Home Blog Page 8

Somaliland Opposition Leader Condemns Iranian Attacks on Gulf States

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Hargeisa – Chairman Mahmoud Hashi, who condemned the attacks launched by Iran on the Gulf countries.

In a statement he published on his Twitter page, it read as follows:

“Speaking on behalf of the largest opposition party in Somaliland, the KAAH Political Party, I strongly condemn the attacks carried out by Iran on the Arab countries of the Gulf, specifically the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

These attacks are a clear act of aggression, which directly violates international law and the principles of respecting the sovereignty of nations.

We are particularly concerned about the damage inflicted upon civilian sites, although the losses from these attacks were greatly minimized due to the successful interception of most of the missiles that were launched.

The state of Iran has no legal justification to use as a pretext for an attack against neighboring countries with which it is not at war. This type of expansion of the conflict further fuels existing tensions and draws further hostility and enmity towards Iran.

Finally, I send my support and prayers to the civilian populations living in the Middle East, beseeching Allah to ease the hardship that has befallen them and to protect them from harm during this sensitive phase the region has entered.”

End

Nagaad: Horn of Africa Civil Society Groups Unite in Somaliland to Accelerate Fight Against FGM

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA, Republic of Somaliland – NAGAAD National Women Network has convened a high-level regional conference aimed at developing sustainable strategies for the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The gathering brought together civil society organizations from across Somaliland, Somalia, and Djibouti, with the core objective of strengthening cross-border collaboration within the Horn of Africa. Participants focused on accelerating joint advocacy efforts and adopting unified, region-wide approaches to combat the practice.

A central component of the conference was the sharing of national experiences, lessons learned, and the diverse strategies each country has employed in the pursuit of FGM abandonment.

Delegates gained particularly valuable insights from the Republic of Djibouti, which shared its significant progress in this area. Djibouti’s comprehensive model—highlighting the successful enforcement of anti-FGM legislation alongside robust community mobilization and awareness campaigns—served as a key case study for effective, integrated approaches.

The conference concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué. This document outlines a series of concrete commitments and defines actionable steps to guide collaborative efforts toward the total eradication of FGM across the region.

Somaliland President Mediates Dispute Between Electoral Commission and KAAH Party

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA, Republic of Somaliland – President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) convened an emergency mediation meeting today between the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and the KAAH political party to resolve a dispute that had stalled the electoral process.

The disagreement arose following the NEC’s recent decision regarding voter registration procedures—specifically concerning the number of registration centers—which prompted the KAAH Party to suspend its cooperation with the Commission.

Following extensive mediation led by President Cirro, both parties have formally resolved their differences. In a joint statement, the NEC and KAAH leadership expressed their appreciation to the President for his decisive role in facilitating dialogue and restoring consensus.

To ensure the continuation of Somaliland’s electoral preparations, both parties have agreed to the following:

  1. Immediate Resumption of Cooperation: Formal collaboration between the NEC and the KAAH Party is hereby restored.
  2. Technical Committee Formation: A joint technical committee will be established to address and resolve the procedural issues that led to the deadlock.
  3. Follow-up Engagement: Both parties will convene a subsequent meeting after the Eid al-Fitr holiday to finalize all outstanding matters.

The resolution underscores Somaliland’s enduring commitment to resolving political disputes through internal dialogue and compromise, reinforcing the nation’s tradition of homegrown solutions to governance challenges.

Telesom Ramadan Cup 2026 Kicks Off in Burco with Spectacular Opening Ceremony at Ii Cug Stadium

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

BURCO, Somaliland – The highly anticipated Telesom Ramadan Cup 2026 officially commenced this week with a vibrant opening ceremony held at the Ii Cug Stadium in the heart of Burco, drawing large crowds of football enthusiasts and community members.

The tournament, which has become a cherished tradition during the holy month of Ramadan, brings together teams from across the region to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and healthy competition. The opening event featured colorful festivities, with players, officials, and fans gathering to mark the beginning of what promises to be an exciting month of football.

