By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, through its Diaspora Department, has officially launched an online platform dedicated to registering and managing the data of Somaliland citizens living abroad. The launch marks a historic milestone, being the first centralized digital system of its kind implemented in 35 years.
Officials stated that the new website is designed to bridge the communication gap between the government and its citizens abroad, providing a formal channel for data collection and service delivery.
Speaking at the launch event in Hargeisa, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. “This platform addresses a long-standing need and represents a significant achievement for our nation,” he said. “It will play a crucial role in connecting the diaspora with the ministry, strengthening cooperation, and facilitating access to government services and information. Furthermore, it will enable us to conduct a proper census of Somalilanders abroad.”
Ugbaad Nasir, the Director of the Diaspora Department, explained that the website is a comprehensive resource for citizens overseas. “This platform is a central hub where our diaspora can access accurate information from various ministries and learn about the services available to them, simplifying the process of obtaining the assistance they need,” Ms. Nasir stated. She officially invited all members of the diaspora to begin registering on the site immediately.
The initiative was praised by other government bodies for its potential to boost national development. The Director General of the Ministry of Investment and Industrial Development noted that the portal would provide reliable investment data, encouraging the diaspora to contribute to Somaliland’s economic growth. Similarly, the Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness and Food Reserve Agency, Abdirahman Mohamed Ismail (Dixood), highlighted its utility in crisis response. “This platform will allow us to share real-time information on droughts and other disasters, enabling the diaspora to effectively participate in humanitarian relief efforts for their homeland,” he said.
Reactions from the diaspora community were overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Mohamed Caydiid Cilmi, a Somalilander residing in Finland, hailed the move as a “long-overdue step forward,” expressing his satisfaction with the improved access to government services. The Vice Chairman of the Somaliland community in Denmark, Hassan Omar, echoed this sentiment, describing the launch as a timely development that meets a critical need.
In his closing remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, underscored the profound role of the diaspora in the nation’s history. “Our diaspora have been the backbone of our country, particularly during our struggle for recognition and our national campaigns,” Minister Adan stated. “To honor that partnership and build a deeper, more structured relationship, this website has been created. It is a tool to keep them informed and connected to the homeland they have given so much to support.” The Minister concluded by commending the Diaspora Department for their extensive work in bringing the project to fruition.
