Mogadishu, February 22, 2026 – In a strongly worded address last night, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni questioned the legitimacy of the ongoing federal constitution review process, suggesting the proposed amendments are tailored to serve the personal interests of Somalia’s top two leaders, not the Somali people.
Speaking at a community engagement event in Mogadishu, President Deni specifically named President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Parliament Speaker Adan Madoobe, asserting they are the primary beneficiaries of the constitutional changes being pushed forward. “I am aware that this constitution serves Hassan Sheikh and Adan Madoobe. I do not know who else it is meant for,” he stated firmly, insisting that all parties must continue to adhere to previous agreements until a broad-based consensus is achieved.
The Puntland leader issued a stark warning that any unilateral action taken without inclusive consultation risks undermining national unity and stability. He reiterated his commitment to federalism, emphasizing that its success hinges on mutual agreement and shared decision-making.
During his remarks, President Deni commended the Mustaqbal Council for its efforts in steering the country toward peace and stability. “Those who are steering us away from war and destruction are the Mustaqbal Council,” he said, expressing confidence that a successful outcome from the ongoing dialogue would represent a collective victory for all sides.
While voicing hope that the current negotiations could lead to a breakthrough in stabilizing the nation, Deni stressed that Somalia’s future ultimately depends on genuine dialogue and consensus. His comments come at a critical juncture, as talks between the Federal Government and the Mustaqbal Council continue in Mogadishu. With no agreement yet in sight and growing concerns over a potential deadlock, the path forward remains uncertain.
Somaliland Offers US Exclusive Mineral Access and Military Bases
Sunday, February 22, 2026 – Somaliland has signaled its readiness to forge a strategic pact with the United States, offering exclusive rights to its mineral wealth and the use of military bases along the Gulf of Aden, according to a senior official.
Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s Presidential Communications Minister, confirmed the region’s interest in a formal agreement with Washington in an interview with AFP. “We are prepared to grant the United States exclusive access to our mineral resources. Furthermore, we are open to providing military bases,” Minister Abdi stated.
He expressed strong optimism about the potential for successful negotiations, telling AFP, “We are confident that we can reach an agreement with the United States.”
The minister also left the door open for potential security cooperation with Israel, particularly regarding the strategic port of Berbera. This follows recent announcements by Somaliland’s president regarding ongoing discussions with Israel concerning technology and mineral sector agreements.
The AFP report notes that while Somaliland officials assert their territory is rich in valuable minerals like lithium and coltan, these claims have yet to be independently verified.
This diplomatic push comes as Somaliland intensifies its campaign for international recognition. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Aden has garnered increased attention, particularly after Israel voiced support for Somaliland’s sovereignty this past December.
The Somali federal government has firmly rejected any potential deal between Somaliland and a foreign nation, reiterating its stance that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia’s territory.
MOGADISHU, Somalia – High-stakes talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, his administration, and the Somali Future Forum concluded without a breakthrough on Sunday, deepening political uncertainty over the country’s electoral roadmap.
The meeting, which commenced at 11:00 a.m. at the Villa Somalia presidential palace, was highly anticipated after several postponements. Although it began cordially, discussions quickly deteriorated into a tense standoff over the framework for federal and regional state elections.
According to sources familiar with the talks, President Mohamud took a firm stance, asserting that federal elections cannot be on the agenda until local council polls are conducted. He also reportedly dismissed any discussion regarding the electoral processes in the Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West states during the session.
Following a brief recess, the gathering reconvened but failed to bridge the widening gap between the two sides. The meeting officially adjourned around 4:00 p.m. with no tangible progress or signed communique.
Members of the Somali Future Forum have since withdrawn for internal consultations to determine their next political steps. An official statement from the opposition group outlining its position is expected in the coming hours.
The presidential administration has yet to release a detailed readout of the meeting, signaling the deep divisions that remain. The failure of the talks is likely to intensify political jockeying, with both sides expected to trade blame for the impasse.
The outcome is a significant blow to public and international hopes that the dialogue could ease escalating political tensions and provide clarity on the nation’s contested electoral future.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s official visit to Ethiopia due next week carries implications far beyond a routine diplomatic engagement. The composition of his delegation—including the Foreign Minister and heads of intelligence agencies—underscores that the agenda encompasses sensitive security coordination and strategic realignments with profound regional consequences.
The Geopolitical Landscape
The Israel-Turkey Rivalry Intensifies: Herzog’s arrival in Addis Ababa concurrent with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s presence reflects an overt competition for influence. Turkey has consistently championed Somalia’s territorial integrity, while Israel’s strategic calculus increasingly recognizes Somaliland as a distinct and reliable partner.
