From dried meat to tourism flows—Berbera Airport is about to connect Somaliland with Addis, the Gulf, and beyond.
President Irro confirms: “We are open for business.”

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), conducted an official inspection of Berbera International Airport, accompanied by a high-level delegation during his ongoing visit to the Sahil Region.

During the inspection, President Irro received a detailed briefing from the Minister of Civil Aviation and Airport Development, Fuad Ahmed Nuuh, who laid out a forward-looking vision for transforming Berbera into a full-fledged international airport hub. According to the minister, the facility is being primed to handle global air traffic and to serve as a central node for cargo, commercial, and potentially tourist flights—especially in the Horn of Africa corridor.

This is not mere rhetoric. Under Minister Fuad’s short but active tenure, Berbera Airport has already begun servicing aircraft that previously relied on competing regional hubs. The operational shift suggests Berbera is not only ready but already competing in a highly strategic and crowded airspace.

More than just passenger mobility, Berbera is being positioned as a logistical gateway for exports. Plans are underway to facilitate outbound cargo flights carrying fish, vegetables, and dried meat—products that could place Somaliland into new supply chains across Africa and the Middle East. Parallel to this, discussions are in progress for initiating cargo and tourism flights between Berbera and Addis Ababa, potentially opening a vital trade and tourism corridor with Ethiopia.

President Irro used the occasion to reinforce his administration’s “unity and action” policy, stating unequivocally that Berbera International Airport is now open for business—commercially and diplomatically. His comments underscored a broader goal of not just aviation development, but international engagement, economic expansion, and regional leadership.

In acknowledging the civil aviation minister’s rapid progress in cultivating external partnerships, President Irro signaled the strategic role Berbera is poised to play in Somaliland’s international relations. Given Somaliland’s unresolved recognition status, such developments are more than just infrastructure milestones—they are instruments of soft power and legitimacy.

The upgrade and promotion of Berbera International Airport are not taking place in a vacuum. As global powers increase their presence in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Somaliland’s positioning becomes increasingly pivotal. With investment flowing from the UAE and quiet attention from the United States, Turkey, and others, Berbera is not just Somaliland’s airport—it’s becoming everyone’s gateway.

Why Is President Irro Flying to the UAE Again? Whispers of Recognition, Billion-Dollar Deals, and a Storm Brewing in Berbera.

In just under 100 days, Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is heading to the United Arab Emirates for the third time. That’s not just frequent travel—it’s unprecedented. What’s driving these urgent, tightly coordinated visits to Abu Dhabi? Why is the Minister of Foreign Affairs absent from the entourage, replaced by presidential aides and a deepening cloud of silence?

A senior diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the UAE visits as “recognition choreography”—a final act in a diplomatic ballet being orchestrated quietly behind closed doors.

“What you’re seeing isn’t normal protocol,” the source said. “This is high-stakes geopolitical engineering. What’s being prepared now will change the future of Somaliland forever.”

Is Recognition on the Table—via Dubai?

For months, rumors have swirled in foreign policy circles that the United States may recognize Somaliland—but not directly. Instead, the Emiratis are being positioned as brokers, offering a politically ‘neutral’ channel for what could be the most significant diplomatic announcement since Somaliland declared back its 1960 independence in 1991.

“Dubai is the middleman. Recognition won’t come with fireworks—it’ll come through handshakes in quiet halls and business corridors,” a Gulf intelligence analyst told WARYATV. “Washington prefers deniability. Abu Dhabi delivers the message.”

Indeed, Irro’s persistent presence in the UAE—paired with deepening Emirati involvement in Berbera’s port, airport, military infrastructure, and now digital infrastructure—suggests a comprehensive state-to-state alignment is being quietly cemented. And it doesn’t end there.

Berbera: The Crown Jewel Everyone Wants

The Berbera corridor has become a magnet for global powers. As the UAE upgrades the airport into a logistics and military hub, the United States is allegedly exploring a forward operating base there.

Is this why Turkey suddenly reappeared in Hargeisa after years of silence?

“Everyone knows Berbera is the new Gibraltar,” a regional security analyst said. “It controls the chokepoint between Africa and the Gulf. Whoever controls it owns tomorrow’s trade.”

Some speculate that Microsoft’s G42-backed data center in Berbera is not just about cloud computing—but part of a strategic backdoor for U.S. tech expansion, bypassing Chinese chip restrictions. If true, Somaliland has already become a digital battlefield in a 21st-century great power game.

The Ethiopia MOU—About to Become a Treaty?

President Irro’s UAE visits also come amid sudden silence from Addis Ababa on the controversial MOU between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Could this silence mean negotiations have resumed—this time, with Emirati mediation?

