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Somaliland: President Abirahman Irro, Pharo Foundation meet on agricultural development ventures

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The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro held a meeting at the Presidency with the top officials of the Pharo Foundation, an organization that works on human development issues, especially in the fields of education, health, agriculture, water and environment.

The Pharo Foundation is headquartered in the United Kingdom, and has operational centers in Somaliland, Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda.

The Pharo Foundation was represented at the meeting by Guillaume Fonkenell and Farah Jirde (founders), Tom Mason CEO, Mohamed Muse Elmi Country Director, Mohamed Farah Pharo Ventures technical advisor, Khalid Esa, Head of Pharo Ventures.

The overall objective of the meeting was centered on ways and means of both parties to collaborate further in financing and implementing agricultural production in the country and enhancing food security.

The President welcomed the meeting with the Pharo Foundation leaders and told them that the government is committed to working with anyone who seriously invests in agriculture, livestock, minerals and the various resources that Somaliland is rich in.

He said that investing in agriculture and irrigation in the country’s agricultural lands is an important strategic step that demonstrates the Republic of Somaliland’s commitment to engaging with investors in a transparent manner, so as to achieve sustainable development and food security as a nation.

On the other hand, the President underpinned the important role that modern farming methods and traditional irrigation methods can play in revitalizing the local community’s economy, improving food security, and also in truly ensuring environmental protection in the long term.

For their part, the leaders of the Pharo Foundation expressed their gratitude to the President for the warm welcome, hospitality and facilitation of the important meeting. They also congratulated the President on the success of his presidential election and praised Somaliland for the peace, stability and mature democratic system that has been established in Somaliland.

The leaders of the Pharo Foundation said that they had come to the Presidential Palace to discuss with the President of the Republic of Somaliland and his government on agricultural project, which is the largest and most financially viable project that the Pharo Foundation intends to implement in Somaliland to date.

They said that the partnership between them and the Somaliland government has a long-term and beneficial goal for the country of Somaliland, which will lead to many developments and benefits in the field of water supply and agricultural projects.

It will be possible to harness water in a modern and cost-effective way, store large amounts of water, and irrigate agricultural land, using modern farming techniques, while also protecting the environment.

Somalia-Backed East Sool’s Militias Destabilize Peace in Sanaag Region- Ministry of Defense

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The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Somaliland strongly condemns the recent aggression by East Sool’s militias aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia, who launched an unprovoked attack on pastoralist communities in the Dhurmadare area of the Sanaag region.

Somaliland National Intelligence Agency (NIA) confirms the assault was orchestrated under the directive of Somalia’s Prime Minister, following his politically motivated visit to East Sool, aimed at inciting unrest within Somaliland’s borders.

Such actions are a direct violation of regional peace and an affront to the principles of sovereignty and neighbourly relations. At a time when Somaliland continues to champion stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa, this provocation undermines collective efforts for peace.

The Republic of Somaliland reaffirms its commitment to defending its people, safeguarding its territorial integrity, and promoting peaceful coexistence in the region.

The Government of Somaliland urges the international community and regional partners to take serious note of this escalation and support measures to de-escalate tensions and uphold regional peace.

Why Somaliland decided to Withdraw from the Fruitless Dialogue with Somalia?

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The Republic of Somaliland’s decision to withdraw from discussions with the failed state of Somalia is a resolute and principled stand in defense of our sovereignty, security, and national interests. This historic decision is rooted in a firm commitment to uphold Somaliland’s sovereign rights and pursue a future defined by self-determination, independence and national prosperity.

Despite extensive engagement and repeated attempts at constructive dialogue, it has become abundantly clear that the discussions with Somalia have not produced any tangible progress towards mutual understanding or practical solutions.

Instead, the process has been marred by a persistent lack of respect for Somaliland’s constitutional independence and a failure to address core issues through responsible and amicable dialogue.

Time and time again, Somalia manifested a manipulative, unreliable and irresponsible attitude towards the whole essence of the dialogue in question.

Somaliland’s withdrawal is not a retreat but a principled stand against fruitless negotiations that compromise our national integrity. It reflects our determination to invest our efforts and resources in forging partnerships and initiatives that genuinely contribute to our people’s aspirations, sustainable development, stability, and democratic progress of our country.

