This year we break from tradition. Instead of naming a “Person of the Year,” we proudly celebrate the collective valor of the “Guardians of our Nation” – the Somaliland National Armed Forces, whose unwavering dedication has shaped the course of our history in 2024.

By; Fatima Omer
Communication Marketing & Digital Transformation Expert

The year began with a historic milestone when former President Muse Bihi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding.

This pivotal agreement promised Ethiopia coveted sea access while potentially paving the way for Somaliland’s long-awaited international recognition. However, this diplomatic triumph quickly became the epicenter of regional tension, drawing sharp criticism from neighboring states including Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Egypt.

The agreement highlighted Somaliland’s growing influence and its emergence as a beacon of stability in the traditionally volatile Horn of Africa, though it also attracted unwanted attention from those threatened by our nation’s remarkable progress.

The eastern regions faced escalating challenges as external forces, threatened by Somaliland’s rising prominence, poured millions into destabilization efforts. Las’Anod became an unfortunate focal point for these hostile activities, serving as a launch pad for repeated attacks in the Sanag region.

Despite these provocations, our armed forces demonstrated remarkable restraint and strategic wisdom. Their tactical withdrawal to Oog in August 2023 exemplified their commitment to minimizing civilian casualties while maintaining territorial integrity.

From their new position, they continued their vigilant defense of our borders, placing their lives on the line to protect every citizen’s safety and security.

Throughout this tumultuous period, the Somaliland National Armed Forces stood as fortified shield against chaos. Their professionalism shone particularly bright during the preparation for presidential and political association elections. In the face of multiple security challenges, they maintained an environment conducive to democratic processes, ensuring that every Somalilander could exercise their constitutional rights without fear.

The National Armed Forces’ commitment extends far beyond combat duties. They have become symbols of national unity, bridging clan divisions and fostering a shared sense of purpose. Their ranks include men and women from all regions and communities, working together to protect our collective future.

Whether responding to natural disasters, supporting civilian authorities, or maintaining peace in volatile areas, they have consistently demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and dedication. In 2024, our armed forces have shown exceptional restraint in the face of provocation, strategic thinking in complex situations, and loyalty to the nation’s interests.

They have maintained their defensive posture while ensuring that Somaliland’s sovereignty remains intact, proving themselves true guardians of our democratic values and national aspirations.

As we reflect on this challenging year, we recognize that the stability and progress Somaliland enjoys today is not merely a product of political leadership or diplomatic efforts, but largely the result of our armed forces’ tireless vigilance and sacrifice.

They stand guard while we sleep, patrol our borders while we work, and risk their lives so that we may live in peace. To every soldier, officer, and support staff member of the Somaliland National Armed Forces: your nation salutes you. Your courage, discipline, and dedication have not gone unnoticed. You are not just defenders of our territory; you are the guardians of our dreams, the protectors of our democracy, and the embodiment of our national resilience.

As we step into 2025, we carry forward the lessons of unity, courage, and dedication that our armed forces have taught us. Their story is our story – a testament to Somaliland’s spirit and its journey toward international recognition and prosperity. In honoring them, we honor the very best of what Somaliland represents: resilience, dignity, and the unshakeable pursuit of peace and progress.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro pledges inclusivity, accountability, and resilience in 2025 amid national challenges.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s New Year’s address to the people of Somaliland serves as a rallying cry for unity, resilience, and shared progress. As the nation faces ongoing challenges in security, economic development, and social harmony, Irro’s speech seeks to inspire confidence while underscoring his administration’s dedication to inclusivity, accountability, and nation-building.

The president’s message comes at a pivotal time for Somaliland, as it seeks greater international recognition while navigating domestic challenges. His emphasis on inclusivity and transparency reflects a strategic approach to governance that prioritizes public engagement and mutual accountability. By inviting citizens to provide constructive criticism, Irro signals a departure from autocratic practices and underscores his commitment to democratic principles.

In addressing Somaliland’s foreign policy, Irro reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to peace and cooperation. His focus on peaceful coexistence with neighbors and the international community aims to enhance Somaliland’s credibility on the global stage, particularly as it continues its campaign for recognition as a sovereign state.

The president’s call for unity, coupled with his acknowledgment of the sacrifices and contributions of Somaliland’s armed forces and civil servants, highlights the interconnectedness of security, economic stability, and social cohesion. His emphasis on shared values and moral principles reflects a leadership style rooted in cultural and religious ethos, which resonates deeply with the Somaliland populace.