The Recognition Question: Should Herzog encourage Ethiopian recognition of Somaliland during this visit, it would transform the Memorandum of Understanding between Muse Bihi and Abiy Ahmed from a symbolic gesture into a concrete diplomatic initiative with implementation timelines.
Davos as Precursor: The recent Herzog-Irro meeting in Davos now appears as deliberate groundwork—establishing personal rapport and policy alignment before this high-stakes Ethiopia engagement.
Strategic Analysis
The Red Sea Security Architecture
The Bab el-Mandeb corridor represents one of the world’s most strategically contested waterways. Ethiopian maritime access through Somaliland—particularly with Israeli involvement—would fundamentally reconfigure regional power dynamics:
· Strategic Transformation: Ethiopia’s evolution from landlocked state to maritime stakeholder alters the security calculus for every Red Sea littoral state, introducing new alliances and potential flashpoints.
· Israeli Monitoring Capability: Access to Somaliland’s coastline provides Israel with forward positioning to monitor Iranian maritime activity and the operations of Tehran-aligned proxies operating in the region.
· Militarization Risk: Somaliland’s strategic real estate attracts competing interests, potentially transforming it from a stability island into an arena for proxy competition.
2. The Somaliland Opportunity
For Somaliland, this realignment presents a historic window to translate strategic relevance into tangible diplomatic and economic gains:
· Recognition Pathway: Ethiopian recognition—particularly with Israeli endorsement—would shatter the diplomatic status quo. As a founding AU member and regional heavyweight, Ethiopia’s formal recognition could catalyze a cascade of similar decisions across Africa and beyond.
· Economic Transformation: Full activation of the Berbera corridor would connect Ethiopia’s 120 million consumers to global markets while generating sustainable revenue streams for Somaliland’s development priorities.
· Israeli Partnership: Direct engagement with Israel offers access to advanced capabilities in security cooperation, agricultural technology, water resource management, and cybersecurity—sectors where Somaliland seeks rapid development.
· Diplomatic Irreversibility: Hosting international partners creates vested interests in Somaliland’s stability, compelling the international community to engage Hargeisa as a necessary partner rather than a diplomatic abstraction.
· Strategic Autonomy: Balancing relationships with Ethiopia, Israel, the UAE, and potentially others strengthens Somaliland’s bargaining position and reduces dependence on any single patron.
Regional Reactions and Risks
Egyptian Opposition: Cairo views this alignment with deep alarm. Already locked in the Renaissance Dam dispute with Ethiopia, Egypt would interpret Israeli-backed Ethiopian maritime access as a two-front strategic challenge, likely intensifying security cooperation with Mogadishu.
Gulf Divergence:
· The UAE, with substantial investments in Berbera and established relationships in both Addis Ababa and Hargeisa, is positioned to accommodate or quietly facilitate the emerging arrangement.
· Saudi Arabia, asserting Red Sea stewardship, may view an Israel-Ethiopia entente as complicating its regional leadership aspirations.
Conclusion: Navigating the Currents
The Horn of Africa stands at a inflection point. For Somaliland, these dangerous currents carry unprecedented opportunity—the possibility of transforming three decades of self-governance into formal recognition and sustainable prosperity. Ethiopia’s forthcoming decisions will ripple far beyond its borders, potentially redrawing the region’s political map. Whether Somaliland emerges as a beneficiary or a battleground depends on leadership that can balance ambition with prudence, leveraging strategic relevance without becoming ensnared in rivalries beyond its control. The coming weeks will reveal whether this moment becomes a breakthrough or a mirage.
Jama Ayaanle Feyte is Somaliland Born Journalist and Horn of Africa Political Analyst
Hargeisa, Somaliland –The Founder and Managing Partner of Shield Law Firm, Lawyer Mubarak Abdi Ismail, has received a prestigious Appreciation Award at a high-level ceremony held at Damal Hotel in Hargeisa.
The award was presented in the presence of the Governor of the Somaliland Central Bank and the Minister of Trade and Tourism, Hon. Abdirahman Hassan Nur, recognizing Lawyer Mubarak’s outstanding contribution to the drafting, editing, and finalization of the Collateral Law of Banks and Financial Institutions Law No. 110/2026.
This landmark legislation is widely regarded as a major reform in Somaliland’s financial sector. The law strengthens legal protection for banks and financial institutions, minimizes lending risks, and provides structured safeguards against borrower default. It establishes a clearer collateral framework, enhancing confidence in the banking system and supporting economic growth.
During his tenure as Legal Advisor to the Somaliland House of Representatives and Special Counsel to the Budget and Commercial Committee, Lawyer Mubarak played a central role in shaping the bill. His technical expertise and persistent advocacy were instrumental in ensuring the law was thoroughly reviewed, refined, and successfully enacted within one year.