Whispers in the diplomatic grapevine suggest a trilateral arrangement is on the table: Ethiopia gets maritime access, Somaliland gets recognition—and the UAE gets everything in between.

If true, this is no longer just diplomacy—it’s statecraft with billion-dollar stakes.

What About Gaza? Are Refugees a Bargaining Chip?

In a stunning twist, some foreign observers point to recent private discussions in Abu Dhabi regarding the relocation of Gaza refugees to parts of East Africa. Somaliland’s name has appeared in these closed-door talks.

“It’s a long shot,” said one insider. “But if Somaliland offered temporary humanitarian corridors or resettlement zones, the geopolitical goodwill would be enormous—especially with Washington and Tel Aviv.

Could this be part of a larger pact? Offer land. Gain recognition. Cash in diplomatic credit.

Unverified reports suggest billions in UAE development funds—for roads, desalination, and defense—are tied to this very framework. One leaked document references $3.1 billion in planned Emirati investments in Somaliland if “status normalization” is achieved.

Emotion and Uncertainty Collide

Somalilanders are left asking: Is our president securing our rightful seat among nations, or is he walking into a deal made in smoke-filled rooms? Is this the final chapter of a three-decade recognition struggle—or merely another mirage of sovereignty?

There’s awe at the possibility, anger at the secrecy, and joy at even the whiff of recognition. Yet there’s also fear.

“We are playing with giants,” one Hargeisa academic warned. “In this game, the small players can be eaten—or they can be crowned. It depends on the strength of their leader.”

Whatever Irro is doing in Dubai, it’s no ordinary state visit. The stakes are existential. The silence is deafening. The outcome? Possibly world-shifting.

Somaliland is no longer just a forgotten corner of the Horn—it is now a chessboard of global ambition. All eyes are on the skies over Berbera, waiting for the next plane to land—and the next headline to break.

As diseases spike from unsafe beverages flooding our markets, our local champion—Somaliland Beverage Industries—faces unfair competition. This isn’t just bad trade policy. It’s a national failure.

Somalilanders are facing a crisis. Substandard beverages from outside our borders are making people sick—and our own companies like SBI are being pushed out. It’s time to ask: Who is protecting the people?

The time has come for Somaliland’s government to answer the pressing question plaguing our nation: why are unsafe, adulterated beverages flooding our markets, leading to a surge in diseases previously unknown in our land? This is not just a matter of poor health; it is a crisis that threatens the future of our people and our sovereignty. The ongoing importation of these harmful beverages must be addressed without delay, and the government must take immediate steps to protect our local industries, particularly Somaliland Beverage Industries (SBI)—a beacon of local investment and prosperity.

A Public Health Crisis: Unseen Diseases and Unsafe Products

Recent reports have highlighted a disturbing increase in diseases linked to imported beverages that do not hold up to the standards of quality we expect. Health experts are sounding the alarm, warning us that beverages with questionable ingredients and expiration dates are increasingly saturating our markets. The consequences are dire: with rising cases of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and cancers attributed to sugary, frequently expired products, it is evident that imported beverages are playing a significant role in this public health crisis.

The Somaliland constitution explicitly protects “Made in Somaliland” products, and by doing so, recognizes the value of our own industry. So why is the government allowing foreign beverages from countries like Yemen and Ethiopia to flood in through dubious channels, effectively undermining local businesses while exposing our population to hazardous products? The law is clear, yet enforcement seems to be lacking.

Discrimination Against Somaliland Beverage Industries

What’s particularly disheartening is the treatment of Somaliland Beverage Industries, a company founded by billionaire Ahmed Osman Guelleh in 2010 and the largest beverage corporation in Somaliland. SBI not only produces quality drinks that meet our standards, but it also uplifts the local economy by creating jobs and driving innovation. Yet, while other businesses blatantly violate trade regulations without consequence, SBI is systematically crippled by unfair competition from imported beverages.

This begs the question: why are we prioritizing foreign companies over our own? Other firms operating in Somaliland, despite being owned by outside interests, thrive under the protection of the local government. Why, then, does SBI face barriers that threaten its survival? The lack of government support for our national company is detrimental to the very fabric of our economy.

Exploiting Loopholes: An Industry Under Siege

The tremendous influx of substandard beverages leveraging loopholes in the taxation system further exacerbates this crisis. The government remains silent while low-quality imports, often expired, find their way into our markets, competing unfairly against quality products made by Somalilanders for Somalilanders. It is imperative to remember that our country adopted national trade requirements to protect local goods. It’s time our government enforced these laws with the vigor they deserve.

Moreover, there is a clear correlation between the increase in imported sugary beverages and a spike in non-communicable diseases among our residents. This health crisis cannot be ignored any longer. The heavy taxation of non-essential commodities, including imported beverages, skin whitening creams, cigarettes, and chat, should be implemented as part of a comprehensive health policy. By doing so, we will not only protect our citizens but also fortify the local economy.