In summing up his address, President Irro’s optimistic tone is a reminder of Somaliland’s resilience. His call to action for every citizen to prioritize security and uphold shared values is not merely symbolic but a practical step toward achieving national aspirations in 2025 and beyond. The speech strikes a balance between acknowledging challenges and inspiring hope, offering a vision of progress grounded in unity and collective effort.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi emphasizes cooperation, inclusivity, and respect for fundamental rights in a landmark meeting with civil society organizations.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, alongside Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, convened a significant meeting with leaders of civil society organizations, signaling a new era of collaboration and shared national priorities. This meeting underscores the administration’s commitment to engaging with diverse societal actors to further Somaliland’s developmental and recognition goals.

In his address, President Abdullahi lauded the civil society leaders for their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s narrative, fostering progress, and advocating for Somaliland’s international recognition. The President assured them of his government’s readiness to work closely on key issues, prioritizing inclusivity, social cohesion, and the fight against tribalism and discrimination. He also reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to upholding constitutional rights, emphasizing that criticism of the government would not result in intimidation or suppression, marking a clear stance on protecting freedom of expression.

The leaders of civil society expressed their gratitude for the swift response to their request for dialogue and pledged their unwavering support for the government’s vision. They highlighted their readiness to partner on critical issues, including security, economic development, and social awareness campaigns.

A key point of discussion was the groundbreaking inclusion of elderly communities in Somaliland’s political representation, with the appointment of a full minister dedicated to their needs. Civil society representatives commended the administration for this historic move and advocated for the creation and enforcement of laws to address social disparities.

The President’s efforts to elevate women into significant government positions also received widespread praise, with civil society leaders attributing this progress to the President’s visionary leadership rather than external lobbying.

The meeting concluded with a shared sense of purpose and consensus, reflecting the mutual commitment between the government and civil society to address Somaliland’s pressing challenges and build a more inclusive, prosperous future.

This collaborative dialogue highlights the administration’s resolve to bridge gaps, foster trust, and promote unity within Somaliland, paving the way for impactful policies and sustained national growth.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro emphasizes unity, collaboration, and strategic planning in his newly formed government as efforts to address regional crises continue.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has inaugurated a comprehensive training program for the newly appointed cabinet ministers, emphasizing the importance of unity, collaboration, and strategic alignment to ensure effective governance and national progress.

Speaking at the training forum, President Irro outlined the initiative’s objectives, positioning it as a foundation for the cabinet to align their efforts and collectively pursue Somaliland’s aspirations. Highlighting the critical role of cooperation, he stated, “To create the starting point, the whole group must align with each other and find the cooperation, collaboration, and working understanding that is necessary for success.”

The President described the training as an essential first step for the new government, setting the groundwork for their collective responsibilities. He expressed hope that the program would lead to a mutual understanding of Somaliland’s current challenges and opportunities, creating a clear pathway for national progress.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi And Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi

The training session, which featured the participation of Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi and all cabinet members, is expected to cultivate a shared vision among officials and ensure that each minister fulfills their role in achieving Somaliland’s common goals.

Addressing National Crises

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi

In addition to launching the training initiative, President Irro addressed the recent massacre in the Da’awaley area, where civilians suffered a brutal attack. Offering condolences to the victims and their families, the President assured the public that efforts to resolve the issue and prevent future incidents are ongoing.

“Our main responsibility is to stop the damage as much as possible and prevent the problem from happening again,” President Irro stated. He expressed optimism about the progress being made to resolve the crisis and emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring stability and safeguarding its citizens.

Significance of the Training Program

Newly appointed cabinet ministers

The training program marks a pivotal moment for Somaliland’s new administration, reflecting President Irro’s commitment to fostering unity and strategic planning within the government. By equipping the cabinet with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, the initiative aims to strengthen the government’s capacity to address national challenges and achieve long-term development objectives.

The dual focus on internal governmental cohesion and external crisis management demonstrates a holistic approach to governance under President Irro’s leadership. As Somaliland navigates pressing issues such as regional security and socio-economic development, the training program serves as a foundation for coordinated and effective policymaking.

The coming weeks will test the new administration’s ability to translate the outcomes of this initiative into tangible progress, both in addressing immediate crises like Da’awaley and in advancing Somaliland’s broader aspirations on the global stage.

Liyuu Police accused of targeting Isaaq pastoralist communities in a brutal attack that threatens regional stability and Ethiopia-Somaliland relations.

The brutal attack in Da’awaley village, Ethiopia’s Somali region, has left over 114 dead and hundreds wounded, with survivors enduring unimaginable atrocities. The massacre, carried out by the Liyuu Police—a paramilitary force dominated by the Ogaden clan—has sent shockwaves across the region, threatening decades of cooperation between Ethiopia and Somaliland and exposing deep-seated ethnic and political tensions.

