Hargeisa – In a momentous celebration of faith, scholarship, and youthful excellence, Dahabshiil Group has successfully concluded the 34th annual closing ceremony of its distinguished Quran Competition for boys, held at the historic Ali Mataan Mosque in Hargeisa.
Throughout its duration, this revered competition served as a powerful catalyst for deepening the spiritual connection of young participants with the Holy Quran, inspiring them to master both its memorization and the art of its beautiful recitation with precision and devotion. Beyond the pursuit of academic achievement, the contest nurtured the intellectual growth and moral character of the youth, instilling in them a lifelong love for the sacred text and its timeless teachings.
A Legacy of Spiritual and Educational Excellence:
For an extraordinary 34 years, the Dahabshiil Group Quran Competition has stood as a beacon of religious scholarship and a cornerstone of the company’s unwavering commitment to community development. What began as a modest initiative has blossomed into one of the most anticipated and revered events in the region’s Islamic calendar, drawing thousands of young memorizers from diverse communities eager to demonstrate their dedication and skill.
The competition, which traditionally features separate categories for boys and girls, rigorously evaluates participants not only on the accuracy of their memorization but also on their mastery of tajweed—the intricate rules of Quranic pronunciation and intonation—and their profound understanding of the message and meaning embedded within the holy verses.
Cultivating a Generation Grounded in Faith and Virtue:
By consistently investing in these spiritually enriching programs across more than three decades, Dahabshiil Group reaffirms its deep-rooted belief that true societal progress is built upon a foundation of strong moral and ethical values. The annual gathering at Ali Mataan Mosque is far more than a competition; it is a vibrant celebration of heritage, a testament to the dedication of families and teachers, and a powerful investment in nurturing a generation of youth who are not only intellectually equipped but also spiritually grounded and committed to leading lives of purpose, integrity, and service to their communities.
Somaliland is not internationally recognised as a sovereign state, though it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. A territory becomes a sovereign state when its independence is recognised by the United Nations. For this reason, it has no seat at the UN and is considered, under international law, part of Somalia.
Nevertheless, Somaliland holds elections and maintains relative internal stability. It is also attracting increasing informal diplomatic engagement – though not formal recognition – from Ethiopia, the United States and, most recently, Israel.
This growing interest highlights a geopolitical paradox. An unrecognised polity has become strategically relevant in the Red Sea region, along the Gulf of Aden at the Horn of Africa. This is a key corridor linking the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
On 26 December 2025, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. This made Israel the first UN member to do so. While the concrete effects of the decision remain uncertain, Israel’s move fits into a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Of all the African states, landlocked Ethiopia has come closest to formally recognising Somaliland, driven by its wish to get direct access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera. This has become more urgent amid regional competition and instability
US officials have defended Israel’s right to recognise Somaliland, but the US itself hasn’t done so despite speculation that it might.
I have studied the political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and recently published a book on the competing interests in the Red Sea. For me, this latest development raises two key questions: what is Somaliland’s strategic importance and why the growing interest now?
In short, Somaliland is important because it is located on one of the world’s most critical maritime routes. Current regional instability has increased the importance of partners that can provide security, access and political stability, even without formal recognition.
Israel’s strategic calculation
Israel has framed its recognition of Somaliland primarily in terms of regional security and strategic stability. It has cited the need to safeguard maritime routes in the Red Sea and counter growing threats in the Horn of Africa.
Beyond these stated reasons, however, Israel is motivated by national security considerations. Following the 7 October 2023 attacks and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the importance of existing strategic priorities in the Red Sea region has increased.
Somaliland’s location on the Gulf of Aden puts the territory – and any external actors with a presence there – in a position to monitor some of the world’s most important maritime and undersea communication routes.
Of particular concern to Israel is the threat posed by Iran-aligned actors, such as Houthi fighters in nearby Yemen. Engaging with Somaliland provides strategic depth and the potential for an early warning system.
Iran has capacity to exert indirect influence through proxy forces that target maritime routes and regional security.
Attacks on shipping by Houthi missiles and drones launched from Yemen take place just a short distance from Somaliland.
Establishing a presence in Somaliland, or simply relying on it as a partner, would enhance Israel’s ability to monitor Houthi activities and counter threats to maritime traffic.
An increased presence also provides a counterweight to the growing influence of Saudi Arabia and Turkey through diplomatic, economic and – in Turkey’s case – military engagement across the region.
Israel and the UAE both view Somaliland as a relatively non-aligned actor capable of reducing Turkish and Saudi influence in the Horn of Africa.