Furthermore, the Speaker of the Somaliland House of Representatives, H.E. Yasin Haji Mohamoud Faratoon, appointed him as Legal Counsel to the ad-hoc committee responsible for overseeing the bill’s legislative process.
Colleagues and officials at the ceremony praised Lawyer Mubarak’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening Somaliland’s legal and financial framework. His contribution marks a significant milestone in the modernization of financial regulation in Somaliland.
Shield Law Firm congratulates its Founder and Managing Partner on this well-deserved national recognition and reaffirms its commitment to excellence, integrity, and leadership in legal reform.
Regional Reality or Political Hypocrisy: Erdoğan’s Double Standard on Somaliland Recognition
Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims around the world as we begin this blessed month of reflection, justice and truth.
Today, the President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Addis Ababa and held talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. During their joint press conference, President Erdoğan condemned the Israeli recognition of Somaliland, arguing that foreign interference in the Horn of Africa would worsen political tensions. His remarks demand serious scrutiny.
There is a striking contradiction in Turkey’s position. For years, Turkey has maintained its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu. It trains and equips Somali forces and plays a central role in Somalia’s security and political landscape. This is not a marginal presence. It is deep strategic involvement in the affairs of the Horn of Africa.
For Ankara to warn others about foreign interference while maintaining such a footprint in Somalia raises obvious questions. When Turkey expands its military and political influence, it is described as cooperation and partnership. When another country considers recognising Somaliland, it is labelled destabilising interference. This inconsistency undermines the credibility of Turkey’s argument.
Recognition of a state is a sovereign decision. It is a fundamental aspect of international relations. No country has the authority to dictate to another whom it may or may not recognise. If Ethiopia chooses to recognise Somaliland, that decision would fall within its sovereign rights. Turkey itself recognises states based on its own national interests and strategic calculations. It cannot deny Ethiopia the same right without applying a double standard.
Somaliland has maintained relative stability for more than three decades. It has held elections, built functioning institutions and maintained control over its territory. Its political trajectory since 1991 has been markedly different from the so called Somalia. Whether one agrees with recognition or not, it is undeniable that Somaliland has operated as a self governing political entity for over thirty years. Recognition would not create a new reality. It would acknowledge an existing one.
Turkey’s position also overlooks Ethiopia’s strategic considerations. Ethiopia is a large and influential state in the region with its own security and economic priorities. Decisions about diplomatic recognition are shaped by national interests, regional stability and long term strategic planning. They are not subject to approval from Ankara or any other capital.
If Turkey truly believes in respect for sovereignty and non interference, then it must apply that principle consistently. Sovereignty cannot be defended in one context and dismissed in another. A credible foreign policy requires coherence between words and actions.
To President Erdogan, as Ramadan begins, a time traditionally associated with reflection and accountability, political leaders would do well to consider the importance of consistency and fairness in their public positions. The Horn of Africa deserves stability, mutual respect and honest diplomacy, not selective arguments that shift depending on strategic convenience.
Recognition is not an act of aggression. It is a sovereign political choice. And sovereign choices belong to sovereign nations.
Author:
Mohammed Abdi Hassan
Founder, Somaliland Institute of Security and International Contact (HALBEEG)
Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland | 18 February 2026 – The Government of the Republic of Somaliland strongly condemns the recent remarks made by the President of the Republic of Türkiye. These statements constitute unacceptable interference in our national sovereignty and are clearly aimed at discouraging the development of constructive relations between Somaliland and our regional partners.
The Republic of Somaliland asserts that the foreign policy decisions of states in the Horn of Africa must be determined exclusively by the region’s own governments and peoples. It is imperative that external rivalries are not extended into our region in ways that risk undermining our shared stability and cooperation.
Elaboration on Turkish Interference in Somaliland’s Sovereignty
The recent remarks by the President of Türkiye constitute a multi-faceted act of interference in the internal and external affairs of the Republic of Somaliland. This interference is not merely a diplomatic disagreement; it is a direct challenge to Somaliland’s sovereign rights and a threat to the stability of the Horn of Africa region. The condemnation by the Somaliland government is rooted in the following key aspects:
Discouraging Bilateral and Regional Relations
The core of Somaliland’s foreign policy is to build peaceful and cooperative relationships with regional and international partners. The Turkish President’s statements are specifically designed to undermine this sovereign right by actively discouraging other states from engaging with Somaliland. This constitutes interference by:
· Attempting to Isolate Somaliland: By pressuring regional partners to avoid relations with Somaliland, Türkiye is attempting to dictate who Somaliland can and cannot engage with, treating the nation not as an independent actor but as a subject of external control.
