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Jama Feyte– Voted Somalia’s Most Fearless Investigative Journalist

By
Goth Mohamed
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The Unflinching Truth: Jama Feyte, Somalia’s Guardian of Accountability
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‎Mogadishu – In Somalia, a nation navigating the precarious path between fragility and resilience, journalism is more than a profession—it is an act of defiance. Here, where power often operates in the shadows, one voice has risen with unwavering clarity and courage: Jama Feyte. Founder of the groundbreaking SahanPost Media and recently honored as Investigative Journalist of the Year 2025 by Somali media unions, Feyte has forged a new standard for accountability. His work, respected globally, stands as a formidable bulwark against corruption, human rights abuses, and extremism, pursued relentlessly in the face of grave personal risk.
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‎The SahanPost Mandate: Forging a New Journalism
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‎Jama Feyte’s legacy is inextricably linked to SahanPost. More than just a media outlet, SahanPost was conceived as a necessary corrective—an independent platform dedicated to evidence-based inquiry in a landscape often fractured by clan allegiance and intimidation. Under Feyte’s leadership, it became a digital citadel for forensic journalism. His investigations are hallmarks of meticulous rigor, built on a foundation of leaked documents, protected whistleblower accounts, and painstakingly cross-referenced data, rendering his reports unignorable and incontrovertible.
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‎The Front Lines of Reporting: Exposing the Unspeakable
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‎Feyte’s journalism is distinguished by its fearless scope, confronting the most powerful and dangerous entities in Somalia.
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‎1. Systemic Corruption Unmasked: His most resonant work lies in tracing the embezzlement of public funds. Feyte’s exposés have laid bare intricate networks of graft within government ministries, meticulously documenting how millions destined for security, healthcare, and development are diverted. These reports have not only ignited public fury but have also compelled rare, if hesitant, official inquiries, forcing accountability onto the national agenda.
‎2. A Voice for the Voiceless: Feyte’s commitment extends to illuminating profound human rights abuses. SahanPost has delivered searing accounts of extrajudicial killings, torture in detention facilities, and the exploitation of internally displaced persons. By documenting these injustices, he challenges the entrenched culture of impunity and ensures that the suffering of the most vulnerable is etched into the public consciousness.
‎3. Dissecting Extremism: In a nation where extremist groups such as Daish and  Al-Shabaab exerts significant influence, Feyte dares to critically deconstruct the group’s operations, financing, and its complex, often ambiguous relationships with political actors. This reporting carries the highest stakes, yet he persists, operating on the conviction that a clear-eyed understanding of extremism is fundamental to any lasting peace.
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‎The Cost of Courage: A Life Under Shadow
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‎The phrase “despite threats and challenges” appended to his accolades only hints at his daily reality. Feyte operates in a country where journalism is among the world’s most dangerous professions. He has faced direct death threats from Al-Shabaab and powerful figures implicated in his work. The state response has often been one of intimidation—attempted website blockages, baseless legal accusations, and harassment—rather than engagement with his findings.
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‎This relentless pressure demands a life of extreme vigilance, where personal security is a constant calculation and the psychological burden is immense.
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‎A Beacon for Somalia and Beyond
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‎Jama Feyte’s courage has resonated globally, earning him the respect of international bodies like Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders. His reporting provides crucial analysis for policymakers worldwide, making him a singularly authoritative voice on Somalia’s complex realities.
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‎His recognition as Investigative Journalist of the Year 2025 transcends personal achievement; it is a landmark for Somali media. It signals a growing internal demand for integrity and represents a beacon for an emerging generation of reporters who see in Feyte a powerful model of principled journalism.
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‎Conclusion: The Guardian
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‎Jama Feyte is more than a reporter; he is a foundational institution in Somalia’s evolving democracy. In the absence of strong formal accountability mechanisms, his work at SahanPost performs an essential civic duty. He holds a mirror to power and to society, demanding a conversation about the nation’s soul and its future.
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‎His story is a potent reminder that truth is not passive—it must be pursued, defended, and paid for with relentless courage. Jama Feyte, through his unyielding resolve, stands as Somalia’s preeminent investigative journalist: a true guardian of truth in a landscape of deception, and a living testament to the enduring power of a free press.
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USA, UK, Israel, UAE, and 20 Other Countries Poised to Recognize Somaliland 

By
Goth Mohamed
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Hargeisa – According to a report from Middle East 24, sources within several African media outlets have confirmed that the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and 20 other countries are in the final stages of an agreement to recognize the Republic of Somaliland in the coming months.