For Israel, engaging with Somaliland is a calculated risk, based on the belief that the strategic benefits outweigh the diplomatic and political risks.
Ethiopia: the vital need for sea access
Ethiopia is another catalyst of Somaliland’s growing importance. Eritrea’s secession in 1993 made Ethiopia a landlocked country. At present it relies heavily on Djibouti for sea access.
The Red Sea region
The port of Berbera in Somaliland offers Ethiopia politically stable and geographically convenient access. This explains Ethiopia’s interest in signing a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway state in January 2024. Although the agreement has not been widely implemented, it has drawn international attention back to Hargeisa’s claims.
Ethiopia’s cautious approach has aimed at avoiding further regional tensions.
Domestic political factors also influence its tepid response. The country is dealing with several potentially secessionist insurgencies within its borders. There could be consequences for supporting a secessionist movement.
An additional factor is Ethiopia’s close political and economic relations with China and Turkey, which both strongly support Somali territorial integrity.
It is this combination of regional ambition and domestic constraint that explains Addis Ababa’s cautious response to Israel’s announcement.
The United States: balancing realism and norms
Washington officially continues to support Somalia’s territorial integrity, largely due to its counter-terrorism cooperation with the federal government in Mogadishu.
However, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has reignited debate within US strategic and policy circles. Some favour Somaliland’s recognition. They point to US security interests and global trade.
There is growing openness to engaging with Somaliland incrementally, stopping short of fully breaking diplomatic ties with Mogadishu.
Much of the US debate focuses on recognition itself, but this risks missing the more consequential issue: the precedent Somaliland could set.
Unlike many secessionist movements, Somaliland is not a newly formed political entity. Consequently, beneath its apparent internal cohesion lie deep and persistent fault lines. Hargeisa does not control all the territory it claims. The eastern regions have never entirely accepted Somaliland’s authority.
This cleavage came to a head in violent clashes in Las Anod between 2022 and 2023. Local militias took control of the area, which now functions as a self-administered entity recognised as a federal state within Somalia.
Somaliland’s growing strategic relevance masks its unresolved internal divisions. It illustrates a broader trend in geopolitics now: stability and utility increasingly matter more than legal status alone.
For external actors, engagement with Somaliland may offer short-term gains in a volatile region. But without addressing its internal fractures and contested sovereignty, recognition risks creating new sources of instability rather than resolving old ones.
Somaliland — a self-declared state recognized only by Israel — now seeks to deepen its ties with Jerusalem beyond diplomacy.
The president of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, is expected to make his first official visit to Israel at the end of March, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
However, this will not be his first time in the country. The president previously made a discreet visit to Israel during earlier diplomatic contacts that led to Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025. Those quiet negotiations preceded the current warming of relations between the two sides.
Hargeisa – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), hosted an Iftar dinner for the elders and community leaders of the Awdal region.
The President was joined at the gathering by the Minister of Interior and National Security, the Minister of Transport and Road Development, and the Governor of Awdal Region.
The discussions centered on bolstering security, stability, and social cohesion, with a strong emphasis on fostering mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among the sisterly communities residing in the Awdal and Salal regions.
President Cirro expressed his gratitude to the community leaders for their indispensable role in maintaining peace, resolving local conflicts, and strengthening national unity. He underscored that peace is the fundamental pillar of governance and societal progress, reiterating that safeguarding the unity and brotherhood of the Somali people, wherever they may be, is a national duty.
The meeting specifically focused on the critical need for synergy and cooperation between government institutions and traditional leadership to ensure comprehensive security in the Awdal and Salal regions. The goal, they affirmed, is to proactively counter any threats to stability and peaceful coexistence.
During the gathering, the President also provided the community leaders with an update on the state of the nation. He briefed them on the smooth functioning of government affairs, developmental progress across various sectors, and the diplomatic efforts being undertaken to advance the cause of Somaliland’s international recognition—efforts he noted are progressing well.
President Cirro reiterated that Somaliland remains firmly on the path of development and robust governance. He called upon all segments of society to unite in safeguarding peace and defending the nation, particularly in the face of increasing hostility from Somaliland’s adversaries. He emphasized that this collective effort is crucial to realizing the aspirations of the people.
The Iftar gathering between the President and the Awdal community leaders served as a powerful demonstration of national cohesion, unity, and solidarity, reinforcing the foundations for a stable and prosperous future for all citizens of the Republic of Somaliland
Dahabshiil Group has emerged as the first company to answer the urgent appeal for drought relief in Puntland.
This generous contribution highlights the Group’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to standing with communities during humanitarian crises.
Dahabshiil Group Further Supports Northeastern Drought Response with $50,000.