This decision is our firm stand for a better future—one that is built on principles of independence, freedom, statehood, stability, and prosperity for all Somalilanders.

Long live the Republic of Somaliland. Long live our freedom and sovereignty.

Hussein Adan Igeh (Deyr)

Spokesman for the President of the Republic of Somaliland.

Somaliland’s Strategic Pause: A Nation Choosing Sovereignty Over Symbolism

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On April 16, 2025, the Republic of Somaliland took a bold and necessary step: suspending all ongoing negotiations with Somalia. This decision came in direct response to Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s uninvited and ill-conceived visit to Laascaanood — a city that lies unquestionably within Somaliland’s sovereign borders.

As a Somaliland citizen and political leader in the diaspora, I fully support this principled stand by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro and his government. It was not a knee-jerk reaction, but a carefully measured response rooted in history, strategy, and the unwavering will of our people to protect their hard-won independence.

We Must Not Normalize Disrespect

Let’s be clear: the Somali Prime Minister’s visit was not a benign engagement. It was a calculated political stunt aimed at undermining Somaliland’s sovereignty and gaining domestic political leverage within Somalia. This was a symbolic incursion — disrespectful not just to our government, but to every citizen who has contributed to building a peaceful, democratic, and functioning state over the past three decades.

We must not normalize such provocations. Dialogue only has value when it is rooted in mutual respect and sincerity — qualities glaringly absent in Barre’s actions.

A Nation That Deserves Respect

Since 1991, Somaliland has functioned as a sovereign state. We have conducted peaceful elections, established institutions, and maintained internal stability in a region often plagued by turmoil. Yet the international community still demands that we “prove” our sovereignty — all while benefiting from our cooperation in securing maritime trade routes, fighting terrorism, and promoting peace in the Horn of Africa.

This double standard is not just unfair — it’s unsustainable. The time has come to stop waiting for external recognition and start reinforcing our internal strength.

A Time to Refocus: Military and Economic Resilience

This decision to suspend talks must mark a shift in priorities. Now is the time to focus on rebuilding a modern, capable military and ensuring economic resilience.

The threat of external aggression — whether political or military — is real. Preparation is not provocation. It is our right and our duty to defend our people and our territory.

Equally, economic independence must be front and center. We must invest in local industries, strengthen infrastructure, empower entrepreneurs, and fully leverage our ports and trade routes. These aren’t lofty ambitions — they are critical to our national security and future.

A New Era of Global Engagement

President Cirro’s recent presence at the World Government Summit in Dubai was a powerful signal of Somaliland’s growing diplomatic reach. There, he positioned our nation as a stable, serious, and strategic partner — not only for Africa, but for the world.

Our relationship with the United States continues to deepen. From my position in Minnesota, I’ve seen bipartisan interest in Somaliland increase significantly. U.S. policymakers are recognizing our vital role in safeguarding Red Sea trade, countering extremism, and advancing democratic governance in the region.

We must harness this momentum. Recognition may take time — but it is inevitable, and we must be prepared when the moment arrives.

A United Call

The suspension of talks is not a rejection of diplomacy — it is a reassertion of dignity. President Cirro’s administration has sent an unambiguous message to Somalia and the global community:
Somaliland will not engage in dialogue while its sovereignty is violated.

I call on all Somalilanders — at home and abroad — to stand together. Let us rise above politics, support this strategic pivot, and invest in the long-term strength and unity of our nation.

Now is the time to think big, act boldly, and stay united. Somaliland’s journey forward must be guided by principle, powered by purpose, and rooted in the unshakable truth that we are — and always have been — a nation.


About the Author

Engineer Ahmed Abdi Abdilahi, Chairman, Waddani Party – Minnesota, USA
Engineer Ahmed Abdi Abdilahi, Chairman, Waddani Party – Minnesota, USA

Engineer Ahmed Abdi Abdilahi is the Chairman of the Waddani Party – Minnesota, USA. He is a political advocate and active member of the Somaliland diaspora community.

