Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, the chairman of Somaliland’s main opposition party, WADDANI, has issued a blistering response to recent remarks made by the leader of the rival KAAH party, Mahmoud Hashi, sharply rebuking his counterpart over critical national and diplomatic affairs.
Clarifying his party’s international engagements, Hirsi firmly rejected suggestions that their presence abroad is merely symbolic. “Our establishment in Qudus is not a simple office—it is a fully accredited diplomatic embassy,” he asserted.
Turning to the paramount issue of international recognition, Hirsi emphasized that the matter remains monolithic and non-negotiable. “The recognition of the Republic of Somaliland is an indivisible national cause. It is not a commodity that can be halved or compromised—it is an all-or-nothing proposition. You are either fully committed to securing it, or you are not,” he declared.
The WADDANI chairman cautioned against reckless rhetoric on issues of national sovereignty, warning that any misstep would have consequences. “If you lose your bearings on these matters, you will be corrected and put back in your place—particularly when it comes to national affairs, which cannot be rushed. Recognition is the primary consensus upon which all Somalilanders are united today. Do not reduce it to a platform for political point-scoring or personal trap-setting,” he admonished.
In a direct and personal attack on his political rival, Hirsi offered a stark character assessment: “Mahmoud, I acknowledge certain traits in you—including a measure of unreliability—but your ingratitude is something I had not previously witnessed. I recognize your reputation for rhetorical flair when it comes to articulating the truth, but what I was unaware of was your lack of practical resolve and follow-through.”
In a significant revelation, Hirsi alleged for the first time that Hashi had reneged on a prior agreement the two leaders had reached at the holy sites in Mecca. He named Ali Said Raygal and Ibrahim Siyad as witnesses to that pact.
Chairman Hirsi concluded his address with a stern and pointed rebuke: “Mahmoud, let me set the record straight regarding those men—they are your own kinsmen and uncles, yet today you have chosen to disparage them.” He ended with an emphatic, direct challenge to his opponent, signaling a deepening rift between the government and opposition.
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I met President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi known as “Irro” in Jerusalem in a historic hotel where many great leaders of the past have stayed.
That setting felt entirely appropriate for what was, by any measure, a moment of diplomatic significance – the opening of Somaliland’s first official embassy in Israel and what its leadership regards as the beginning of a new chapter in its long quest for international recognition.
I had previously travelled to Somaliland last spring to explore the breakaway territory of Somalia for myself, to assess whether the arguments for its independence were legitimate. They were. What I found was a country significantly more secure than Somalia in the south, functioning democratically, and determined to position itself as a reliable partner and ally to Western countries. The question I was left with then still stands – if a territory has built stability, held democratic elections and demonstrated consistent self-governance over decades, why should we deny it the right to be recognised?
This time, I came to Jerusalem to meet the President directly and to speak with him about Somaliland’s independence and its future place in the world.
It was clear this was no routine visit. The entire Somaliland delegation was present – ministers, advisers, security officials and diplomats – giving the impression of a government determined to project itself on the world stage. After all, for Somaliland, this was its first official state visit of this kind.
The President himself was composed and steady. He has the calm assurance of a man who knows his country intimately, and the weight of what is at stake. When he speaks about Somaliland, it is not in abstraction. It is with the precision of someone who has lived every chapter of its modern history – from conflict and fragmentation to the fragile stability it now enjoys. He answered even the most difficult questions directly, without evasion. There is little room for performance in his answers; instead, there is urgency. For him, this is not an academic debate about recognition. It is about existence.
And so we began.
“Britain said it would be second to recognise us”
The most politically significant moment of our discussion came early, when President Irro returned repeatedly to Somaliland’s relationship with Britain. “For 35 years we were looking for the first country to recognise Somaliland,” he told me. “We found it.”
That reference, of course, was to Israel’s decision to open formal diplomatic relations with Somaliland and establish its embassy in Jerusalem. But it was what followed that will be noted in Westminster and beyond.
“The UK always told us it would not be the first country, but it would be the second one. Now we have found the first. The time has come.”
It is a striking assertion – not only because it places Britain not as a distant observer of Somaliland’s claims as part of its past, but as a country already embedded in its diplomatic expectations for the future. Somaliland, he argues, is not asking Britain to take a leap into the unknown, but to complete a historical step it already began.
The President was clear that recognition is not simply symbolic but essential. “Recognition is not something we can manufacture ourselves,” he said. “It is the greatest achievement when another country recognises you.” For Somaliland, Israel’s move is not merely diplomatic validation. It is a signal that long-standing political assumptions about its status may finally be shifting.
A state built in isolation
If there is a central argument underpinning Somaliland’s case, it is that it has already done the work of a state without the benefits of being one. President Irro was insistent on this point. “They tell us to be democratic. We are democratic. They tell us to be peaceful. We are peaceful. They tell us to hold elections. We hold elections.”
