HARGEISA | 12/07/2026 – The House of Elders (Guurti) of the Republic of Somaliland convened an extraordinary session today at its headquarters in Hargeysa to deliberate on and formally ratify the resignation of its long-serving Speaker, Hon. Saleban Mahmoud Aden, and to elect his successor.
The session was opened by Speaker Saleban Mahmoud Aden, who addressed the assembly citing persistent health challenges and fatigue as the primary reasons behind his decision to step down. He noted that he had first been elected to the Speakership on 18 August 2004 and formally submitted his resignation letter, effective today, 12 July 2026, urging the House to accept his departure.
Following the unanimous endorsement of the Speaker’s resignation, the House officially announced the three candidates contending for the leadership position:
· Representative Muse Haji Abdi Ducaale
· Representative Sahal Idle Dirir
· Sultan Ismail Sultan Abdirahman
After each candidate was given the floor to address the House, Representative Sahal Idle Dirir formally withdrew from the race. Sultan Ismail Sultan Abdirahman, in his address, initially suggested postponing the election to allow for further consultations, but subsequently announced his own withdrawal from candidacy as well.
With both contenders stepping aside, Representative Muse Haji Abdi Ducaale remained the sole candidate. The House proceeded to elect him by acclamation, with no objections registered. Representative Muse Haji Abdi Ducaale was thus officially installed as the new Speaker of the House of Elders of the Republic of Somaliland, receiving the full confidence and unanimous support of all members present at the session.
The Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean are vital waterways for the world. With the opening of the Suez Canal, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait became a substantial hub of trade connecting Asia and Europe through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is the third busiest strait in the world. Due to Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen, unresolved shipping safety issues remain.
Strange-sounding names of the Middle East are faraway but significant places. It is critical that the United States have defensive military bases there. President Donald Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth must decide where to locate new military bases.
President Jimmy Carter knew that security of the Gulf was vital to the United States. During his administration, Central Command (CENTCOM) established headquarters in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, which remain today.
Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar is the largest U.S. Military Base in the Middle East. It headquarters U.S. Central Command, USAF Central Command, No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF, and the 379th Air Force Expeditionary Wing. Qatar Emiri Air Force, United States Air Force, United Kingdom Royal Air Force, and other foreign forces host around 10,000 military personnel.
American military bases in the Middle East have been attacked during the Iran War. Iranian drones wounded Pentagon employees in Bahrain. Americans were wounded in the Iranian missile attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
The Jewish State of Israel is on the list for consideration as host to an American Military Base. There are no official U.S. military bases in Israel. However, a wide range of cooperative exercises, partnerships, and collaborations exist between the countries.
Former Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, recently wrote about the plausibility of American Bases in Israel. He asserts that it would be in America’s fundamental interests, but raises concerns about whether it is right for Israel.
Somaliland is not Somalia. Think North Korea (Somalia) and South Korea (Somaliland). Somaliland has military interest from Israel, China, Turkey, Taiwan, and possibly the United States. In 2026, Somaliland Special Forces trained in Israel. A U.S. delegation from AFRICOM has visited Somaliland monthly for the past year.
Somaliland sits on the Horn of Africa with a line of sight across to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, toward Yemen and the Houthi terrorists. The maritime corridor links the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Houthi terrorists attack ships and sometimes threaten to close the shipping corridor.
Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent nation last year. The U.S. Republican Party, Taiwan, and AIPAC welcomed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Somaliland accepted adherence to the Abraham Accords and maintains an embassy in Jerusalem.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) mediated discussions between Israel and Somaliland regarding the establishment of an Israeli military base. The UAE has offered to fund the construction. The Republic of Turkey, the People’s Republic of China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League each oppose an Israeli Military base in Somaliland.
Somaliland has existing Infrastructure on the Gulf of Aden. Under Russian control in the 1990s, a 2.6-mile runway was built at the Berbera Airport. It is able to receive heavy transport aircraft, fighter jets, and drone platforms, and new construction is underway. A deepwater commercial port was established in 2017. A naval base is run by the United Arab Emirates. A highway connecting the port and the airport goes to Ethiopia. Speculation that the Berbera Airport is being reconstructed to establish a military base that will accommodate UAE, Israel, and United States strategic forces.