Al-Shabaab Seizes Strategic Town of Adan Yabaal After Overrunning Government Forces

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

IMogadishu- Intense fighting broke out in the early hours of this morning in Adan Yabaal, a key district in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region. The battle pits Somali government forces and allied local militias against al-Shabaab militants, with conflicting, unverified reports emerging about the current situation.

This strategic town has changed hands multiple times in recent years. Somali National Army (SNA) forces initially captured Adan Yabaal from al-Shabaab in December 2022 as part of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s major offensive following his re-election. The operation marked a significant victory for the government, with local “Macawiisley” militias playing a crucial supporting role.

However, the district’s history reveals its contested nature. While joint Somali-AMISOM forces (including Ethiopian troops) first liberated Adan Yabaal on April 16, 2016, al-Shabaab later regained control before being ousted again in late 2022.

Located 220 km northeast of Mogadishu near the Hiran-Middle Shabelle border, Adan Yabaal holds strategic importance for al-Shabaab’s operations. Today’s reported attack comes despite high-level government attention to the area – both President Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited this year, with the president narrowly surviving an explosion during his March 18 trip to frontline regions.

Unconfirmed reports indicate:
– SNA commander General Odowaa Yusuf Raage may be present in the town
– Armed Forces Court chairman General Hassan Ali Nur Shuute might also be on site
– Al-Shabaab claims control through unverified statements
– Social media shows alleged militant vehicles in the area

The situation remains unclear due to:
– Severed communication lines in the district
– Non-functional telephone networks
– Lack of official government statements
– Inability to independently verify casualty figures or territorial claims

The potential loss of this stronghold would represent a significant setback for Somalia’s counterinsurgency efforts, though the government has yet to confirm al-Shabaab’s claims of control.

Somaliland Withdraws from Long-Standing Talks with Somalia, Citing Sovereignty Violations

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Somaliland has announced its complete withdrawal from decade-long talks with the Somali government, accusing Somalia of violating its sovereignty during Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre’s recent visit to Las Anod.

In a statement issued by the Council of Ministers, Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, declared an immediate end to all dialogue with Somalia.

“The Somali government has repeatedly breached Somaliland’s sovereignty and the foundational principles of previous negotiations. Consequently, the Council of Ministers has decided to terminate all ongoing talks with Somalia, effective today, April 16, 2024,” Minister Ayanle stated.

He condemned the Somali Prime Minister’s visit to Las Anod as a “blatant violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty” and an act of “provocation and warmongering,” warning that such actions threaten regional stability.

The minister also criticized Somalia’s transfer of prisoners from Las Anod to Mogadishu, calling it an act of “kidnapping” rather than a legitimate prisoner exchange. He stressed that any such transfers must adhere to international law, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) serving as the sole mediator—a framework previously agreed upon in bilateral talks.

Somaliland urged the international community to address Somalia’s alleged violations in eastern Sool and support efforts to restore peace in the region, which it asserts falls under its administration.

Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre’s visit to Las Anod—part of what he called a “Unity Strengthening Mission”—has further inflamed tensions. The city, previously under Somaliland’s control until early 2023, is now claimed by Somalia.

In a related development, the Somali government has formally recognized the SSC-Khaatumo administration in Las Anod as a federal member state. Additionally, 25 prisoners formerly held by Somaliland were released and transferred to Mogadishu.

Federal Government of Somalia opens oil sector to U.S. firms as force majeure lifted in Nugaal Valley

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Mogadishu — Somalia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dahir Hassan Arab, announced on Tuesday that the country is officially open for oil drilling and exploration, inviting U.S. energy companies to re-engage in Somalia’s hydrocarbon sector.

In a post on social media platform X, Ambassador Arab wrote, “Proud to announce that Somalia is officially open for drilling. I invite U.S. energy companies to return. SSC-Khaatumo is now recognized as a Federal Member State and the lifting of force majeure clears the way for oil exploration & extraction in the resource-rich Nugaal Valley Basin.”

The announcement follows the Federal Government of Somalia’s formal recognition of the SSC-Khaatumo administration as a federal member state. The move, declared by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre during a visit to Las Anod on Sunday, brings SSC-Khaatumo and existing member states into Somalia’s federal framework.