He pointed to Somaliland’s electoral history, peaceful transfers of power and internal security as evidence of a functioning state operating without international sponsorship or formal recognition. “We have administered our country for 35 years without assistance from anyone,” he said. “We finance our security forces, our education, our health system. Everything is homemade.”
It is a phrase he returns to repeatedly: “homemade governance”. By this he means institutions built internally, without international templates provided from the outside.
The President also highlighted security reforms as one of his government’s most significant achievements, particularly the disarmament and reintegration of armed groups following internal unrest. “We demobilised 6,000 armed men and reintegrated them into society, into our most effective in the region security forces,” he said. “We did it without the United Nations, without Britain, without America.”
The implication is clear – Somaliland sees itself as a proof of concept for state-building in one of the world’s most unstable regions.
Israel: from symbolism to substance
Somaliland’s recognition by Israel is being presented in Hargeisa not as a diplomatic trophy, but as a gateway to practical cooperation. “We do not need symbolism only,” the President said firmly. “We need something tangible on the table for the ordinary citizens.”
He outlined several priority areas for cooperation like water management, agriculture, healthcare and technology.
Strategic geography and ambition
Beyond recognition, Somaliland is positioning itself as a strategic actor in a rapidly changing regional environment. Sitting along the Gulf of Aden and near one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, Somaliland is keen to emphasise its relevance to global trade and security. President Irro described his country as a potential “corridor for peace, security and trade”.
He also spoke of interest from American companies in sectors ranging from energy and minerals to aviation and even space infrastructure.
“We can be richer than Qatar,” he said. “We have oil, gas, lithium, agriculture and a young population.”
It is a bold claim, but one rooted in a clear political objective – to shift Somaliland from the margins of diplomacy into the centre of strategic calculation.
“We were a sovereign state”
At the heart of Somaliland’s argument lies its interpretation of history.
“We were a sovereign country before we joined Somalia,” the President said. “We were recognised in 1960.”
He argues that the union with Somalia was voluntary, brief and ultimately reversed following the collapse of the Somali state in 1991. Whether this interpretation will ever be accepted internationally remains uncertain. But it is central to Somaliland’s diplomatic strategy – to present recognition not as secession, but as restoration.
Britain’s unfinished role
For President Irro, Britain remains the pivotal external actor.
The historical relationship is frequently invoked: colonial administration, independence in 1960, and longstanding political and cultural ties.
“There is a very strong historical relationship with the United Kingdom,” he said. “The British gave us independence.” He also suggested that British political circles are increasingly sympathetic to Somaliland’s case, even if formal policy has yet to change. “The willingness is there,” he said.
Looking ahead
As our conversation drew to a close, I asked the President what success would look like in the coming decade. His answer was immediate. “To be seen. To be recognised. To exist fully in the international system.”
Beyond recognition, however, he also spoke of a broader ambition – to transform Somaliland into a regional contributor to peace, trade and stability.
“We are a recipe for peace and security in the region,” he said. “We want friendly relations with all our neighbours.”
And in Jerusalem, as its first embassy opened its doors, President Irro made one thing clear – Somaliland is no longer waiting quietly on the margins of history, it is moving ahead with its pursuit of independence.
The University of Hargeisa recently welcomed a delegation from Windle Trust International (WTI) for a productive working visit aimed at exploring avenues for strategic collaboration in higher education, research, and community development. The WTI delegation included Ian Callender and Anna Kulakiewicz (Trustees), Alex Bent (Director of International Development and Engagement), and Sahra Hassan (Programme Coordinator).
The discussions were led by Dr. Fuad A. Obsiye, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Acting President, representing Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Sulub, President of the University of Hargeisa. Conversations centered on key areas of mutual interest, including teacher education and professional development, scholarships and equitable access to higher education, research and knowledge generation, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL), as well as education in emergencies.
Reaffirming its dedication to global collaboration, the University of Hargeisa reiterated its commitment to partnering with international organizations that drive quality education, research, innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development. The University extends its sincere gratitude to the WTI delegation for their visit and eagerly anticipates translating these fruitful discussions into impactful programs and a lasting institutional partnership.
HARGEISA, July 1, 2026 – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) of the Republic of Somaliland convened a pivotal meeting today to strategize on the nationwide rollout of government service centers, with a sharp focus on five priority public services.
The session was chaired by CSC Chairman Mr. Abdiqasim Hirsi Warsame and attended by Directors General from key ministries and agencies responsible for frontline citizen services.
The forum aimed to forge a unified roadmap for modernizing service delivery processes, guaranteeing services that are accessible, timely, high-quality, and user-friendly for all citizens.