Britain, France, Italy, and Egypt established stations in the Horn of Africa along their routes to India, starting in the mid-1800s. Muslim Arabs, Kenyans, and Persians were mostly pastoral nomads living in the area. Traders dealt in aromatic incense, precious gems, feathers, animal products, and slaves from Ethiopia. Somali Clans, Europeans, and Turks controlled port cities.
Richard Burton (not the famous actor) joined explorers surveying the Horn of Africa. Many surveyors were killed by Somalis. Surveys prevailed. Anglo/French/Italian Treaties were drawn up. Muslim solidarity against infidel protectorates caused uprisings, rebellions, and assassinations.
The United Nations established independence for Eritrea, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Somalia, and Somaliland in 1960. Civil war between Somalia and Somaliland has been waged since the 1960s, when each country was granted independence from Britain.
Corruption, persecutions, jailings, and torture caused the Somali government to collapse in 1991. Somaliland re-declared independence in 1991. Somali refugees fled to Europe and to the United States. They did not assimilate. 84,000 Somalis live in Minnesota and thousands upon thousands more live in many other states. A U.S. travel ban on Somali “refugees” is in effect. Somali refugee fraud is under investigation with lawsuits and frozen assets. It is believed that stolen fraudulent funds went to Somali-based jihadi terror groups.
Exotic-sounding places like Somaliland, Yemen, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Indian Ocean must not be ignored. Iran’s Houthi terrorists in Yemen have a global effect. Whether or not you can find these places on a world map, vulnerable international maritime waterways are consequential to your life.
Darlene Casella is an internationally published writer, a former English teacher, stockbroker, and owner/president of a small corporation. She is active with Republican Women, the Lincoln Club, the California Republican Party, and can be reached at darlenecasella@msn.com
HARGEISA — In a significant political development, Somaliland’s KAAH Party has formally accepted the resignations of four senior officials, including two deputy chairmen and two central committee members, effective July 11, 2026.
The move comes after the departing leaders publicly announced their withdrawal from the party, citing personal decisions to step away from their roles and discontinue their membership.
Resigning Officials
The officials whose resignations have been accepted include:
· Hon. Mohamed Jamaac Libaan – Deputy Chairman
· Hon. Mohamed Hassan Said – Deputy Chairman
· Hon. Jamaal Ali Aadan (Jaah) – Central Committee Member
· Hon. Cabdirashiid Cabdilaahi Muuse (Cagoweyne) – Central Committee Member
The acceptance also extends to all Executive Committee members, senior officials, and various officeholders who tendered their resignations.
Party Response
In a formal statement, the KAAH Party Chairman confirmed the acceptance of the resignations, expressing gratitude for the contributions of the departing leaders. The party acknowledged their “lasting legacy and enduring efforts” in building the party and guiding it toward political maturity.
While extending well-wishes for their future endeavors, the party leadership was keen to note that the departures were entirely voluntary. “The decision to leave the party did not come from our side,” the statement read, adding that the resigning members made a “conscious and valuable choice” to part ways with the party.
Political Context
The resignations mark a notable shift within KAAH, one of Somaliland’s key political associations, as the region continues to navigate evolving political dynamics ahead of future electoral cycles.
Related: This development comes amid broader political realignments in Somaliland, with parties jockeying for position ahead of upcoming polls.
HARGEISA – The Republic of Somaliland’s Ministry of Finance has postponed the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) until August 1, 2026, following extensive consultations with business leaders over concerns about the tax’s implementation and technical readiness.
The decision came after a marathon meeting between finance officials and representatives of the Somaliland business community. The GST had been scheduled to take effect on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Minister of Finance Abdullahi Hassan said the delay was prompted by the spread of inaccurate information in the market that contradicted the agreement previously reached between the government and business representatives.