The report further added that Somaliland is also expected to join the Abraham Accords, a series of diplomatic normalization agreements with Israel. This move is anticipated to be a historic diplomatic shift with a significant impact on the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East region.

The President of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has previously informed the public and the media on several occasions that international recognition for Somaliland is imminent, and that crucial discussions related to this matter are ongoing.

As reported by local media, President Irro recently informed senior religious scholars in a meeting that Somaliland will be recognized this December, although he did not explicitly name the specific countries leading the recognition efforts.

In a speech to the community in Berbera last month, the President also stated that Somaliland will be formally recognized during his term in office, and that the people of Berbera will soon reunite in celebration of Somaliland’s recognition.

Furthermore, in remarks made days ago in the city of Ceerigaabo during a peace conference, the President revealed that he has sent letters requesting recognition to world leaders. He stated that he has received positive responses and that global leaders are embracing Somaliland’s cause.

Since his election, President Irro has visited the United Arab Emirates three times to attend international forums. Beyond these public engagements, the details of his other meetings with UAE leadership have not been officially disclosed. However, the UAE, which is the largest investor in Somaliland, is widely seen as privately championing its recognition drive.

On another front, the President is scheduled to visit the United States soon, a country that is currently at the forefront of Somaliland’s recognition efforts. This is evidenced by the significant lobbying from numerous members of both houses of the U.S. legislature, who are actively advocating for the formal recognition of Somaliland. This push coincides with the upcoming introduction of official bills in congressional committees calling for this very action.

Given the ongoing diplomatic activities and the assertive statements from President Irro, a sense of optimism has been instilled among many Somalilanders. A segment of the populace believes the President is aware of underlying agreements that will soon lead to recognition, judging by his confident assertions that it is close at hand.

President Abdirahman Irro is categorical that Somaliland will never reunite with Somalia.

By
Goth Mohamed
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He Establishes Presidential Technology Award at 7th Expo Summit Opening

By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (popularly known as Irro), has stated unequivocally that Somaliland will never reunite with the Mogadishu government of Somalia.

He made these remarks on Saturday in Hargeisa while officially opening the 7th Annual Somaliland Technology Expo. The event showcased services, advancements from ICT companies, and innovations by Somaliland’s youth in the field of modern digital technology.

During the expo, the President announced the introduction of an Annual Presidential Technology Award for winners who achieve breakthroughs in technological innovation.

Regarding the issue of Somalia, the Head of State was clear that the country will not reunite with its southern neighbor, noting that the remaining technicalities to formally sever ties are being addressed.

“We are aware that, despite Somaliland’s reassertion of its sovereignty and separation from Somalia on May 18, 1991, there are still matters that need to be finalized to complete the process,” the Head of State said. He cited examples such as “the Hajj quota and the national telephone code, despite the fact that major telecommunication companies have made great efforts.”

He pointed out that aviation administration is another outstanding issue. He commended the Minister of Aviation for the significant steps taken and expressed hope for his success.

The President asserted, “In general, I want to emphasize that we are not at war with Somalia, nor do we harbor hatred or resentment. On May 18, 1991, we freely decided our own destiny, just as we freely chose to unite with Somalia before. Now, we seek a dignified and honorable separation.”

He continued, “Somalia faces many challenges; its regional administrations are fragmented and unable to come together, yet they talk of forming new ones while failing to unite the existing ones.”

He then posed the question, “Isn’t this the parable of the woman who, already laden, sought to carry an even more burdensome load?”

In a significant portion of his speech, the President emphasized the profound impact of modern technology on society, the economy, education, healthcare, and government administration.

He highlighted that technology is now the backbone of progress, ambition, and global transformation, stressing that any nation aspiring to advance must keep pace with technological and innovative developments.

The President expressed his vision for Somaliland to become a leader in digital innovation. He urged government institutions, the business community, and the youth to fully leverage the opportunities presented by modern technology to help build a digitally advanced Somaliland rooted in knowledge, innovation, and tangible progress.

In conclusion, the President praised the Minister of Communications and Technology, the ministry’s staff, and the nation’s technology community. He encouraged them to continue their efforts in advancing national digital services to ensure Somaliland keeps pace with the rapid transformations in modern technology.

President Youth Award for Technological Innovation in Somaliland Launched

By
Goth Mohamed
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Hargeisa – In a significant move to foster technological advancement, the President’s Award for Youth Technological Innovation has been launched in Somaliland. The prestigious national initiative is designed to motivate young citizens to excel in technological creativity and develop solutions for local challenges.