More Than Just a Game: Telesom’s Commitment to Community Development

Telesom Group’s continued sponsorship of the Ramadan Cup represents a cornerstone of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating that its investment in the community extends far beyond telecommunications services. The benefits of promoting such sports events are multifaceted and deeply impactful:

Fostering Social Cohesion and Unity
During Ramadan, a month defined by reflection and togetherness, the tournament serves as a powerful platform for community bonding. By bringing together teams and supporters from diverse backgrounds across Burco and surrounding areas, the cup transcends clan lines and neighborhood divisions, promoting a shared identity and reinforcing the social fabric that binds Somali society together.

Empowering Youth Through Positive Engagement
With Somaliland’s youth population representing both a tremendous opportunity and a responsibility, the Telesom Ramadan Cup provides a constructive outlet for young people’s energy and aspirations. The tournament instills values of discipline, teamwork, and dedication, while offering a healthy evening activity that channels passion into sportsmanship rather than negative influences.

Discovering and Nurturing Local Talent
Ii Cug Stadium transforms into a proving ground for emerging football talent during the tournament. Young athletes who might otherwise lack exposure receive a rare competitive platform to showcase their skills, potentially catching the attention of local clubs and scouts. The cup thus serves as an unofficial talent development pipeline for the region’s football ecosystem.

Economic Stimulus for Local Communities
The tournament generates ripple effects throughout Burco’s local economy. Match days bring increased foot traffic to the area surrounding Ii Cug Stadium, benefiting small vendors, tea stalls, and food sellers who depend on such gatherings for their livelihoods. The influx of teams and traveling fans further stimulates economic activity in the city.

Strengthening Cultural Values During Ramadan
By timing the cup to coincide with the holy month, Telesom aligns its brand with the deeply held values of generosity, community, and discipline that define Ramadan. The tournament provides halal, family-friendly entertainment for evening hours, creating an atmosphere where families can gather and enjoy quality time together while celebrating their shared cultural traditions.

Building Lasting Brand Connections
For Telesom, the sponsorship represents a genuine investment in brand loyalty. The prominent display of Telesom branding throughout the stadium and on team jerseys ensures visibility among passionate fans, while the emotional connection forged through supporting community passion cements the company’s reputation as an institution that genuinely cares about the people it serves.

As the Telesom Ramadan Cup 2026 unfolds over the coming weeks, the tournament stands as a testament to the powerful role that private enterprise can play in nurturing community spirit, supporting youth development, and preserving cultural traditions that define Somali identity.

Opposition Accuses Somali President of Violating Constitution as Political Crisis Deepens

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Mogadishu – Somalia’s opposition-aligned Somali Future Council has announced it will hold a high-level meeting on April 10 to discuss measures aimed at preserving the country’s statehood, following the collapse of talks with the federal government.

The announcement came in a statement issued after a conference in Mogadishu attended by members of the Federal Parliament, political figures, and representatives from various sectors of society.

In its communiqué, the Council stated that documents and legal analyses presented during the conference indicated that the ongoing constitutional review process is inconsistent with Article 134 of the Provisional Constitution, which outlines the procedures for constitutional amendments.

The Council accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Speakers of both houses of Parliament of violating constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules of procedure. It also alleged that more than 50 members of Parliament had been unlawfully barred from attending sessions due to their stance on the reform process.

The opposition group further raised concerns over delays in forming state-level legislatures and uncertainty surrounding upcoming regional elections, arguing that these issues threaten a peaceful political transition.

The Council called for state legislature elections to be held promptly, in line with state constitutions and the federal principle of separation of powers.

This development follows the breakdown of talks between the federal government and the Future Council last week, with each side blaming the other for the failure. The mandates of both houses of Parliament are set to expire on April 14, intensifying political pressure.

Speaking at the conference, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, a member of the Future Council, urged the National Consultative Council—which brings together federal and regional state leaders—to take responsibility for organizing a negotiated electoral process.

President Deni argued that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term is nearing its end, is not prepared to guide the country toward a consensus-based election. He accused the president of pursuing actions that risk deepening political deadlock and called on regional leaders to step in to prevent a constitutional vacuum.

Darasalaam Bank Launches “E-maalgeli”: A Revolutionary Electronic Murabaha Service to Empower Small Businesses

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Hargeisa – Darasalaam Bank is proud to announce the official launch of its latest innovative financial solution, E-maalgeli. This cutting-edge service introduces a fully digitalized Electronic Murabaha system, designed to make Shariah-compliant financing more accessible than ever before.

