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Somaliland and the World Bank Conduct Review of SERP Project Implementation and Government Financial Management Reforms

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA, June 22, 2026 (WM&HDh) – The Minister of Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, today officially opened a two-day review conference at the Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa to assess the implementation of the Public Financial Management Strengthening Project (SERP). The conference focuses on evaluating the project’s current status, progress achieved across its various components, and planning the necessary steps to ensure the project’s goals are met before its conclusion.

The Minister was joined at the opening ceremony by the Director Generals of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Accountant General of the Government. Also in attendance were senior officials from key beneficiary institutions, including the Auditor General, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, the Chairman of the Good Governance Commission, the Chairman of the National Procurement Board, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Oversight and Protection of Public Assets, the SERP Project Manager from the World Bank, and the SERP Project Coordinator for Somaliland.

The conference also includes a high-level delegation from the World Bank, who arrived in Somaliland yesterday. The delegation is led by the SERP Task Team Leader at the World Bank, Ms. May Ololia, to monitor and support the project’s implementation and the ongoing public financial management reform process.

Speakers at the opening session delivered in-depth remarks on the importance of the SERP Project in enhancing operational efficiency, accountability, and the quality of public resource management. They highlighted tangible progress made in areas such as overall public financial management, domestic revenue mobilization, civil service administration, national procurement management, and the strengthening of accountability institutions—all of which are integral components of the project.

Minister Abdillahi Hassan Adan welcomed the World Bank delegation and expressed gratitude for their continued support to Somaliland. The Minister specifically commended the additional funding and the extended timeline for the SERP Project, which, he noted, provide Somaliland with a significant opportunity to further strengthen government institutional reforms, modernize financial management systems, and improve public service delivery.

Throughout this review conference, special attention will be given to assessing the progress of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) implementation, the development of the Ministry of Finance’s Data Center, the Government Financial Management Information System (SLFMIS), the enhancement of Civil Service Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) data, and the rollout of the Government Human Resource Management System. Additionally, participants will analyze existing challenges, lessons learned, and priority actions needed to ensure the project’s objectives are achieved.

The two-day conference is expected to produce a concrete action plan and practical recommendations for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, accelerating national public financial management reforms, advancing public resource management, and sustaining the critical gains that the SERP Project has brought to government institutions.

Somaliland Parliament Rejects Presidential Amendments Over Ethiopian Power Imports

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

HARGEISA — The House of Representatives has rejected proposed amendments by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) to the Somaliland Electricity Energy Management Law (Law No. 81/2026), in a move that underscores deepening divisions over the management of the national power grid and the potential import of electricity from Ethiopia.

The President had returned the bill to parliament seeking revisions to Article 47, which originally called for the establishment of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) power company tasked with managing the national electricity transmission network. In his proposal, Mr. Cirro urged lawmakers to replace the joint-venture model with a fully state-owned enterprise, arguing that a government-run company would be better positioned to oversee the development, maintenance, and fair regulation of the grid, ensuring equitable access for all licensed power generators and distributors.

However, legislators rejected the President’s proposal and voted to retain the joint-ownership structure between the state and private sector.

The President also sought to amend Article 53, which governs the importation of electricity from foreign countries. He proposed granting exclusive authority to a state-owned national power company to handle all cross-border electricity procurement. Lawmakers again overruled him, deciding instead that the joint government-private company would be responsible for any future imports.

At the heart of the parliamentary resistance is the question of electricity sourcing from neighboring Ethiopia. Private power firms are widely believed to be advocating for the joint-company model to ensure they have a direct stake in any future power imports, should Somaliland turn to Ethiopia for supply. By rejecting the President’s amendments, the House has effectively blocked a state monopoly over such imports, preserving private sector involvement in the decision-making and procurement process.

The outcome marks a significant setback for the President’s push for greater state control over the energy sector, and sets the stage for continued debate over Somaliland’s energy security and the role of foreign power imports in meeting domestic demand.