With SSC-Khaatumo now recognized and lifting force majeure restrictions—previously imposed due to insecurity—Somalia is moving to revive its petroleum exploration ambitions, particularly in the Nugaal Valley, a region believed to hold significant untapped oil and gas reserves.

Somalia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has repeatedly stated that the country is open to international investment, but security concerns and legal uncertainties over federal and regional jurisdiction have hampered progress. The new recognition of SSC-Khaatumo and inclusion in federal governance structures may help resolve past disputes over resource control in the area.

Prime Minister Barre also formally invited SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye to attend the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting scheduled for May 1–2 in Mogadishu. The NCC brings federal and regional leaders together to deliberate on national priorities, including resource management, security coordination, and constitutional reform.

Dr. Sada Mire Talks About indigenous And Community Archaeology In Somaliland

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Dr. Sada Mire Talks About indigenous And Community Archaeology In Somaliland

“We cannot rely on foreign teams to do right by our history and heritage- we have to take the lead ourselves” She Said Horn Heritage Foundation Dr. Sada Mire
Hargeisa(#Cawo-dhalad)Horn Heritage Foundation Dr. Sada Mire reveals her unique experience of archaeology in Somaliland.

In this video we get to hear Dr Sada Mire recall her first three months working in Somaliland’s archaeology after returning from an exile of 16 years. In 2007, Dr Mire embarked on a self-help and self-funded community archaeology in her native Somaliland that led to her development an indigenous archaeology.

She helped survey sites and set up the country’s Department of Archaeology, while pursuing her PhD in the archaeology of statehood and pre-Islamic Horn of Africa. Her foundation Horn Heritage helped create the Somaliland Heritage Act. Her book Divine Fertility, pioneering the study of archaeology of statehood and the Islamic medieval kingdoms won the SAfA book prize, making her Horn Heritage Foundation Dr Sada Mire reveals her unique experience of archaeology in Somaliland. She said “we cannot rely on foreign teams to do right by our history and heritage- we have to take the lead ourselves”.

Visit the Website Link: https://www.hornheritage.org/horn-heritage/
WATCH This Video from here

 

National Intelligence Agency Warns Public Against Spreading False News

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The National Intelligence Agency has called on the public to refrain from spreading false news targeting the National Intelligence Agency and other security institutions.
In a press statement issued today, the agency issued a stern warning to the public, stating that anyone found engaging in such acts will face legal action. The statement reads as follows:
“In recent months, there has been an increase in individuals deliberately spreading baseless news and propaganda on social media platforms against the National Intelligence Agency. These actions mislead the public of the Republic of Somaliland with false narratives far from the truth, aimed at undermining national security and creating distrust between the National Intelligence Agency and the people of the Republic of Somaliland.
The National Intelligence Agency and all security institutions will identify those spreading false news on social media as individuals working for the enemies of the Republic of Somaliland.”
The statement further warned the public, saying:
“We hereby issue a final warning to those involved in the aforementioned activities. The public is also advised to avoid spreading false news that targets the National Intelligence Agency and other security institutions. Anyone found engaging in such acts will face legal consequences in accordance with the law.”

Director of the Diaspora Department Holds a Meeting with the Somaliland Diaspora Committee in Denmark

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

The Director of the Diaspora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland, Mrs. Ugbaad Naasir Cumar, who is on an official visit to Denmark—particularly in the capital city, Copenhagen—held an extensive meeting with the Somaliland Diaspora Committee (JSL) in Denmark.

The meeting focused on the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen, serve, and connect the diaspora communities, as well as how to create an environment that enables Somalilanders living abroad to contribute to the country through their financial resources, knowledge, and expertise.

Additionally, the Director of the Policy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (WAD&IC) of Somaliland, Mrs. Deeqa Qaasim, who is on a knowledge-enhancing visit to Taiwan, participated in a conference representing Somaliland. This annual event, hosted by the Taiwanese government during this time of the year, invites friendly nations to exchange knowledge, resources, and history while also learning from Taiwan’s advancements in economic and technological development.