Today (18 May) Somaliland celebrates the anniversary of its independence declaration from Somalia in 1991. A former British protectorate, Somaliland has spent more than three decades building something exceptionally rare in the Horn of Africa: relative stability, functioning democratic institutions, and security in one of the worldโs most volatile regions. While much of the international…
Burao is not just another city in Somaliland. It is the second-largest city in the country, the capital of Togdheer region, and one of the most important economic and historical centres in Somaliland. Most importantly, Burao is remembered as the birthplace of Somalilandโs restoration in 1991, where leaders and elders declared the return of Somalilandโs…
Borama is one of the most important cities in Somaliland. With a population of around 200,000 people, the city plays a major role in trade, education, agriculture, livestock, and regional business. It is also known for its educational institutions, especially Amoud University, which has helped Borama become one of the leading centres of learning in…
Every year on 18 May, the people of Somaliland celebrate the restoration of their independence with enormous pride, patriotism, and national unity. Across the country and throughout the diaspora, Somalilanders gather in streets, homes, stadiums, public squares, and community centres to commemorate one of the most important days in their history. From Hargeisa to Berbera,…
In many African countries, leaders begin their political journey with good intentions and public support, but over time they become isolated from ordinary citizens. They stop hearing the truth. Instead, they only hear what their inner circle wants them to hear. And this is where the danger begins. Behind almost every weak government, unpopular leader,…
On 16 September 2025, the Somaliland government announced that it had signed an agreement with a company called Maharat Investment Company to develop and modernise Hargeisa Egal International Airport with an investment reportedly worth 70 million US dollars. The agreement was signed in Dubai by Somalilandโs Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, and the…
Today, the local government council of Hargeisa elected Eng. Abdirisaq Mohamed Farah โWiiwaaโ as the new Mayor of Hargeisa and Eng. Aadan Jama Haddi โMideeyeโ as the Deputy Mayor of the capital city. Their election comes at an important political moment following the resignation of the former mayor, Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge. Mooge legacy The departure…
Turkey and Israel are intensifying competition in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia and Somaliland emerging as key battlegrounds for oil, military influence and control of vital Red Sea trade routes. Turkey has consolidated its position through formal agreements with Somaliaโs federal government, securing major offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration rights alongside a…
A strategically important Somaliland air base and port have been offered to the U.S. as a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz begins and Iran-backed threats target the key Red Sea choke point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Top U.S. military officials, including the commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin Anderson, recently visited…
China recently pledged to expand military support to Somalia in its fight against al-Shabaab militants. Beijing has promised equipment, training and closer security cooperation with Mogadishu. This marks a shift from Chinaโs traditionally cautious and small presence in the country. Brendon J. Cannon has researched how external powers โ including China โ engage with sub-Saharan…