Israel-Somaliland Pact: What Red Sea Security Means for Indian Trade

By
Goth Mohamed
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Israel and Somaliland have signed a strategic agreement, strengthening ties in the Red Sea region. For Indian investors, this development in a vital maritime trade corridor could influence shipping costs, insurance premiums, and energy import security, requiring a close watch on potential regional supply chain disruptions.

What Happened

Israel and Somaliland have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement following a high-level state visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to Jerusalem. The partnership, which includes the opening of a Somaliland embassy in West Jerusalem, focuses on security, trade, and regional strategy. This move marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations for Somaliland, a territory on the Horn of Africa that controls a vital section of the coastline overlooking the Gulf of Aden.

The Red Sea Trade Connection

The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait are among the world’s most critical maritime corridors. This region is a major artery for global shipping, facilitating a large portion of the trade between Asia and Europe. For India, this waterway is essential for the import of crude oil and the export of goods to markets in Western Asia and Europe. Any change in the security landscape or geopolitical alignment in this area directly affects the flow of goods and raw materials, making it a critical area for supply chain tracking.

Potential Impact on Indian Trade and Costs

When geopolitical tensions rise in the Red Sea, Indian companies, particularly in the shipping, logistics, and oil and gas sectors, may face indirect effects. Increased regional tension often leads to higher war-risk insurance premiums for commercial vessels passing through the region. If shipping lanes are perceived as unstable, vessels may divert routes, which increases fuel consumption and transit times, ultimately driving up freight rates. For Indian importers and exporters, these added costs can compress profit margins unless they are passed on to consumers.

Understanding the Geopolitical Risks

The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from several regional players, including the Houthis, who have warned of potential responses. For investors, the primary concern in such geopolitical developments is the risk of conflict escalation. If the region faces heightened hostility, the resulting uncertainty can cause volatility in global commodity markets, including oil prices. A spike in oil prices can impact India’s import bill and potentially influence domestic inflation trends, which are key variables for market sentiment.

What Indian Investors Can Track

Investors may keep a close watch on several factors to gauge the stability of these trade routes. Monitoring global shipping freight indices can provide early signals of rising costs in the region. Additionally, any major volatility in global crude oil prices, often triggered by Middle East and Horn of Africa tensions, remains a key variable for oil-importing economies like India. Finally, updates on maritime security in the Red Sea and any official government advisories regarding shipping lanes will be the most practical data points for companies with heavy exposure to international trade.

 

 

Why Israel is strengthening ties with Somaliland as Red Sea rivalry intensifies

By
Goth Mohamed
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World Israel and Somaliland have been officially moving towards a strategic partnership By The News Digital Published June 20, 2026

Israel accorded a state reception for Somaliland’s president in Jerusalem, bestowing a highly regarded award on the leader of a territory still unrecognized by any nation other than Israel.

Last Sunday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi made his first ever visit to a Somaliland leader, six months after Israel became the first country to formally recognize the breakaway region’s independence from Somalia.

Abdullahi told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “For 35 years we have been asking the world to see us. And Israel and you yourself were the first to see us and recognize us.”

Somaliland sits opposite the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, controlling a vast coastline along one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.

Israel, which has spent the past two years exchanging fire with Yemen’s Houthis while watching the Red Sea face frequent trade disruptions, has taken on an emerging prominence in the region.

A senior researcher at the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies, Moses Chrispus Okello said: “ Israel and Somaliland are going into the consolidation phase of this relationship and obviously the pageantry with which Cirro has been received demonstrates that.”

While the crucial decision to strengthen relationships appeared largely popular in Somaliland during an Israeli delegation’s visit for Independence Day, rumbles of discontent have been escalating since.

Somaliland’s president Netanyahu announced during a meeting with Netanyahu that the agreement marked the beginning of the most substantial phase in diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation between their nations.

Source: The News

Somaliland Parliament Votes on Presidential Amendments: NADFOR Passes, Electricity Law Rejected

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa, Somaliland – The House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland has voted on two presidential proposals regarding amendments to key national laws, resulting in a split outcome.

