. Invest in Trade-Related Infrastructure
    – Prioritize rehabilitation of the Berbera Corridor (bridges, highways, ICT systems).
    – Develop dry ports and logistics hubs in Togwajaale and Berbera.

    3. Develop Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
    – Promote Berbera Free Zone for manufacturing, assembly, and re-export industries.
    – Incentivize investors through tax breaks and streamlined regulations.

    4. Enhance Trade Facilitation & Digitalization
    – Introduce electronic customs clearance systems to speed up transit.
    – Encourage private sector investment in blockchain and fintech trade solutions.

    5. Promote Regional Partnerships
    – Align Berbera’s growth with AfCFTA’s vision of intra-African trade integration.
    – Engage Gulf States, donors, and multilateral partners to support port-linked development.

Conclusion

Ethiopia’s accession to AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity for Somaliland. By positioning Berbera Port as the Horn of Africa’s gateway to continental markets, Somaliland can leverage its geography into economic growth, job creation, and political recognition. Proactive policy measures, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation will ensure Berbera becomes a flagship trade hub under AfCFTA.

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