The annual award will honor top performers in the government’s newly established Youth Technological Innovation Competition. It aims to identify and support young innovators who create pioneering software, infrastructure, and other technological solutions that address critical issues, streamline processes, and enhance productivity.

By providing crucial financial backing, the program seeks to help transform inventive ideas into practical and impactful outcomes, empowering the next generation of tech leaders.

In his announcement, President [Abdullahi] emphasized the award’s vital role in equipping young people to drive Somaliland toward a technologically advanced future. He highlighted the initiative’s importance in nurturing a culture of innovation and sharpening problem-solving skills across the nation.

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from youth groups and technology enthusiasts nationwide, who view it as an essential platform to showcase their talent and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Further details regarding competition guidelines and eligibility criteria will be announced in the coming weeks. The inaugural award ceremony is scheduled for next year.

Somaliland Ambassador Extends Condolences on Behalf of the Nation to the Odinga Family

By
Goth Mohamed
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Bondo, Kenya – In a solemn demonstration of solidarity, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Abdullahi Omar, Ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland to Kenya, visited the Odinga family in Bondo, Siaya County, to offer official condolences on the passing of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga.

Ambassador Omar, representing the nation and H.E. President Muse Bihi Abdi, conveyed profound sympathies to Mama Ida Odinga and the family. He paid tribute to the late statesman’s enduring friendship and steadfast support for Somaliland, highlighting his legacy as a champion of African self-determination and justice.

In a poignant moment during the visit, President Bihi spoke directly with Mama Ida Odinga by telephone, expressing his personal sorrow and admiration for Mr. Odinga’s remarkable contributions to the continent.

The late Raila Odinga’s principled solidarity with Somaliland was remembered as a source of great inspiration. His broader legacy—defined by courage, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of Pan-African unity—continues to inspire hope and resilience across the continent.

The Republic of Somaliland joins Kenya and Africa in mourning a great leader, extending its deepest wishes for comfort and strength to the Odinga family. May his visionary legacy continue to guide and uplift future generations.

Telesom Participates in the Global Mobile Telecommunication Development Conference for Africa MWC GSMA 2025

By
Goth Mohamed
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Kigali – It is a great honor for us as a company to participate in the Global Mobile Telecommunication Conference (MWC GSMA 2025), held in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali. This conference was organized by the GSMA, the association representing mobile network operators worldwide, in collaboration with the Ministry of Technology of Rwanda.

This conference, one of the largest for discussing the transformations and future of technology in the African continent, brought together leaders from telecommunications companies, technology innovators, and institutions involved in technology policy development. They collectively deliberated on how to accelerate the digital transformation for Africa.

Telesom was among the select companies with a speaking platform at the forum. Eng. Ali Omar Bosir, Head of the Research and Innovation Office at Telesom Group, presented on the company’s commitment to participating in the journey of modern technology. He highlighted the role telecommunications companies can play in natural disaster preparedness and early warning delivery, as well as the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is currently the most dynamic and highly competitive area in global technology.

Telesom, which played an active role in the various discussions of the conference, also showcased its pioneering role in the required transition towards environmentally friendly technologies that reduce carbon emissions. This future-oriented approach will involve implementing systems to measure carbon footprint, making environmental conservation a core principle.

It is noteworthy that Telesom has taken the lead in achieving this design, having already connected the entire country to a modern telecommunications network. Similarly, IoT and ZAAD services play a tangible role for stakeholders seeking to realize these advancements, potentially positioning Somaliland as a leading African nation in its implementation.

This MWC 2025 conference focused on the development of the African continent, emphasizing the role of modern technology. Discussions covered how enhanced connectivity and mobile services can boost economic and social progress, the impact and opportunities of modern technologies like AI, and new innovations at the intersection of technology and finance (Fintech).

In conclusion, Telesom’s participation in MWC 2025 once again demonstrates the company’s commitment to community development and keeping pace with global technological changes.

Somaliland’s Strategic Role in Regional Security and Commerce Discussed at Hargeisa Forum

By
Goth Mohamed
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Hargeisa, 23 October 2025 – A pivotal policy dialogue was held in Hargeisa, focusing on the strategic role of the Republic of Somaliland in regional security, trade, and how the country and the Horn of Africa at large can benefit from these opportunities.

The dialogue was jointly organized by the Somaliland Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (SIDIA) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), both of which are dedicated to advancing research, understanding of foreign policy, and regional cooperation.

Officially opened by the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan, the forum emphasized Somaliland’s role in enhancing trade, securing maritime routes, and strengthening regional peace and statehood.