In the first vote, the Parliament approved the President’s proposed amendments to the National Disaster Management and Food Reserve Authority (NADFOR) Act. The motion passed with a clear majority, as 53 Members of Parliament voted in favor, with no votes against and 8 abstentions. The Speaker did not cast a vote, as is customary.

However, in a second vote, the House rejected the President’s proposed amendments to the Somaliland Electricity Energy Management Act. Only 1 MP supported the presidential proposal, while 59 voted against it and 2 abstained. The Speaker again did not participate in the vote.

As a result of the rejection, the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its previous approval of the Electricity Energy Management Act in its original form, and will resubmit the law to the President as initially passed.

Somaliland Bank and Taiwan’s CDIC Forge Historic Partnership with Deposit Insurance MOU

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa, Somaliland – June 18, 2026 , In a landmark development for Somaliland’s financial sector, the Bank of Somaliland and Taiwan’s Central Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, cementing a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening deposit insurance frameworks, enhancing financial stability, and modernizing the nation’s banking infrastructure.

The signing ceremony, held in Hargeisa, brought together senior officials from both institutions, alongside distinguished diplomatic representatives. Notable attendees included:

· Ambassador Mahmoud Adam Jama (Ambassador Gallaal) – Somaliland’s Representative to Taiwan
· Ambassador Allen Chenhwa Lou – Taiwan’s Representative to Somaliland

The event began with an opening address by CDIC Chairman Mr. Tien-Mu Huang, followed by a virtual welcome speech from the Governor of the Bank of Somaliland, Mr. Abdinasir Ahmed Hirsi, who joined remotely from Israel.

The formal signing of the MOU was executed by CDIC Chairman Mr. Tien-Mu Huang and Bank of Somaliland Governor Mr. Abdinasir Ahmed Hirsi. Governor Hirsi was represented on the ground by the Deputy Governor and Acting Governor, Mr. Hamse Abdirahman Khayre, who presided over the in-person proceedings.

Key remarks were delivered by:

· Mr. Tien-Mu Huang – Chairman, CDIC
· Mr. Abdinasir Ahmed Hirsi – Governor, Bank of Somaliland (via video link), alongside Mr. Hamse Abdirahman Khayre – Deputy Governor, Bank of Somaliland
· Ambassador Mahmoud Adam Jama – Somaliland Representative to Taiwan
· Ambassador Allen Chenhwa Lou – Taiwan Representative to Somaliland

All speakers underscored the transformative potential of the agreement. They highlighted its role in deepening bilateral cooperation, advancing public deposit protection mechanisms, building institutional capacity, and aligning Somaliland’s financial practices with global standards. The MOU is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation, transparency, and resilience within the country’s banking sector.

A New Era of Financial Cooperation

This MOU marks a pivotal milestone in Somaliland–Taiwan relations, establishing a structured framework for knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and joint initiatives in deposit insurance and financial oversight.

The partnership is projected to deliver far-reaching benefits, including:

· Strengthened public confidence in Somaliland’s financial institutions
· Enhanced protection of depositor rights and savings
· Increased attractiveness for both domestic and foreign investment
· Long-term stability and sustainability of the national financial system

As Somaliland continues its journey toward economic modernization, this agreement stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in building a secure, inclusive, and forward-looking financial landscape—one that meets the aspirations of its people and the demands of a growing economy.

Somaliland President Engages MASHAV Leadership as 25 Water Engineers Complete Israel Training

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

JERUSALEM, Israel – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), and his high-level delegation convened a strategic meeting today with senior directors of MASHAV—Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation—on the fourth day of their official state visit to Israel.

The session marked a significant milestone in bilateral technical cooperation, as the President and his entourage welcomed the second cohort of 25 Somaliland water engineers—both male and female—who have successfully undertaken an intensive training program in Israel. The curriculum, facilitated by MASHAV, focused on integrated water resource management, sustainable water governance, conservation strategies, and infrastructure development.