Seamlessly integrated into the bank’s popular Dhaweeye App, E-maalgeli is specifically tailored to meet the financial needs of salary-earning individuals. The service provides a fast, convenient, and secure pathway for any customer with a regular salary account at the bank to obtain quick, small-scale financing.

By bridging the gap between savers and opportunity, E-maalgeli serves as a powerful tool for financial inclusion. It aims to empower customers by providing them with the necessary capital—or “Access to Finance”—to start new ventures or inject vital funds into their existing small and micro-enterprises. With this initiative, Darasalaam Bank reaffirms its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and stimulating economic growth from the grassroots level.

Key Benefits of E-maalgeli:

· Accessibility: Exclusively available to salaried account holders via the Dhaweeye App.
· Convenience: A fully digital process that eliminates the need for physical branch visits.
· Speed: Designed to provide rapid access to funds, ensuring customers can seize timely opportunities.
· Empowerment: Targeted at nurturing and scaling small businesses, contributing to local economic development.

Telesom Group Celebrates the 13th Edition of the Prestigious ‘Musaabaqatul Waxyeyn’ Quran and Sunnah Competition

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Hargeisa – The grand closing ceremony for the 13th edition of the esteemed Quran and Sunnah competition, known as Musaabaqatul Waxyeyn, was recently held with great success. This significant annual event, generously funded and supported by Telesom Group, serves as a vital platform to encourage the deep study, memorization, and understanding of the Holy Quran and the noble Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

True to its commitment to community development, Telesom Group continues to stand firmly at the forefront of nurturing the youth. By sponsoring this competition, the company underscores its dedication to uplifting future generations and promoting a profound appreciation for Islamic knowledge and values.

Turkish National’s Visit to Hargeisa Sparks Questions Amid Regional Geopolitical Rivalries

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Mustafa Abdi Ibrahim

Hargeisa, Somaliland – The recent arrival of a Turkish national identified as Umut Çağrı Zari in Hargeisa has triggered scrutiny from political observers and security analysts, following unverified claims suggesting possible links to Turkish intelligence structures.

Zari, who publicly presents himself as a journalist and writer, has previously published geopolitical commentary on the Horn of Africa, including analysis of Somaliland’s relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel. While no verifiable evidence connects him to intelligence activities, regional sources have raised questions about whether his presence extended beyond ordinary journalistic pursuits.

Allegations and Denials

Multiple sources familiar with regional dynamics have suggested—without providing substantiating evidence—that Zari may be aligned with broader Turkish state interests. These sources point to Turkey’s expanding diplomatic, military, and economic footprint in the Horn of Africa, particularly its substantial presence in neighboring Somalia, which includes a major military training facility in Mogadishu and extensive infrastructure investments.

However, neither the Government of Somaliland nor Turkish diplomatic missions have issued any official statement confirming or refuting these allegations. All claims remain speculative and unsubstantiated.

Zari’s published writings reportedly adopt critical stances toward Emirati influence in the region and have explored scenarios regarding potential Somaliland-Israel normalization. Some analysts argue such commentary reflects established geopolitical rivalries playing out across the Horn. Others caution that strong political opinions alone do not constitute evidence of intelligence activity, and conflating journalism with espionage risks undermining press freedom and due process.

Geostrategic Context

The Horn of Africa has become a critical arena for international competition, with Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Ethiopia, and Western powers vying for influence. Nations including Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Somaliland occupy strategic positions along vital maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Turkey’s engagement in the region has deepened considerably through economic investments, educational initiatives, and military cooperation with the Somali federal government. The UAE has similarly pursued an assertive strategy, securing port development deals and cultivating security relationships, including with Somaliland.

Within this context of intensifying competition, visits by foreign nationals engaged in political commentary can attract heightened scrutiny—particularly when their country of origin maintains competing interests with other regional actors.

Unanswered Questions

Zari’s presence has generated pressing questions among citizens and observers:

· What was the stated purpose and actual nature of his visit to Hargeisa?
· Did he meet with government officials, opposition figures, civil society representatives, or private individuals?
· Does he remain in Somaliland, or has he since departed?
· What protocols govern the monitoring of foreign visitors whose work touches on sensitive political topics?