The event also featured participation from local experts and analysts, who provided in-depth insights on security, economic matters, and the critical importance of regional cooperation for fostering peace and stability. The discussion underscored the necessity to strengthen partnerships with regional governments and international institutions to consolidate security and open new avenues for trade and investment.

This policy dialogue is part of ongoing efforts to deepen the understanding of foreign policy and highlight Somaliland’s strategic importance in safeguarding regional security and fostering economic development.

Somaliland Central Bank Launches Initiative to Regulate Currency Exchange

By
Goth Mohamed
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Hargeisa – The Central Bank of the Republic of Somaliland has announced a major regulatory initiative for its financial sector, launching a new registration and licensing process for all currency exchange operators effective October 18, 2025.

The initiative is enacted under the authority of the Central Bank Law No. 54/2012 and the Foreign Currency Exchange Regulation No. 03/2024, and is consistent with the free market principles enshrined in Somaliland’s constitution.

According to the Central Bank, the primary goals of this move are to:

· Protect the value of the Somaliland Shilling.
· Eliminate black market activities.
· Ensure fairness, equality, and transparency within the currency exchange market.

To achieve these objectives, the new framework will categorize exchange operators into different tiers based on their financial capacity and impact on the national economy. It also enhances oversight of transactions to guarantee efficient and accessible services for both Somaliland Shilling and US Dollar exchanges.

A key requirement mandates that licensed operators must provide both currencies to the public. This measure is designed to prevent exploitative practices, such as hoarding hard currency (US Dollars) and diverting it to the black market, which imposes additional costs on consumers.

The Central Bank will grant licenses exclusively to individuals and entities that meet its strict regulatory standards. License renewals are mandatory, with no exemptions permitted.

The Bank emphasized its collaborative approach, noting that it worked with the WADAJIR Exchange Operators Association in developing these reforms. The public is encouraged to direct any concerns through official legal channels.

All exchange operators with expired licenses are reminded that the renewal deadline is October 30, 2025. The Central Bank has stated that failure to comply will result in the automatic forfeiture of existing licenses.

This comprehensive initiative underscores Somaliland’s commitment to building a modern, transparent, and reliable financial system, thereby ensuring greater economic stability and public trust in the formal currency exchange market

Why Somaliland could be Kenya’s next big market- Somaliland’s Kenya Ambassador

By
Goth Mohamed
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As global investors increasingly look beyond traditional markets, Somaliland is emerging as a compelling frontier, stable, open and full of promise.

For Kenyan businesses seeking new opportunities, Somaliland offers not just potential, but also partnership.

At our Mission in Nairobi, we have placed economic diplomacy at the heart of our work. We are actively pursuing investment opportunities in areas where Somaliland’s natural advantages meet Kenya’s proven capabilities: Renewable energy, mining, agriculture, fishing, and banking. These are not theoretical ambitions; they are active sectors where Kenyan firms are already present, growing and leaving their mark.

Take renewable energy. Somaliland enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year and with vast off-grid demand, it is a fertile ground for Kenyan companies that have built expertise in solar infrastructure.

Mining is another sector long under-explored. Our gypsum, limestone, and other minerals are attracting growing interest, and our government has made transparency and investor protection the cornerstones of our licensing regime.

Agriculture and fishing remain the backbone of Somaliland’s rural economy where Kenyan innovation is making its mark too. Agribusinesses are introducing climate-smart practices, while fishing cooperatives are finding new markets through partnerships with Kenyan processors. In banking, Kenyan financial institutions are helping transform a remittance-driven economy into one that is increasingly inclusive and digitally enabled.

These are not isolated cases. Today, more than 17,000 Kenyan workers are employed in Somaliland. From engineers, teachers, and hoteliers to logistics and education, Kenyan professionals are helping build Somaliland’s future.

And Kenyan companies, from SMEs to established brands, are also expanding their footprint, mostly drawn by our peace, predictability, and pro-business environment.

A key enabler of this momentum is the Berbera Port. Once modest, it is now one of the Horn of Africa’s most modern gateways, thanks to the strategic investment by DP World. Its expanded capacity, digitised operations and direct access to the Red Sea has transformed Berbera into a regional logistics hub that is capable of serving not only Somaliland but Ethiopia, South Sudan, and beyond.

But Berbera’s full potential will only be realised when it is properly connected to Kenya’s infrastructure corridors, particularly the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor and the Mombasa-Nairobi axis. These connections would create a seamless trade route linking Kenyan producers to Somaliland’s markets and vice versa, reducing costs, boosting volumes, and strengthening regional integration.