A major highlight of the agenda was the Citizen Access Point initiative—a flagship project designed to centralize diverse government services under a single roof. By establishing a one-stop shop for essential public services, the system seeks to drastically cut waiting times, administrative costs, and the tedious travel currently required to navigate disparate government offices.
In his remarks, Chairman Warsame underscored that the creation of these integrated service centers is a cornerstone of public administration reform. He asserted that the program will be instrumental in elevating service standards and reinforcing the government’s commitment to citizen welfare.
The Service Delivery Implementation Program is being driven through a robust partnership between the Civil Service Commission, the World Bank-financed SERP (Somaliland Economic Resilience Program), and all relevant line ministries. Collectively, they are working to build a modern, cohesive, and responsive service ecosystem that directly addresses the evolving needs of the Somaliland public.
Kaah Party Leader: We Support Israel’s Recognition, But Oppose Jerusalem Embassy
By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA, Somaliland – The leader of Somaliland’s main opposition party, Kaah, has publicly clarified that while his party fully endorses the recognition extended by Israel, it remains firmly opposed to establishing the Somaliland embassy in the contested city of Jerusalem.
Mahmoud Hashi Abdi stated that the Kaah party’s position is “clear and unambiguous,” emphasizing that their objection is strictly limited to the diplomatic mission’s location and does not constitute opposition to the recognition itself.
Official Welcome of Recognition
Mr. Hashi recounted that on the day Israel officially recognized Somaliland, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) convened a meeting with political party leaders to inform them of the landmark diplomatic development. According to the Kaah chairman, his party formally welcomed the recognition and publicly praised the move.
He further noted that Kaah had previously issued a statement commending Israel’s advocacy for Somaliland during a United Nations Security Council debate. The party also condemned the remarks made by Somalia’s representative at that session and reaffirmed its solidarity with the government following the recognition.
Formal Engagement with Israel
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Mr. Hashi revealed that Kaah had dispatched an official letter of appreciation to the Israeli government in response to the recognition.
He added that party officials had inquired with the President as to whether the recognition was contingent upon any specific agreements or conditions. According to Mr. Hashi, the President assured them that no such conditions were attached to the diplomatic move.
The Jerusalem Controversy
The debate over opening the Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem has become a major point of contention among politicians in recent weeks. While the government views the relocation as a necessary and symbolic diplomatic step tied to the broader recognition, the Kaah party insists on separating the two issues—firmly supporting the recognition while rejecting Jerusalem as the site for the embassy.
Rebuttal to Presidential Accusations
Mr. Hashi’s latest remarks serve as a direct rebuttal to recent accusations made by President Cirro. The President had suggested that Kaah’s opposition was not merely about the embassy location, but was, in fact, a veiled attempt to oppose the recognition itself.
By drawing this clear distinction, the Kaah leader seeks to reaffirm his party’s patriotic support for Somaliland’s international standing while maintaining its principled objection to the specific geopolitical implications of an embassy in Jerusalem.
London, UK – In a significant show of cross-continental solidarity, former British Member of Parliament Alun Michael paid a courtesy call to the Somaliland UK Mission in London earlier this week. The veteran politician was received by the Republic’s Representative to the UK, His Excellency Said Hassan Bihi, alongside Deputy Ambassador Mohamed Hassan Roble, for high-level talks centred on Somaliland’s quest for international sovereignty.
The closed-door discussions provided a strategic platform to review the ongoing diplomatic campaign that the Horn of Africa nation has steadfastly advanced over recent years. With Somaliland’s established democratic governance, relative regional stability, and historical distinctiveness from Somalia, the envoys reiterated the republic’s compelling legal and political case for formal recognition. The meeting highlighted the need for continued engagement with UK parliamentarians and international bodies to sustain momentum on the global stage.
Alun Michael, who served as the Member of Parliament for Cardiff South and Penarth for over three decades, is widely recognised within diplomatic circles as one of Somaliland’s most consistent and principled Western allies. Throughout his tenure in Westminster and beyond, he has leveraged his political influence to elevate Somaliland’s narrative, advocating for its self-determination and challenging misconceptions about the nation’s capacity for autonomous statehood. His longstanding commitment has made him an indispensable bridge between British policymaking circles and the Somaliland cause.
Beyond the political realm, Michael’s legacy is deeply cherished among the Somaliland diaspora in Wales, particularly in Cardiff, where he has historically maintained close ties with the community. For more than twenty years, he has championed their integration, listened to their concerns, and tirelessly represented their interests, earning him a reputation as a steadfast friend rather than a distant diplomat.
In a joint expression of gratitude, community representatives and mission officials extended their profound appreciation to Michael for his unwavering support. They acknowledged that his decades-long advocacy—rooted in principle rather than expediency—has been instrumental in keeping Somaliland’s aspirations visible on the UK political agenda. As Somaliland continues its determined march toward recognition, the enduring partnership with allies like Alun Michael remains a cornerstone of its foreign engagement strategy.