In a continued show of support, Dahabshiil Group was also the first to respond to the appeal issued by the drought relief committee in the Northeast region.
This swift action reaffirms the company’s commitment to its social role and its solidarity with the people affected by the severe drought.
HARGEISA, Somaliland – In a significant display of corporate citizenship, Telesom Group, Somaliland’s premier telecommunications company, has announced a $100,000 contribution to support relief efforts for communities severely affected by the ongoing drought in the northeastern regions of the country.
The funds are earmarked to assist thousands of families in the areas of Sanaag, Sool, and Togdheer, where prolonged dry spells have devastated livelihoods, caused widespread water shortages, and threatened the lives of both people and livestock.
This generous donation will be channeled toward providing emergency food supplies for families facing starvation, trucking clean water to parched villages, and repairing critical water infrastructure such as boreholes. A significant portion of the aid will also be used to purchase animal fodder, aiming to protect the livestock that pastoralist communities depend upon for their survival.
A Tradition of Community Support
The drought relief package is the latest in a long history of humanitarian engagement by Telesom. As a market leader, the company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility that extends far beyond providing mobile and financial services.
Telesom has a established record of investing in community development, including the construction of roads, contributions to healthcare facilities, and support for educational institutions. During previous natural disasters, including past droughts and floods, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has been at the forefront of private-sector relief efforts.
By stepping forward with this $100,000 contribution, Telesom aims to provide not only immediate, life-saving resources but also to inspire other businesses, diaspora organizations, and individuals to join the relief effort.
“This contribution reflects our deep commitment to the Somali people and our understanding of the hardships faced by our communities,” said a Telesom Group official. “We stand with our brothers and sisters in the northeast during this difficult time and hope this aid will provide some relief to those who need it most.”
The donation underscores the vital role of the private sector in bridging gaps in humanitarian response and reinforcing the social fabric during times of crisis.
Image credit: Courtesy of the Presidential Office, ROC (Taiwan). President Lai, with the delegation led by Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Adam.
After 34 years of diplomatic isolation since declaring independence, Somaliland’s international impasse was shattered on December 26, 2025, not by a formal UN resolution, but by the resonant tone of a historic video call. During this live session, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially conveyed Israel’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (colloquially known as Irro), marking the first time a United Nations member state has granted such recognition. This telephone conversation, described as ‘historic’ by both leaders, culminated in the signing of a ‘Mutual Declaration’ that validates the ‘Taiwanese Blueprint’ for de facto statehood. By serving as a diplomatic bridgehead since 2020, Taiwan has demonstrated that a stable, democratic Somaliland is a reliable partner, giving Israel the strategic confidence to pursue full diplomatic relations. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry embraced this bold move, framing it as a ‘major step forward’ for the emerging ‘democratic triangle‘ between Taiwan, Israel, and Somaliland, which now positions itself as a powerful new alliance for trilateral cooperation in technology, agriculture, and Red Sea security.”
Since July 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland have been two democracies that the world overlooked, yet they have taken coordinated action to establish mutual representative offices. What grew from there was a genuine partnership across healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, security, and energy sectors, which led to real progress, born from shared challenges that made both stronger. Their coast guard cooperation, which safeguards the critical Red Sea and Gulf of Aden routes, demonstrates that Israel’s partnership exemplifies democratic principles that drive tangible regional progress and enduring peace. Their achievements in stabilisation, security cooperation, and economic development prove that unrecognised democracies can deliver results where failed states falter. Somaliland demonstrates to Israel a reliable model that principled governance leads to strategic value and peace, so formal recognition is the next logical step.
Taiwan and Somaliland signed a Coast Guard Agreement targeting enhanced maritime security in the strategically vital Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, key global shipping routes. This cooperation raised Somaliland from an unrecognised territory to a demonstrated security partner capable of protecting critical international commerce lanes. The agreement directly showcased the tangible results of their five-year partnership, proving that unrecognised democracies can deliver on high-stakes maritime security.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to Hargeisa on January 6, 2026, came immediately after the world’s first recognition, which confirmed formal ties through embassy exchanges between Israel and Somaliland. Taiwan’s established five-year partnership of mutual representative offices and coast guard cooperation, which secured navigation in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden, provided a proven foundation. This incident demonstrated how unrecognised democracies like Taiwan and Somaliland deliver real stability, making Israel’s strategic embrace expected rather than risky. Minister Sa’ar’s visit marked the first official Israeli diplomatic visit since recognition; Somaliland now gains dual democratic patronage.