· Suppressing Sovereign Decision-Making: Türkiye’s actions directly violate the principle that foreign policy decisions must be made by the region’s own peoples by trying to coerce regional partners into making decisions that align with Ankara’s interests, rather than their own or the interests of regional stability.
Projecting External Rivalries into the Horn of Africa
Somaliland’s statement warns against extending “external rivalries” into the region. This highlights how Türkiye is using its stance on Somaliland as a proxy for its own geopolitical ambitions, separate from the realities and needs of the Horn of Africa. This interference manifests as:
· Using Somaliland as a Geopolitical Pawn: Türkiye’s remarks are not made in the interest of regional peace but are a reflection of its broader strategic competition with other nations that have growing ties with Somaliland. By attacking Somaliland’s outreach, Türkiye is prioritizing its own rivalries over the region’s right to peaceful cooperation.
· Importing Conflict: This action risks importing tensions that do not originate in the Horn of Africa, thereby destabilizing a region that is actively working towards greater cooperation and mutual understanding.
Undermining Regional Stability and Cooperation
Such interference risks undermining stability and cooperation, suggesting that Türkiye’s actions have tangible negative consequences:
· Creating Division: By attempting to drive a wedge between Somaliland and its partners, Türkiye is fostering division rather than unity. This directly undermines the collective effort required to address common regional challenges like security, economic development, and counter-terrorism.
· Inflaming Tensions: The Turkish President’s remarks are perceived not as neutral or constructive, but as inflammatory and provocative, capable of escalating disputes and disrupting the peaceful diplomatic environment Somaliland seeks to foster.
Violation of Fundamental International Norms
Finally, the interference is framed as a breach of the foundational principles that govern relations between states:
· Non-Interference: This is the most direct violation. Türkiye is interfering in Somaliland’s pursuit of its national interest and its right to conduct foreign policy.
· Sovereign Decision-Making: By attacking Somaliland’s outreach and pursuit of recognition, Türkiye is challenging the very essence of Somaliland’s sovereignty—the right of its people and government to determine their own international status and future through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means.
Conclusion and Demand
We call on Türkiye to immediately refrain from taking positions that inflame regional tensions. We demand that they uphold the fundamental principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for the sovereign decision-making of all nations.
Somaliland’s outreach to regional and international partners, as well as our peaceful pursuit of recognition, remain lawful and are firmly grounded in the democratic aspirations of our people. No external statement will deter us from this path.
Berbera – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), today officially inaugurated the Berbera Power Expansion Project. This strategic project significantly enhances energy services and economic growth throughout the Sahil region, particularly in the city of Berbera.
The Berbera Power Expansion Project (5WP PV Solar and 33KV Power Transmission Line spanning 11.2 km) formally fulfills the President’s commitment to providing the people of Berbera with affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity. The project is designed to meet the growing demand in Berbera, which serves as a commercial hub for the nation.
The President emphasized that reliable electricity is the backbone of investment, industrial development, social services, and job creation.
This project is a key component of the government’s comprehensive plan to strengthen economic infrastructure across the country, with a particular focus on strategic cities, in order to accelerate economic growth and sustainable development.
The inauguration ceremony of the Berbera Power Expansion Project (5WP PV Solar and 33KV Power Transmission Line (11.2 km)) symbolizes a President whose vision is rooted in unity and action, demonstrating both capability and dedication to the nation’s progress.
Berbera – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), today paid a working visit to the city of Berbera, where he officially inaugurated a series of development projects set to significantly enhance the city’s growth, aesthetic appeal, public services, and economic prosperity.
During his visit, the President first cut the ribbon on several new roads constructed throughout Berbera. These vital arteries are expected to ease transportation, stimulate commercial activity, and improve connectivity between the city’s various districts.
President Cirro also officially opened Cigaal Park, a modern recreational space designed for community gatherings and leisure. This new landmark contributes to the city’s beautification and provides a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors, fostering an improved quality of life and tourism potential.
In a further boost to local governance, the President inaugurated the new headquarters for the Berbera Local Government. This contemporary administrative facility is set to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, marking a significant step forward in institutional capacity building and good governance at the district level.
All these projects, successfully implemented by the Berbera Local Government, underscore the district administration’s capability and commitment to sustainable development. They also stand as a testament to the productive collaboration between the central government and local authorities.
Concluding his visit, President Cirro praised the Berbera District Administration for its dedication to improving community services, particularly in the education and health sectors. He lauded their efforts and reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to doubling its support for the development of economic infrastructure and public services across all regions of the country.