The victims, predominantly Arap Sheikh Isaaq pastoralists, were targeted in their homes, which were burned to the ground along with mosques. Survivors with severe gunshot wounds and burns have overwhelmed medical facilities in Jigjiga, the regional capital, and Hargeisa in Somaliland. The targeted community historically straddles the Ethiopia-Somaliland border, maintaining grazing patterns and familial ties that transcend national boundaries. This shared heritage has long been a foundation for stable relations between Ethiopia and Somaliland, now jeopardized by the massacre.

The Liyuu Police, described by critics as a tool for advancing Ogaden clan dominance under the leadership of Somali Region President Mustafe Omer, stand accused of extrajudicial killings, torture, and displacing civilian populations. This attack marks a grim escalation in their documented history of human rights abuses, with particular brutality against Arap Sheikh Isaaq communities.

Somaliland’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, condemned the violence as a “gross violation of human rights” and led urgent talks with Ethiopian federal and regional officials. The resulting agreement reportedly includes federal troop deployments to the region and the reassignment of Liyuu Police forces. However, whether these measures will prevent future violence remains uncertain.

The fate of nearly 60 traditional elders from Somaliland, who had entered Ethiopia to mediate grazing disputes, remains shrouded in controversy. Their sudden public appearance in Jigjiga, following transportation by the same forces responsible for the massacre, raises concerns about their treatment and the authenticity of their involvement in reconciliation efforts.

Dr. Edna Adan Ismail, former Somaliland Foreign Minister and Special Envoy, has issued a passionate appeal to the international community. Describing the massacre as “an atrocity of unheard-of proportions,” she emphasized the destruction of lives and property, including mothers and children, and called for immediate humanitarian aid and accountability for the perpetrators.

Edna Adan highlighted the entrenched political monopoly in the Somali region that excludes Isaaq representation, allowing unchecked brutality by the Liyuu Police. Her call underscores the urgent need for global intervention to prevent further atrocities and stabilize the region.

The Da’awaley massacre has reignited longstanding ethnic and political tensions in Ethiopia’s Somali region. It highlights the fragility of regional governance and the dangers of unchecked paramilitary forces operating under the guise of state authority.

The incident also risks destabilizing Ethiopia-Somaliland relations, which have historically been rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. As the Ethiopian federal government grapples with growing ethnic unrest and the fallout from civil war in Tigray, addressing the violence in the Somali region becomes critical to preserving national unity.

The massacre in Da’awaley village is a harrowing reminder of the cost of unaddressed ethnic and political grievances. Urgent intervention is needed to protect vulnerable communities, hold perpetrators accountable, and restore stability in Ethiopia’s Somali region.

As survivors struggle to rebuild their lives and tensions simmer, the international community must respond decisively to prevent further bloodshed and uphold human rights in a region increasingly defined by violence and neglect.

Over 114 killed, hundreds wounded, and villages razed in brutal attack in Ethiopia’s Somali region, as survivors endure unimaginable atrocities.

In a harrowing account of the December 25, 2024 massacre in the villages of Da’awaley and Abokor Ahmed, Edna Adan Ismail, a renowned humanitarian and former foreign minister of Somaliland, has called for immediate international intervention to address the scale of atrocities. The brutal attack, reportedly carried out by Ethiopian regional forces known as the “New Police,” left over 114 dead and more than 200 wounded in just one day, making it one of the most devastating incidents in the region’s recent history.

Details of the Atrocity

According to Edna Adan, the attack targeted the Arab Issaq community, with 99% of those killed belonging to this tribe, including several of her close relatives. Armed with machine guns, the attackers destroyed entire villages, burning huts and cutting off escape routes toward Jigjiga, the regional capital. Survivors fled into the bush or towards Somaliland, over 50 kilometers away.

Among the horrors reported:

Mass Killings: Over 114 people killed in a single day.

Severe Injuries: More than 200 wounded, many left behind to die or attacked by wild animals.

Sexual Violence: Young girls abducted, with one survivor found raped, wounded, and abandoned.

Destruction of Property: Homes burned with petrol, leaving the villages uninhabitable.

The systematic nature of the violence and its devastating impact on civilians, primarily farmers and nomads, underscores the gravity of the incident.

A Plea for International Action

Edna Adan has described the massacre as “an atrocity of unheard-of proportions” and urged the international community to act swiftly. She emphasized the dire need for humanitarian assistance and accountability for those responsible.