In his address, President Cirro lauded the ongoing efforts to elevate the technical proficiency and professional expertise of Somaliland’s specialists, reaffirming that investing in knowledge development and human capital remains a cornerstone of the nation’s long-term developmental vision. He extended personal encouragement to the engineers, commending their commitment and urging them to apply their newly acquired skills for the benefit of their communities and the country at large.

 

The President further expressed sincere appreciation to MASHAV and its dedicated personnel for their instrumental role in deepening bilateral collaboration across critical development sectors. He highlighted the agency’s contributions to technical capacity-building, institutional strengthening, and the advancement of water sciences within Somaliland’s relevant authorities.

This engagement exemplifies the deepening partnership between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel, particularly in areas of shared priority including water security, knowledge transfer, and professional development—underscoring a mutual commitment to sustainable progress and regional cooperation.

Somaliland President Holds Talks with Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister on Water Security Cooperation

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Tel Aviv – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, alongside the high-level delegation accompanying him on the fourth day of an official visit to Israel, held an important meeting today with Israel’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Mr. Eli Cohen, whose portfolio includes the Israel Water Authority.

The talks focused on how Somaliland can benefit from Israel’s advanced expertise and cutting-edge technology in water management, rainwater harvesting, modern irrigation, and addressing the challenges Somaliland faces concerning water scarcity and recurring droughts.

President Cirro and members of his delegation provided an in-depth briefing on the challenges Somaliland encounters in developing and utilizing its water resources, while exploring avenues for cooperation and strengthening water security, enhancing agricultural productivity, and building the resilience of Somaliland’s communities to adapt to and withstand the impacts of climate change.

This meeting is part of the Republic of Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to engage in international cooperation related to the management, development, and utilization of water resources and associated services—grounded in knowledge, modern technology, and investment that directly benefit the people of Somaliland.

Somaliland President Meets Israeli Defense Minister in Historic Tel Aviv Talks

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Tel Aviv, Israel – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Cirro), and the high-level delegation he is leading on the fourth day of an official visit to Israel, held a significant meeting today with Israel’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Israel Katz, along with senior accompanying officials. The talks centered on strategic matters pertaining to regional security, stability, intelligence cooperation, and the strengthening of bilateral relations.

President Cirro was accompanied in the meeting by the Minister of Defense and National Security of Somaliland, the Commander of the National Armed Forces, the Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Agency, along with other ministers and senior members of the presidential delegation.

During this historic meeting, both sides deliberated on strategic issues of particular importance to both Somaliland and Israel, notably in the fields of security, regional stability, intelligence agency collaboration, and the enhancement of bilateral ties.

Both parties affirmed the importance of cooperation built on mutual respect, shared interests, and the preservation of regional peace and security. They clearly underscored their firm commitment to strengthening the friendly relations and strategic partnership between their two countries.

This meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to establish lasting relations between the Republic of Somaliland and Israel, grounded in trust, cooperation, and a shared vision oriented toward peace, security, and development that benefits both nations.

Somaliland President Honored with Friends of Zion National Award in Jerusalem

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

 

His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), President of the Republic of Somaliland, received the prestigious Friends of Zion National Award during a gala dinner held at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem last night.

The Friends of Zion National Award is among the highest honors the State of Israel bestows upon foreign leaders who have demonstrated steadfast friendship and solidarity with the Jewish state. The accolade recognizes individuals and heads of state who hold a special place in the hearts of the Israeli people.

This distinguished international honor has previously been conferred upon a number of global figures, including former U.S. President George W. Bush, current U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, former Liberian President George Weah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, among others.

The presentation of the award to President Cirro underscores the depth and strategic significance of the burgeoning friendship and cooperative partnership between the Republic of Somaliland and Israel.

It also serves as a formal acknowledgment of Somaliland’s constructive role in promoting peace, democracy, interfaith coexistence, and regional stability. The honor further solidifies mutual trust and paves the way for expanded bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors, including diplomacy, trade, economic development, and knowledge-sharing.

This historic ceremony marks a significant milestone in elevating Somaliland’s profile and international standing on the world stage, reaffirming its growing recognition as a reliable and valued partner in the region.

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