Taiwan’s agricultural diplomacy has demonstrably shaped Somaliland’s developmental route. The 2026-2030 Agricultural Implementing Arrangement, formalised between Taiwan’s Ambassador Allen Lou and Somaliland’s Agriculture Minister Mohamoud Ige Yusuf, strategically targeted the enhancement of the seed system and climate-resilient farming, critical interventions aligned with Somaliland’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 on Zero Hunger. This agreement established a demonstration farm that serves as a regional hub for food-security innovation. Israel saw this track record and recognised a ready partner for scaling modernisation across the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland’s development patronage has involved five years of mutual representative offices since 2020, and capacity-building for coast guard cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, ICT, and energy, which has transformed stability into capability. Israel steps forward as “the first UN member state to recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state,” making it a formal embassy commitment; Somaliland then becomes a Dual Patronage Democracy. Unrecognised states worldwide now see a viable model for breaking isolation through pragmatic partnerships. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland marks a pivotal geopolitical shift in the Horn of Africa, with far-reaching implications for regional alignment and economic transformation. By extending international legitimacy, this move could reposition Somaliland as an emerging hub for investment, infrastructure development, and strategic connectivity. Access to diplomatic recognition can act as a catalyst for economic modernisation, unlocking capital inflows, institutional partnerships, and development pathways that have long remained structurally out of reach.
From the perspective of Global Reactions and China’sConcerns, Chinese intelligence views the Israel-Taiwan-Somaliland alignment as a “coordinated challenge” that directly threatens Beijing’s One China policy and its influence in Africa. This practical cooperation among unrecognised democracies, despite diplomatic isolation, represents the scenario for authoritarian diplomacy.
During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s January 2026 visit to Ethiopia, less than two weeks after Israel’s world-first move, the visit revealed that China’s recognition of Somaliland crossed Beijing’s red line in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia reaffirms its firm commitment to the one-China principle and reiterates that there is one China in the world. Taiwan’s representative office in Somaliland immediately denied that “no country has the right to deny Taiwan’s existence“. This wasn’t a coincidence; it was the authoritarian playbook against the trilateral blueprint gaining steam.
Meanwhile, Egypt, Somalia, Djibouti, and Turkey pushed back forcefully. In a joint diplomatic objection, their foreign ministers framed Israel’s recognition as a danger that undermines Somalia’s territorial unity and risks further instability in the Horn of Africa. For neighbouring states, Somaliland’s growing international engagement is increasingly seen as a challenge to regional power balances in a strategically important area that links the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and global trade routes.
Beyond formal diplomatic protests, this backlash reflects the long-standing structural tensions of the Horn of Africa, where questions of sovereignty, borders, and regional balance remain highly sensitive. Somaliland’s neighbours primarily do not evaluate its case through the lens of democratic performance, as Wang Yi’s regular visit to Addis Ababa on January 7 underscores the “One China” policy, elections, or internal political stability. Instead, recognition is considered risky. These concerns are further exacerbated by Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, one of the world’s most vital maritime routes. Somaliland’s recognition can reasonably be framed as an acknowledgement of its sustained commitment to democratic principles and peaceful governance.
On the other hand, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which it said could create opportunities for trilateral cooperation among three “like-minded democratic partners” that share democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Building on five years of Taiwan-Somaliland achievements in healthcare, education, agriculture, ICT, security, and energy, including their coast guard agreement safeguarding Red Sea/Gulf of Aden navigation, MOFA sees tangible potential across all these areas. This unique positioning transforms diplomatic isolation into practical power, showing that unrecognised democracies build influence through results rather than recognition. Taiwan’s five-year track record gives Israel a low-risk entry point into Horn geopolitics.
In sum, Taiwan’s five-year partnership transformed Somaliland from a diplomatic outcast into a trusted partner. This made Israel’s historic recognition possible and opened the door to democratic cooperation. This model shows that unrecognised democracies can gain influence through their results. It positions Somaliland and Taiwan as key players in the Gulf of Aden and in the Red Sea. This perspective stands in contrast to China’s growing power in the Horn of Africa and to Taiwan’s allies in Somaliland.
Faisal Abdirashid Adam is a researcher who specialises in public policy, governance, and political issues in the Horn of Africa. He is currently supported by the Taiwan Fellowship and serves as a Visiting Scholar at NCCU and NTNU in Taiwan. He holds two Master’s degrees in International Relations and Diplomacy, and in Project Planning and Management, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Law, and is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) East Africa.
HARGEISA – The Chairman of Somaliland Ruling party WADDANI party has welcomed a former Deputy Minister into its ranks, in a move that bolsters the party’s political standing.