Some members of the public have called upon Somaliland’s security institutions to provide greater transparency regarding how foreign nationals with potential political interests are assessed and monitored.

Official Silence Fuels Speculation

As of this report, Somaliland’s security agencies have released no official statement addressing Zari’s presence or activities. Turkish diplomatic representatives have similarly remained silent.

This absence of clarification has allowed speculation to flourish, underscoring the challenges faced by unrecognized states in managing foreign engagement while navigating complex international pressures.

Wider Strategic Risks

The episode carries significant implications for Somaliland:

  1. Sovereignty Concerns
    If unverified allegations prove credible, this would constitute a violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty. Even without proof, the perception that foreign actors conduct unauthorized activities risks undermining public trust in the government’s ability to protect national security.

  2. Diplomatic Balancing Act
    Somaliland navigates delicate relationships with competing powers—particularly Turkey and the UAE, both of which have invested significantly in the region. Any perceived alignment with one party over another could complicate efforts to maintain constructive partnerships with multiple international actors simultaneously.

  3. Security Vulnerabilities
    Foreign nationals with intelligence affiliations could potentially gather sensitive information regarding government operations, security infrastructure, and economic assets—information that could be leveraged to undermine Somaliland’s negotiating position in future engagements.

  4. Precedent for Future Activity
    Failure to adequately scrutinize questionable foreign visits could set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging other actors to view Somaliland as permissive terrain for intelligence-gathering or political manipulation.

  5. Domestic Political Fallout
    The combination of unverified allegations and official silence risks fueling public suspicion, conspiracy theories, and political polarization—potentially undermining social cohesion and trust in institutions.

  6. Reputational Damage
    If Somaliland is perceived as unable or unwilling to regulate foreign visitors engaged in sensitive activities, this could damage its international reputation as a stable, self-governing entity capable of exercising effective sovereignty—a reputation critical to its pursuit of wider recognition.

Conclusion: Awaiting Clarification

In the absence of official confirmation or substantiating evidence, the allegations surrounding Umut Çağrı Zari remain precisely that—allegations, not established facts. Experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions without verifiable proof, while acknowledging the sensitivity of geopolitical competition in one of the world’s most strategically contested regions.

Ultimately, this episode underscores broader questions facing Somaliland: How to remain open to foreign engagement while safeguarding national security? How to address public concerns without inflaming diplomatic tensions? And how to develop transparent mechanisms for monitoring foreign activity without compromising due process?

For now, the matter rests in the realm of speculation, pending official clarification from Somaliland’s security institutions or Turkish authorities. Until then, responsible reporting must distinguish between verified facts and unsubstantiated claims—recognizing that in the fog of geopolitical competition, clarity is often the first casualty.

‎Dahabshiil Group Makes History with Unprecedented Community Iftar Events in Hargeisa and Burao

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Hargeisa – In a powerful display of unity and shared purpose, Dahabshiil Group has successfully hosted its largest-ever community Iftar events in two of Somaliland’s most prominent cities—Hargeisa and Burao. These landmark gatherings each represented historic moments of connection, bringing together a rich tapestry of community members from across all walks of life in their respective cities.
‎
‎Both evenings unfolded under the profoundly meaningful and unifying theme:
‎“Let us unite our hearts and set aside tribalism,”
‎
‎a message that resonated deeply throughout each gathering and underscored the organization’s enduring dedication to social cohesion and collective progress across the region.
‎
‎While the breaking of bread at sunset was the centerpiece of both evenings, these annual Iftar initiatives serve a far greater purpose, acting as catalysts for lasting social transformation through multiple dimensions:
‎
‎Weaving a Stronger Social Fabric and Fostering National Identity
‎
‎In contexts where clan affiliations have historically shaped social dynamics, these events actively champion a broader, more inclusive Somali identity. By intentionally convening individuals from diverse clans, generations, and socioeconomic backgrounds within each city, the Iftars provide tangible, living proof that unity transcends traditional divisions. They transform the ideal of “national unity” from an abstract aspiration into a lived, shared reality experienced by all who attend.
‎
‎Creating Platforms for Meaningful Dialogue and Reconciliation
‎
‎Each Iftar offered a uniquely neutral and respectful space where meaningful connections could flourish within its community. Local leaders, elders, youth representatives, and business figures engaged in informal conversation, breaking down barriers in an atmosphere of mutual respect. These relaxed interactions often plant the seeds for resolving long-standing misunderstandings, building new bridges of cooperation, and nurturing a spirit of reconciliation that moves communities beyond the limitations of past divisions.
‎
‎
‎Demonstrating Exemplary Corporate Citizenship and Leadership
‎
‎As an internationally respected brand with deep ancestral roots in the region, Dahabshiil’s leadership in sponsoring these simultaneous events sets a powerful precedent for corporate responsibility. It illustrates the transformative role the private sector can play in social development, affirming that businesses are not merely economic engines but essential stakeholders in building peaceful, prosperous, and resilient societies across multiple urban centres.
‎
‎
‎A Strategic Investment in Social Capital