The Government Must Act; We Deserve Better

The current trajectory of our import policies and health standards is unsustainable. Failure to act on this issue will lead to an irreversible public health crisis, further entrenching Somaliland’s reliance on foreign entities while stifling our local industries. Somalilanders—our children, our families—deserve better than to be fed poison in the form of inferior beverages.

It is time for the Somaliland government to acknowledge these pressing issues and take decisive action. This includes:

Regulating and Monitoring Imports: Implement stricter guidelines on the importation of beverages to ensure products meet safety standards.

Supporting Local Industries: Give more support and resources to Somaliland Beverage Industries and other local businesses, fostering a spirit of national pride and economic resilience.

Implementing Smart Taxation Policies: Introduce heavy taxes on unhealthy imported goods to discourage consumption and protect public health.

Campaign for Public Awareness: Educate the public about the dangers of consuming these products and promote the benefits of local alternatives.

Strengthen Health Systems: Invest in healthcare systems to handle the increase in diseases linked to these products and ensure that health experts are empowered to make recommendations that serve the public good.

The issue at hand is about more than just beverages; it is about the wind of change that must blow through the halls of our government. Somaliland can no longer allow negligence regarding health and local economic survival. We must demand that our leaders prioritize the safety of our citizens and the future of our homegrown industries.

How Toxic Imports Are Fueling Disease and Undermining Local Industry

Somaliland’s Crackdown: Yemeni Nationals Arrested for Repackaging Expired Medicine

President Irro’s regional tour signals firm commitment to infrastructure, military modernization, and grassroots development.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro)’s official visit to the Sahil region marks a significant moment in Somaliland’s ongoing nation-building efforts. With high-profile stops across key towns and the launch of infrastructure and security initiatives, the visit showcased a practical governance approach grounded in visible development and direct engagement with communities.

At the center of this trip was the formal inauguration of the reconstructed Berbera–Sheikh Road, a vital economic artery connecting coastal and inland regions.

By reopening this strategic route—now fortified with twenty modernized bridges—the Irro administration sends a clear message: Somaliland is investing in long-term connectivity to unlock internal trade and enhance regional cohesion. Roads are more than infrastructure—they’re lifelines for commerce, mobility, and national unity.

Equally important was the launch of the first Civil Defense Forces training program at the Abdullahi Feedhe Military Training School in Sheikh.

This move signals a deeper prioritization of national defense, particularly in the context of Somaliland’s quest for recognition and self-reliance. Irro’s focus on security modernization—combined with laying the foundation for new military facilities—reflects a broader vision to professionalize the armed forces and build public confidence in national institutions.

The President’s remarks throughout the visit were strategic and symbolic. His emphasis on linking infrastructure with national development, and the praise he offered to both engineers and new recruits, positions him as both a developmental leader and a unifier. Engaging directly with traditional elders, local leaders, and residents further reinforced the government’s focus on community inclusion and decentralized progress.

This tour is also a signal to both domestic and international audiences. Internally, it demonstrates Irro’s intent to govern through performance-based legitimacy and regional outreach. Externally, it offers a glimpse into Somaliland’s stable governance model—where development, security, and civic engagement are not mere slogans but operational priorities.

Ultimately, the visit reflects a political philosophy grounded in delivering results, building state capacity, and consolidating Somaliland’s independent identity. While recognition remains elusive on the global stage, the government’s continued push for infrastructure, institutional reform, and strategic military readiness reflects a de facto state acting with intention—and with ambition.

Somaliland faces a complex and precarious situation as it navigates potential involvement in resettling displaced Palestinians from Gaza—a proposal that could reshape its international relations and domestic stability. This scenario poses significant geopolitical and security challenges, highlighting Somaliland’s ongoing struggle for international recognition juxtaposed against maintaining its standing within the Arab and African communities.

Somaliland’s consideration of Gaza resettlement options is likely influenced by its pursuit of international recognition, particularly from major powers like the USA and potential allies like Israel. Engaging in such discussions could indeed position Somaliland favorably on an international stage, possibly opening doors to new diplomatic and economic opportunities. However, this move risks alienating key Arab and African nations that have historically supported Somaliland’s bid for sovereignty, given their general stance on the Palestinian issue.

The Arab League’s probable adverse reaction could stem from a perceived betrayal of the Palestinian cause, a sensitive and pivotal issue across Arab states. This could lead to a reduction in diplomatic and economic support from these countries, crucial for Somaliland’s economic stability and international standing. Furthermore, aligning with a plan that involves relocating Palestinians might be viewed unfavorably by other international bodies and could complicate Somaliland’s relationships within the United Nations framework, where Arab states hold significant influence.