There are several countries that have expressed different approaches to Somaliland’s quest for statehood and recognition on the global stage. The nation’s most notable in this context include Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
Djibouti:
This small, strategically located country, which shares a border with Somaliland, has a particularly adversarial stance toward Somaliland’s aspirations for independence. Djibouti’s government has consistently articulated its position at various international meetings and forums, emphatically asserting that Somaliland cannot be recognized as an independent entity and must be regarded as part of Somalia. The root of Djibouti’s opposition appears to stem from economic considerations. Specifically, the Berbera Port in Somaliland holds significant potential for trade, especially for Ethiopia, which relies heavily on access to ports for its imports and exports. Djibouti fears that recognizing Somaliland could undermine its own strategic position and economic benefits derived from being a transit hub for Ethiopian trade. President Ismail Guelleh of Djibouti has been notably candid about his stance, famously declaring in an interview, “I would be the last one to support recognition of Somaliland if all 193 countries in the world were to do so.” His remarks highlight that his opposition is not merely a matter of political rivalry but is intricately linked to the broader economic interests and geopolitical dynamics of the region.
Through this lens, Djibouti’s rejection of Somaliland’s statehood is rooted in a complex interplay of strategic concerns, economic competition, and regional stability, making it a key player in the discourse surrounding Somaliland’s future.
Ethiopia and Kenya
The two countries appear to support Somaliland’s quest for international recognition, although they seem to be biding their time before taking a more definitive stance. Both nations oppose the union between British Somaliland and Italian Somalia that took place in 1960. They advocate for the notion that Somaliland and Somalia should exist as distinct and separate entities rather than as a unified state. This perspective reflects their belief that a divided approach would better serve the interests and identities of the people in both regions.
The late former President of Kenya, Daniel arap Moi, was very clear and firm in his stance against the idea of a “Greater Somalia” a pan-Somali nationalist project aimed at unifying all Somali-inhabited regions in the Horn of Africa, including parts of Ethiopia (the Somali Region), Kenya (North Eastern Province), and Djibouti, alongside Somalia.
During his presidency, Moi aligned closely with Ethiopia, especially under Mengistu Haile Mariam, to counteract Somali expansionism promoted under Siad Barre’s regime in Somalia. Both Kenya and Ethiopia viewed the Greater Somalia ambition as a direct threat to their territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The Villa-Somalia Perspective
The situation surrounding the Federal Republic of Somalia has been complicated and fraught with challenges since its inception. While the aspiration for a unified nation known as Somalia persists, this ideal lacks a solid foundation in contemporary realities. The historical context of the failed union in 1960 serves as a reminder of the difficulties that have plagued the region; it is a chapter of history that cannot simply be revived.
In contrast, Somaliland restated its independence from Somalia in 1991, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Since then, Somaliland has made significant strides in establishing a stable government and implementing a unique democratic system that sets it apart from the chaos that has characterized much of Somalia over the past 34 years. This contrast highlights the successes of Somaliland in creating a peaceful and functioning state, in stark contrast to the ongoing turmoil faced by the Villa- Somalia government .
In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, claimed that several countries in the Horn of Africa and the wider East African region are preparing to follow Israel in extending formal recognition to Somaliland.
The Somali president framed this development as a serious threat to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that such recognition would undermine regional unity and destabilize the Horn of Africa. He emphasized the need for dialogue and collective regional engagement to counter what he described as a growing diplomatic challenge.
However, these remarks also reflect a deep anxiety within Mogadishu over shifting geopolitical realities. Republic of Somaliland’s sustained record of relative peace, functional governance, democratic processes, and effective territorial control stands in stark contrast to Somalia’s prolonged state fragility. As a result, Somaliland’s case for recognition is increasingly being discussed not as a political anomaly, but as a pragmatic response to facts on the ground.
All in all
The diverse responses from these countries highlight the intricate geopolitical dynamics that influence Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition and statehood. Each nation’s stance is shaped by its own strategic interests, historical ties, and regional considerations, reflecting the broader complexities of international politics. As Somaliland navigates its identity and aspirations on the global stage, it becomes evident that a more nuanced and comprehensive dialogue is essential. This dialogue must address not only the legal and political aspects of its status but also the implications for regional stability, economic development, and diplomatic relations with other states. Engaging in such conversations can encourage a better understanding of Somaliland’s unique situation and contribute to more constructive international engagement.
About the AuthorEngineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a senior consultant. He has also studied international diplomacy and is a political analyst and writer known for his detailed commentary on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations. He has published numerous articles analyzing current policies in the region and is a strong supporter of the cause of the Republic of Somaliland.Related Topics Somaliland