‎Ultimately, these Iftar events by Dahabshiil Group transcend the boundaries of simple meals; they represent thoughtful and strategic investments in the social capital of the communities they serve. They deliver profound and enduring messages: that the true foundations of development—lasting peace, genuine stability, and deep-rooted trust—are built not through division and separation, but through the courageous and collective act of uniting hearts and sharing tables together, whether in Hargeisa, Burao, or beyond.

After Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Will Trump Follow?

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Israel’s shock decision has scrambled alliances from Riyadh to Ankara and reopened a battle over minerals, military bases, and control of the Red Sea corridor

By Dan M. Ford

On Dec. 26, 2025, Israel sent shockwaves across the diplomatic world by becoming the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence. The self-governing area has claimed independence from Somalia since 1991.

The international condemnation of Israel’s recognition was swift. Three days later, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency session on the matter, during which 14 of the UNSC’s 15 members expressed opposition to Israel’s decision. Many argued that Israel’s recognition violates the principles of the UN Charter around the recognition of a breakaway state’s sovereignty and risks destabilizing an already fragile region. Somalia’s ambassador to the UN, for example, said that Israel’s recognition encouraged “the fragmentation of the territory of Somalia … and is destabilizing the entire Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.”

A few countries also expressed concern about Israel using its newfound partner to achieve broader geopolitical aims, particularly as it relates to the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland. On this issue, Pakistan’s deputy UN representative said that “Pakistan unequivocally rejects any proposals or plans aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians.” France’s ambassador also alluded to this issue, saying, “France will continue to oppose any forced displacement of civilian populations.”

The United States was Israel’s sole defender on the Council, with Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce arguing that “meetings such as today’s distract from serious work,” and that “Israel has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign state.”

Israel’s deputy ambassador, who was invited to the meeting, defended his country’s decision, insisting that it was “a lawful, principled acknowledgment of a long-established reality, consistent with international law.”

In a statement publicizing its recognition of Somaliland, Israel said nothing about its broader regional geopolitical ambitions nor any desire to use Somaliland as a destination for displaced Palestinians. Instead, the statement said that Israel “plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.”

Although details of any potential quid pro quo agreement between Somaliland and Israel have not been made public, Israel was perhaps incentivized to recognize Somaliland in part for access to the country’s minerals. Somaliland’s president told Reuters in early February that his country is actively negotiating a trade agreement with Israel, and is looking to offer its partner access to its vast mineral wealth.

From Israel’s perspective, building relations with Somaliland could also be beneficial from a security standpoint if such a relationship were to eventually lead to greater Israeli access to land near the Gulf of Aden, which, through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connects to the Red Sea — one of the world’s most heavily trafficked shipping lanes. More recently, the waterway’s geopolitical significance has grown, with the Red Sea becoming the battleground of an expanded war in Gaza, with attacks by anti-Israel Houthi rebels from Yemen against ships traversing the sea.

From Somaliland’s perspective, Israel’s recognition provides the breakaway state diplomatic clout, and could open the door for Israel’s closest international ally — the United States — to soon recognize the breakaway region as well, which Trump has contemplated in the past.

Although Israel’s full ambition for its relationship with its newfound partner remains to be seen, what has become clear in the weeks since its December recognition is that the regional cleavages over the Somalia-Somaliland controversy are intensifying. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey are deepening their support for Somalia in the wake of Israel’s recognition, while the UAE has joined Israel in extending its support to Somaliland.