“After reviewing the recommendations presented by the business committee, we realized that the information circulating in the market did not reflect what had been agreed upon. This made it necessary to allow additional time to address these concerns and finalize outstanding technical work,” Hassan told journalists in Hargeisa.
The minister commended the business community for its role in Somaliland’s development, emphasizing that traders were not adversaries of government policy but partners in nation-building.
“Businesspeople are among those who have helped build this country. They are not opposed to the government or national development—they are contributors to it. We have listened to the concerns of both the public and the business community, and we have agreed to postpone the GST implementation until August 1, 2026, to resolve all technical issues,” he added.
Jamal Aideed, Chairman of the Somaliland Chamber of Commerce, confirmed that business leaders had formally requested the postponement to allow for more preparation time.
Aideed noted that confusion had arisen from incorrect information in the marketplace and affirmed that the tax would now be introduced on August 1, 2026.
“Following detailed discussions and analysis, both sides reached a common understanding. The GST sales tax proposal has been significantly revised from its original version, and we have agreed on the adjusted framework,” Aideed said.
“We requested the government to postpone the GST implementation, which was originally set for July 11, and the new date is now August 1.”
Both the government and business representatives stated that the postponement period would be used to complete technical preparations, enhance public communication, and ensure a smoother and more effective introduction of the GST system.
Nairobi – A high-level delegation comprising officials from the Supreme Court of the Republic of Somaliland, judicial institutions, and civil society organizations has traveled to Kenya for a working visit and knowledge-sharing mission. During their stay, the delegation has held meetings with Kenyan judicial bodies, the Law Society of Kenya, UNDP Kenya, and various civil society organizations.
The discussions focused on strengthening access to justice and the rule of law. Key areas of deliberation included Kenya’s judicial system, dispute resolution mechanisms, Small Claims Courts, Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), the role of legal practitioners, legislative processes, and the provision of paralegal services.
As part of the visit, the delegation also toured the Kenya School of Law, where they were briefed on the institution’s operations and its pivotal role in training legal professionals. School officials explained that anyone seeking to work within the judiciary or in legal professions requiring professional certification must graduate from the Kenya School of Law to be duly qualified for such roles.
This visit forms part of ongoing efforts to exchange expertise and learn best practices aimed at advancing judicial reforms and reinforcing the rule of law in the Republic of Somaliland.
HARGEISA – The Speaker of Somaliland’s House of Elders (Guurti), Salebaan Mahmouud Adan, 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 (Irro) 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, Salebaan 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.
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Central Headquarters of the ruling WADDANI Party was today the venue for a high-level consultative meeting aimed at reinforcing synergy between the party and the government. The session brought together senior cabinet members and the party’s newly constituted sectoral committees to enhance collaborative governance and accelerate public service delivery.
The meeting was chaired by the WADDANI Party Chairman, Mr. Hirsi Ali H. Hassan. In attendance were the Ministers of Health Development, Labour and Social Affairs, alongside the Deputy Minister of Education and Science. They were joined by the party’s recently appointed committees for the health, labour, social affairs, and education portfolios—committees which the Chairman had formally inaugurated in the recent past.
Designed as both an introductory and coordination forum, the meeting sought to establish a robust working relationship between the ministers and their respective committees. The newly formed bodies are expected to serve as strategic partners, providing technical and advisory support to the ministries in the execution of their expansive national mandates.
Chairman Hirsi Ali H. Hassan underscored the importance of seamless collaboration, expressing his optimism that the committees would play an instrumental role in advancing the ministries’ policy objectives and developmental goals. He called for a united approach, emphasizing that teamwork and shared vision are essential to delivering meaningful outcomes for the people of Somaliland.
“This gathering reflects our commitment to bridging institutional efforts,” the Chairman noted. “I look forward to a productive partnership in which these committees contribute decisively to the successes of their respective ministries.”
The discussions also centered on deepening the alignment between the WADDANI Party’s political vision and the government’s executive agenda. Participants reaffirmed their shared resolve to prioritize citizens’ welfare, particularly in the critical sectors of health, education, and social protection.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge to maintain open channels of communication and to work in close coordination, ensuring that government services are both responsive and impactful for all communities across the Republic of Somaliland.