The United States has affirmed Israel’s sovereign authority to establish diplomatic relations with any nation, backing its recent formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland.
Massad Boulos, senior advisor to President Donald Trump on Middle East and African affairs, made the remarks during an exclusive interview with the London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.
When asked about Washington’s position on Israel’s decision late last year to formally recognize Somaliland, Boulos was unequivocal.
“Israel has the right to establish diplomatic relations with anyone, just like any other independent country,” he stated.
Boulos further stressed that this principle applies universally, underscoring that the U.S. views Israel’s move as a legitimate exercise of its independent foreign policy.
HARGEISA – The Speaker of Somaliland’s House of Elders (Guurti), Saleebaan Maxamuud Aadan, is expected to formally announce his resignation on Sunday, bringing an end to more than two decades of leadership at the helm of the upper chamber.
According to a spokesperson for the House, the 92-year-old Speaker has made a definitive decision and has already notified President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) of his intention to step down from both the speakership and his membership in the Guurti.
Multiple attempts by close associates and political figures to persuade him to reverse or delay his decision have proven unsuccessful, sources close to the Speaker confirm. A special session of the House is expected to be convened, during which Saleebaan will officially declare his resignation.
Saleebaan, who has presided over the Guurti since 2004, is widely recognized as one of the longest-serving political figures in Somaliland’s history. Those in his inner circle have attributed his departure primarily to his advanced age and a desire to relieve himself of the demanding responsibilities he has carried for over two decades.
Throughout his tenure, Saleebaan has been credited with playing a key role in mediating political disputes and fostering inter-party dialogue. Supporters highlight his contributions to maintaining relative stability and defusing recurring political tensions that have periodically threatened the region’s fragile peace.
However, his leadership has not been without controversy. The House of Elders, under his stewardship, has faced persistent criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and political analysts. Detractors have frequently pointed to controversial term extensions granted to successive governments and legislative bodies, as well as accusations that the Guurti has fallen short of its constitutional mandate to act as a guarantor of national reconciliation and social cohesion.
Should the resignation proceed as expected, it will mark the end of an era for one of Somaliland’s most enduring institutional leaderships. The Guurti will then be required to initiate the constitutional process for electing a new Speaker—a transition that is likely to draw significant scrutiny, given the House’s influential role in the country’s political landscape and its traditional authority in conflict resolution.
By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa, Somalia – The Hargeisa Cultural Centre reached full capacity as more than 700 attendees gathered for an evening hosted by a coalition of Somali and Danish organisations.
The event served as the highlight of a four-day collaborative programme between 2030beyond, nOmy, the Redsea Online Cultural Foundation, and the SWEAN Network. Designed to bridge connections between Somali and Danish youth, the initiative leveraged shared culinary experiences, open dialogue, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as common ground.
During the proceedings, 2030beyond and the SWEAN Network handed the microphone to young participants, empowering them to contextualise the SDGs and articulate local challenges alongside homegrown solutions. Simultaneously, Danish culinary students teamed up with their Somali peers and the nOmy team in the kitchen, crafting innovative new recipes that honoured local ingredients and traditional culinary heritage. Throughout the night, guests were invited to sample these original dishes and engage in forward-looking discussions on the future of a sustainable food industry.
The organisers extended their sincere gratitude to all partner organisations—2030beyond, nOmy Group, Redsea Cultural Foundation, SWEAN Network, and the Hargeisa Cultural Centre (Xarunta Dhaqanka ee Hargeysa)—for delivering a resoundingly successful event.
HARGEISA – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), officiated at the foundation-laying ceremony for the reconstruction of the Idaacadda Market in Hargeisa on Monday morning. The market was severely damaged by a devastating fire that broke out in early 2025.
In a keynote address delivered during the ceremony, President Cirro affirmed that his “Unity and Action” Government remains deeply attuned to the needs of the citizenry. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the rebuilding, modernization, and enhancement of commercial infrastructure that serves the community.
The President called on the people of Somaliland to safeguard public land, stressing that it is fundamental to the nation’s urban development strategies, the expansion of cities, and the overall aesthetic and structural growth of the country.
President Cirro also emphasized that his government consistently encourages the growth and modernization of commercial markets nationwide. He extended his best wishes to local traders who will operate in the newly reconstructed facility, urging them to uphold high standards of quality, cleanliness, and respect for public assets.
Highlighting the critical role of taxation in national development, the President underscored that tax revenues constitute the cornerstone of state-building and public service delivery. He appealed to citizens to meet their tax obligations promptly, in order to accelerate the provision of essential services and drive sustainable development.
Concluding his address, President Cirro called on the Somali people to reinforce their collective commitment to security, stability, and national cohesion—principles he described as indispensable to the progress and long-term aspirations of the Republic of Somaliland.