On Feb. 9, Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met in Riyadh to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the aim of facilitating “military cooperation” between the two. This is the second major military cooperation agreement signed between Somalia and a partner country since Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December. Last month, Somalia signed a similar agreement with Qatar, reportedly laying the groundwork for military training between the two as well as the development of defense capabilities.

In the weeks since Israel’s December recognition of the break-away state, the regional cleavages over the Somalia-Somaliland controversy are intensifying.

Meanwhile, Somalia is deepening its relationship with Turkey, which has for years provided the Somali military with a wide variety of weapons, and has its largest overseas military base in Somalia since 2017. In January, Turkey sent F-16 fighter jets and attack helicopters to Somalia to be used in operations against the armed group al-Shabab. The economic relations between the two are also tightening. Earlier this month, Turkey’s state-owned oil company, TPAO, dispatched a deep-sea drilling ship off Somalia’s coast following an agreement signed in March of 2024.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has openly expressed his disdain for Israel’s recognition. In a joint press conference in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on Feb. 17, he said that Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland “would benefit neither Somaliland nor the Horn of Africa.” The Somaliland government responded by saying that Erdogan’s comments amount to “unacceptable interference aimed at discouraging relations between Somaliland and regional partners.”

The venue for Erdogan’s sharp words is a bit ironic, given that Ethiopia itself was not long ago caught in the center of the controversy over Somaliland recognition. In early 2024, Ethiopia signed an MOU with Somaliland in which it agreed to recognize the breakaway state as a free and independent country in exchange for a 50-year lease of a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) stretch of land on Somaliland’s coast along the Gulf of Aden. Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea broke away in 1991, and has sought to regain access to one of the world’s most valuable bodies of water ever since. But following a successful mediation effort by Turkey, Ethiopia’s relations with Somalia thawed, and it backed away from the deal, leaving Somaliland unrecognized by any government until Israel’s recognition in late December.

While Israel remains the only state to officially recognize Somaliland, it isn’t the only one to offer its support to the breakaway region. Cameron Hudson, a former Africa director at the US National Security Council, told Responsible Statecraft that “many people argue that, behind the scenes, it’s the UAE that supported and even encouraged this Israeli recognition of Somaliland.” Indeed, the UAE has a stake in Somaliland’s success. Through its government-owned logistics company DP World, the UAE spent over $400 million on the development and operations of Somaliland’s Berbera Port. Moreover, the UAE has started accepting travelers with Somaliland passports, while rejecting those traveling under Somali ones.

The schism over Somaliland has worsened relations between the UAE and its once close partner, Saudi Arabia. In January, just weeks before signing its own military cooperation agreement with Somalia, Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of facilitating the transportation of the Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi from Yemen to Somaliland, before then sending him onwards to Abu Dhabi. In response to these suggestions, Somalia abruptly ended all agreements with the UAE, including those dealing with port operations, security, and defense. Within weeks, it signed the aforementioned agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Abu Dhabi and Riyadh find themselves on different sides of the civil war in Yemen, with the UAE supporting southern separatists while Saudi Arabia supports groups looking to unify Yemen under one government. The two are also on opposite sides of the nearby Sudan civil war, with the UAE supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Force and Saudi Arabia supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces.

Questions now abound over which other states might soon lend their support to one side of the Somali controversy. Talk of the United States potentially recognizing Somaliland is intensifying, with US Senator Ted Cruz having openly expressed his desire to have his government officially recognize Somaliland’s independence.

Somaliland’s pursuit of American recognition is reportedly ramping up. The breakaway country’s minister of the presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, told Agence France-Presse that “we are willing to give exclusive (access to our minerals) to the United States. Also, we are open to offer military bases to the United States” in exchange for US recognition. In an effort to fend off Somaliland’s charge, Somalia reportedly offered the US a similar deal in response.

For now, Trump continues to accept the One Somalia Policy.

Author bio

Dan M. Ford

Dan M. Ford is a junior research fellow in the Global South Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Previously, Dan worked as a Research and Communications Assistant at the Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF), an organization focused on supporting the safety and security of humanitarian and development professionals across the world. Prior to that, Dan spent time working and interning in a variety of different organizations, focused mostly on international development, human rights, and conflict prevention and resolution. Dan speaks English, French, and Albanian.

1...789...1,066Page 8 of 1,066