The proposal also introduces potential security risks. By taking a central role in such a controversial plan, Somaliland could become a target for extremist groups who oppose Western interventions in Palestinian affairs. This could exacerbate internal security issues and lead to increased terrorist activity within its borders, particularly from groups like Al-Shabaab, who might extend their operations into Somaliland if it aligns too closely with Western or Israeli interests.

Moreover, the resettlement discussions could stir domestic unrest, given the sensitive nature of the Palestinian issue among the Somaliland population, which might view any participation in the resettlement as compromising the Palestinian right to their homeland. This internal dissent could lead to protests or more severe political backlash, destabilizing the internal security and harmony that Somaliland has managed to maintain despite regional conflicts.

Strategic Recommendations

For Somaliland, the way forward requires a delicate balance between advancing its international recognition and maintaining regional relationships and internal stability:

Somaliland should strengthen diplomatic ties with both Western and Arab nations without fully committing to any resettlement plans. This involves diplomatic discussions that explore the benefits of recognition while addressing the concerns of its traditional allies.

Clear communication with both its citizens and international partners about the nature and scope of any discussions related to Gaza resettlement could mitigate misunderstandings and potential backlash.

Engaging in multilateral platforms that include African and Arab mediators could help manage the diplomatic risks associated with these discussions. This approach might also facilitate broader support for Somaliland’s strategic interests.

By staying neutral on contentious international issues, Somaliland could avoid the pitfalls of geopolitical entanglements that do not directly benefit its quest for recognition or contribute positively to its regional standing.

In conclusion, while the potential involvement in Gaza resettlement could offer Somaliland an opportunity to showcase its capability and willingness to engage in international humanitarian efforts, it must carefully consider the long-term geopolitical and security repercussions. The priority should remain on achieving international recognition through strategic diplomacy that respects its historical ties and seeks to maintain regional stability and internal security.

Somaliland has placed a bold condition on any potential diplomatic talks about Palestine: formal recognition of its sovereignty. Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden emphasized that discussions on international issues like Palestine would only proceed with countries that recognize Somaliland as an independent state and establish diplomatic missions there.

This statement came amidst rumors that certain nations were considering relocating displaced Palestinians to Somaliland, though Aden clarified that there had been no formal proposals or discussions to that effect.

Despite international interest, sparked by reports involving Israeli and U.S. officials considering relocation plans, Somaliland remains firm on its prerequisite for recognition, positioning itself as a peaceful and democratic nation seeking legitimate standing on the global stage.

Taiwan Defends Its Ties with Somaliland, Rejects China’s Territorial Claims

Tackling the Challenges of Sales Tax Implementation in Somaliland’s Informal Economy.

In Somaliland, the informal sector plays a critical role in the economy, comprising a wide array of unregistered businesses and services that operate largely outside of government oversight. This sector’s dynamic presents unique challenges for the implementation of a sales tax policy aimed at enhancing tax compliance and revenue generation. This analysis delves into these challenges, their impacts, and offers strategic solutions.

One of the primary obstacles to implementing sales tax in Somaliland’s informal economy is the lack of formalization. Many businesses do not maintain adequate records, complicating the accurate assessment of tax liabilities. There is a pervasive resistance among these businesses towards any form of regulation, primarily due to concerns over increased costs and red tape. Additionally, many in the informal sector have a limited understanding of tax laws, which results in low compliance rates. Furthermore, the infrastructure necessary to administer and collect sales tax efficiently is often lacking.

The introduction of sales tax can increase operational costs for businesses, potentially discouraging consumer spending and affecting the profitability of small enterprises. However, it also encourages businesses to formalize, which can provide them access to credit and other financial services. If implemented effectively, a sales tax could substantially boost public revenues, enabling the government to invest more in public services and infrastructure.

To address these challenges, the government could streamline the tax process to encourage compliance. This includes simplifying the steps and documents required for tax filing and providing clear, accessible guidelines. Extensive educational campaigns are crucial to raise awareness about the responsibilities and benefits of tax compliance.

Adopting modern technological solutions can also play a transformative role. For instance, introducing mobile payment options for tax submission and digital record-keeping systems can simplify the process for businesses and the government alike. Offering incentives for formalization, such as access to micro-loans and business development services, can motivate informal businesses to register and comply with tax regulations.

A phased implementation strategy for the sales tax could facilitate a smoother transition for the business community. Initiating the process with lower tax rates and gradually increasing them might reduce initial resistance and ease the adaptation to the new system.

Implementing a sales tax in Somaliland’s informal economy is not without its hurdles; however, it presents significant opportunities for economic formalization and enhanced public finance. Through a combination of simplified tax processes, educational initiatives, technological integration, and phased implementation, Somaliland can foster a more compliant business environment and robust economy.