In a meeting held yesterday, the Chairman of the ruling WADDANI party, Mr. Hersi Ali X. Hassan, officially received Mr. Abdihakin Said Bustaale, a former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, who declared his formal accession to the party.
The Waddani Chairman was accompanied at the event by the party’s Deputy Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Omar X. Qbdilaahi Xamarji, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Municipal Development, along with other senior party officials.
During his address, Mr. Bustaale praised the leadership of Chairman Hersiand the efforts of the WADDANI-led government. He specifically highlighted its role in securing international recognition from the State of Israel, the ongoing rebuilding of the national armed forces, and the successful professionalization of the municipal police forces. Mr. Bustaale described these as “bold and necessary undertakings” that addressed critical national priorities.
“We have witnessed a government willing to take decisive action on issues vital to our nation,” Mr. Bustaale said. He formally committed to contributing his “strength, intellect, and energy” to the party.
In his remarks, Chairman Hersi Ali X. Hassan reaffirmed the party’s founding principles of inclusivity, unity, and national solidarity. He formally welcomed Mr. Bustaale to the party, stating that his experience would be a valuable asset.
In a separate statement, the party also extended a welcome to Mr. Abdirashid Mahmoud Ali (Riyoraac), the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, describing him as a “seasoned statesman” and a long-time colleague.
The Somaliland Ministry or Water Resources and Hargeisa Water Agency has officially announced that a number of its employees have been selected to participate in an advanced training program in Israel, focused on water science and management.
A group of experts from the agency, reportedly comprising 25 individuals, arrived in Tel Aviv today, where they were received by Israeli officials.
According to the Hargeisa Water Agency, the selected staff members bring extensive experience in critical areas of the agency’s operations and are expected to greatly benefit from the specialized training.
The agency added that the program will play a key role in strengthening and enhancing water services in Hargeisa once the staff return to Somaliland.
Israel is widely recognized as a leader in water and agricultural technology in the Middle East. Following its recognition of Somaliland late last year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to support Somaliland in these sectors.
Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, and according to President Muse Bihi Abdi, the two sides are expected to sign cooperation agreements in areas such as water management, mining, energy, and technology.
Mogadishu — A political standoff is deepening in Somalia after the Somali Future Council (Golaha Mustaqbalka Soomaaliyeed) issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the Federal Government’s approach to electoral reforms and constitutional amendments, warning that the current trajectory could lead to a “constitutional vacuum” and national division.
In a declaration published over the weekend, the Council outlined fundamental disagreements regarding the management of upcoming elections and the balance of power between the federal government and member states.
Core Disagreements on Elections and the Constitution
At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of the Federal Constitution, which currently distributes powers between the two levels of government.
According to the Council’s statement, the Federal Government is advocating for regional state elections to be conducted under an electoral law and procedures based on disputed constitutional amendments. The Council alleges that the government seeks to place regional elections under the authority of the federal electoral commission, warning that this mirrors the process used in the Banadir region last year, which the Council described as “vote stuffing.”
The statement further detailed conflicting views on the timeline for federal parliamentary elections. The Future Council proposed that a political agreement be reached by April 14th. This agreement, they argue, should establish a clear mechanism, schedule, and administration for parliamentary elections to ensure they are transparent, inclusive, and conducted within the remaining constitutional term.
In contrast, the Council claims the Federal Government wishes to limit any advisory body to offering recommendations without any decision-making authority over the electoral process.
Defending the Federal System
The Somali Future Council, which describes its primary responsibility as defending the constitution, framed the government’s stance as an attempt to centralize power in Mogadishu at the expense of the federal system.
“The Council has decided not to be a victim or sacrifice for a constitution being altered, a rigged election, and the division of the country,” the statement read. It affirmed its commitment to a “consensual, legitimate election” and accused the government of seeking to control the mechanisms, procedures, and outcomes of the vote.
Call for Dialogue and Concerns over Term Expiry
Despite the强硬 rhetoric, the Council expressed readiness for “genuine dialogue” to achieve a productive outcome. It stressed that any solution must involve regional states whose terms have expired holding elections consistent with their own constitutions and the federal framework.
A key demand is for the Federal Government to halt what the Council describes as “unilateral actions aimed at amending the constitution.”
Warning of a Power Vacuum
Concluding its statement, the Somali Future Council assured the public that it stands firm against the country falling into a constitutional vacuum. It called for national leadership willing to make compromises to preserve unity and respect the rule of law.
The disagreement highlights the ongoing tensions between Mogadishu and federal member states as Somalia navigates its complex political transition and prepares for future elections. The April 14th deadline proposed by the Council now looms as a potential inflection point in the standoff.
