By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Diaspora Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation convened a consultative meeting on Thursday, 29th May 2025, at Hargeisa’s Ali Jirde Hall. The session brought together selected leaders of Somaliland diaspora communities from various nations who are currently visiting or have permanently repatriated to the homeland.
The primary objectives were to present operational programs and planned activities for diaspora services and community engagement, and to solicit feedback from attendees. These initiatives align with the Ministry’s Foreign Affairs Strategy and the government’s “Unity & Action” policy championed by H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Key Announcements by Director Ugbaad Naasir Cumar:
1. National Diaspora Policy: The administration has finalized the National Diaspora Policy during its short tenure, slated for imminent launch. This policy accelerates efforts to enhance diaspora engagement and community ties. It will significantly improve departmental efficiency, stakeholder coordination, and community organization to deliver measurable outcomes.
2. Airport Welcome Desk: A dedicated Diaspora Welcome Desk has been established at Egal International Airport.
3. Diaspora Week Transformation: The 6th Annual Somaliland Diaspora Conference will be expanded into “Somaliland Diaspora Week” (27–31 July 2025), featuring diverse programs to deepen diaspora participation in national development.
https://we.tl/t-0WXnaGmtjP
Diaspora Representatives’ Contributions:
Attendees from the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Yemen, and other countries—including formally repatriated professionals—unanimously emphasized the diaspora’s critical role in Somaliland’s economy and nation-building. They highlighted persistent challenges in financing investments and development participation, urging collaborative solutions to strengthen diaspora involvement and homeland connectivity.
Call for Diaspora Trust Fund:
Participants strongly endorsed the proposed framework for the Somaliland Diaspora Trust Fund, urging the Ministry to expedite its launch and operationalization. They emphasized its necessity as a structured mechanism to consolidate and streamline diaspora financial contributions to national development.