Imagine a trade route where Kenyan exports reach Berbera in days, not weeks. Where Somaliland seafood and livestock arrive fresh in Nairobi. Where Kenyan banks and logistics firms operate seamlessly across both countries. This is within reach if governments, the private sector, and regional actors work together.

As an Ambassador, I regularly meet Kenyan business leaders, and I can assure you: Somaliland does not just welcome investment, we facilitate it.

Our Mission assists with due diligence, regulatory navigation, and local partnerships. We understand Kenyan firms, and we want their entry into our market to be smooth, secure, and sustainable.

Some may point out to Somaliland’s lack of diplomatic recognition yet. But our lack of recognition on paper has not stopped our economic reality.

We have a stable currency, expanding ports and democratic governance anchored in accountability. We have held multiple peaceful elections, maintained internal security and built institutions that work and serve our people. In practice, Somaliland is not just viable; it is a strategic gateway to the Horn of Africa.

The time to invest in Somaliland is now. Kenya, with its entrepreneurial spirit, regional leadership and growing appetite for cross-border trade, is perfectly positioned to lead the way. Together, we can build a corridor of prosperity anchored in trust, driven by commerce, and sustained by shared growth.

Somaliland is open for business. Kenya is not just a neighbor, it is a partner.

– The writer is Ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland to Kenya 

Dr Mohamed Abdillahi Omar

Ahmed Osman Guelleh, one of Djibouti’s richest men, recalibrates for a tougher market

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Ahmed Osman Guelleh built a logistics and beverage empire around Djibouti’s ports and Somaliland’s Coca-Cola plant. Now competition is testing his hold.

Mfonobong Nsehe
Ahmed Osman Guelleh spent two decades building one of the Horn of Africa’s most consequential private business networks. From shipping and freight services in Djibouti to a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Hargeisa, his portfolio grew alongside the region’s trade corridors and the consumer economy that followed them. The through-line was proximity to infrastructure that mattered: ports, trucking lanes, warehouses, and, through beverages, retail shelves across a growing urban base.

The logistics side came first. Through GSK Group, Guelleh operated across the services that surround Djibouti’s port complex and Ethiopia-facing transit routes: agency work for carriers, freight forwarding and storage. His operating footprint was tied directly to the country’s maritime economy at a time when Djibouti became a critical shipping hub.

Manufacturing followed. In 2010, he founded Somaliland Beverage Industries (SBI) and, two years later, opened a Coca-Cola plant on the outskirts of Hargeisa. At the time, it was billed as the largest industrial investment in Somaliland. The move pushed his influence beyond shipping and into consumer goods, giving him a stake in a high-volume category with steady cash flow and broad market reach.

As his influence grew, so did scrutiny. Competitors and industry insiders have long argued that Guelleh used his access to logistics choke points to secure contracts, storage and distribution advantages. He developed a reputation as a “gatekeeper” in port services and beverage distribution, with much of his market power resting on proximity to key infrastructure rather than public visibility.

In recent years, that dynamic has shifted. His once-stable position has been tested by changes in Djibouti’s political and commercial environment, including new logistics operators and external investors entering the market. People familiar with his group say the bottling business in Somaliland has become a central pillar of his operations, while his logistics interests are being repositioned toward Gulf-linked partnerships and less politically sensitive corridors.

Throughout this period, Guelleh has shown a consistent instinct for assets positioned close to essential demand. Beverages fit that profile. SBI’s Hargeisa plant anchors a product line—Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and bottled water—that moves reliably through established trucking lanes and into fast-growing urban markets. The facility has become a notable industrial employer in Somaliland and a rare example of manufacturing investment with regional reach.

The larger question is how durable his position will be. Djibouti’s logistics sector is more competitive than at any point in the past decade, and the beverage industry is undergoing consolidation as major bottlers tighten their African portfolios. In such an environment, owner-operators like Guelleh must compete on execution and reliability, not just access.

There is still opportunity. The Horn of Africa remains one of the most strategically located trade corridors in the world, and its consumer base is expanding rapidly. But the old advantages of informal influence and privileged relationships are weakening. For Guelleh, the next phase of his career will depend less on proximity to power and more on operational discipline: efficiency at ports, dependable distribution, stable cash cycles and predictable performance.

If he succeeds in adapting, his story could mark a shift from relationship-driven power to results-driven competition in one of Africa’s most strategically sensitive markets. If he does not, his business network may become a case study in how influence without operational depth struggles to survive in a changing regional economy.

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