Hargeisa – As the political landscape in Somaliland shifts ahead of Sunday’s expected resignation of current Guurti (Upper House) Speaker Saleebaan, legislator Musa Haji Abdi Ducaale is being widely cited as the clearest and most viable candidate to succeed him.
According to informed sources, Ducaale has consolidated formidable backing from his home constituency, where clan elders, community leaders, and local representatives have united in their support for his bid. This groundswell of regional endorsement is said to have been instrumental in swaying President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” to acquiesce to the candidacy, effectively agreeing that the speakership should remain within Ducaale’s native region as a matter of political consensus and regional representation.
Political observers note that Ducaale’s rise reflects a broader understanding within Somaliland’s power-sharing framework—where clan balance and regional equity often guide senior appointments. His long-standing legislative experience and reputation for measured diplomacy have further bolstered his appeal across party lines.
The impending vacancy follows Speaker Saleebaan’s decision to step down, a move that has triggered intense behind-the-scenes consultations among ruling party officials, opposition figures, and traditional elders. While other names have been floated, Ducaale’s camp projects quiet confidence, pointing to the president’s apparent acceptance as a decisive signal that the transition will proceed smoothly.
If confirmed, Ducaale would assume leadership of the Guurti at a critical juncture, as Somaliland continues to navigate domestic governance challenges and its longstanding pursuit of international recognition. His first tasks would likely include steering legislative oversight on national budget matters and mediating between the executive and lower house on contentious policy issues.
Official announcements regarding the succession are expected in the coming days, with all eyes on the presidential palace and the parliamentary caucus as they finalize the necessary procedural steps.
Mogadishu, July 10, 2026 – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today presided over the graduation and commissioning ceremony for a cohort of officers and deputy officers who have successfully completed a one-year intensive military training program at the TURKSOM Training Academy.
During the ceremony, President Mohamud reviewed a combined military parade featuring the graduating officers, their deputies, and the commanding cadres who oversaw their training. In his address, he commended the graduates for their discipline, resilience, and professionalism throughout the program, describing them as the future leaders of the Somali National Army. He called upon them to serve their nation with unwavering integrity, competence, and a steadfast sense of patriotic duty.
The President reaffirmed that the Federal Government of Somalia remains firmly committed to the reconstruction, modernization, and capacity-building of the national armed forces. He stressed that these efforts are essential to ensuring the army possesses the operational capability and technical expertise required to safeguard national security, protect the country’s territorial integrity, and decisively counter extremist elements.
President Hassan Sheikh also extended his profound appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye for its continued and steadfast support in strengthening Somali military institutions. He noted that Türkiye’s contribution has been instrumental in developing a professional, skilled, and effective national army capable of meeting Somalia’s sovereign defense obligations.
The study argues that the fundamental difference lies in the sequencing of peacebuilding and state-building. According to the research, Somaliland first pursued locally led reconciliation through traditional elders, clan conferences, and community-based political settlements before constructing formal state institutions. This bottom-up approach fostered trust, legitimacy, and relatively stable democratic governance.
In contrast, Somalia’s post-1991 reconstruction
relied heavily on externally driven state-building efforts while unresolved political conflicts and elite rivalries persisted. The study contends that this approach contributed to institutional fragility, recurring instability, and weak governance despite decades of international support.
Drawing on collective action theory and the work of Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom and political economist William D. Ferguson, the research concludes that sustainable governance depends on local ownership, inclusive political settlements, and institutions built upon social consensus rather than externally imposed frameworks.
The study concludes that lasting peace should precede state-building, arguing that Somaliland’s experience demonstrates how grassroots reconciliation and locally negotiated governance can provide a stronger foundation for long-term stability than externally designed political institutions. The findings contribute to broader debates on post-conflict reconstruction and offer lessons for fragile states around the world.
Read the full study:Peacebuilding vs. State-Building: Collective Action and Divergent Paths in Somaliland and Somalia
About the Author Dr. Jamal Ali Hussein is a scholar, Somaliland political leader, and former senior international banking executive.