Her plea comes amidst concerns about the broader implications of such violence in the already volatile Somali region of Ethiopia. The targeting of a specific tribe raises alarms about ethnic-based violence and the potential for further escalations if left unaddressed.

Broader Context

This massacre is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have destabilized Ethiopia’s Somali region. The conflict in Da’awaley has reignited longstanding tensions, highlighting the urgent need for robust intervention to prevent further atrocities.

The international community faces a critical test in responding to this tragedy. Immediate actions should include:

Humanitarian Aid: Providing medical care and essential supplies to displaced survivors.

Investigations: Launching an independent inquiry into the actions of the “New Police” and other involved parties.

Protection Measures: Ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities in the region.

Conclusion

The massacre in Da’awaley demands urgent global attention and action. Edna Adan’s testimony underscores the unimaginable suffering endured by survivors and the need for accountability to prevent further violence.

As the world grapples with complex humanitarian crises, the response to Da’awaley will be a litmus test for the international community’s commitment to justice and human rights in regions plagued by instability and conflict.

President Cirro meets with former presidents and vice-presidents to discuss national priorities and reinforce Somaliland’s unique identity.

In a significant move to reinforce national unity and continuity, the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Cirro), convened a consultative meeting with former presidents and vice-presidents of Somaliland. The meeting, held in the spirit of collaboration, focused on the current priorities and challenges facing the Republic of Somaliland.

Participants in the Historic Meeting

The consultation brought together a distinguished group of former leaders, including:

Muse Bihi Abdi: 5th President of Somaliland.

Dahir Riyale Kaahin: 3rd President of Somaliland.

Ahmed Yusuf Yassin: 3rd Vice President of Somaliland.

Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah: 2nd Vice President of Somaliland.

Bashe Mohamed Farah: Former Chairman of the Somaliland House of Representatives.

While some leaders, such as 4th and 5th Vice President Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail (Sailici) and 1st Vice President Hassan Isse Jama, were unable to attend due to personal circumstances, their contributions were acknowledged and respected.

The inclusion of current Vice President Jam. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi underscores the government’s commitment to bridging past and present leadership to foster collective wisdom and direction.

Key Issues Discussed

The discussions centered on several pivotal topics:

National Security and Stability: Addressing immediate concerns to ensure peace and cohesion.

Special Priorities for Somaliland: Exploring strategies to bolster governance, development, and Somaliland’s unique identity in the Horn of Africa.

Strengthening National Unity: Reinforcing the shared vision of Somaliland as a distinct and stable nation amid regional challenges.

The meeting reflected Somaliland’s governance ethos, which prioritizes collaboration and unity, distinguishing it from neighboring regions.

Symbolism and Impact

President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Cirro)

This consultative gathering holds deep symbolic and practical significance:

Unity of Leadership: By bringing together past and present leaders, the meeting projects an image of solidarity and shared responsibility.

Continuity and Wisdom: Leveraging the experiences of former presidents and vice-presidents ensures that national policies benefit from institutional memory and diverse perspectives.

Message to Citizens: The visible collaboration among leaders fosters public confidence in Somaliland’s governance and strengthens nationalism.

Conclusion

The consultative meeting hosted by President Cirro exemplifies Somaliland’s commitment to inclusive governance and national cohesion. As the country navigates pressing challenges and opportunities, the engagement of past and present leaders underscores a collective dedication to the well-being and unity of its people.

This event serves as a testament to Somaliland’s unique political culture, setting it apart as a beacon of stability and collaboration in the region.

Muse Bihi Abdi: 5th President of Somaliland.

Dahir Riyale Kaahin: 3rd President of Somaliland.

Somaliland Vice President. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi

Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah: 2nd Vice President of Somaliland.

Bashe Mohamed Farah: Former Chairman of the Somaliland House of Representatives.

Ahmed Yusuf Yassin: 3rd Vice President of Somaliland.

Somaliland Special Envoy Edna Adan urges international intervention to halt atrocities by Liyuu Police in Ethiopia’s Somali region.

Hargeisa, Somaliland – In a compelling press conference at the Somaliland presidential palace, renowned humanitarian and former foreign minister Edna Adan has issued an urgent plea to the international community to intervene in the ongoing atrocities in Da’awaley, a village in Ethiopia’s Somali region.

Describing the acts as “genocide,” Adan revealed the unimaginable horrors inflicted on innocent civilians by the Liyuu Police. Villages along the Somaliland-Ethiopia border have been indiscriminately shelled, bombed, and burned to the ground.

The toll is catastrophic:

• Homes reduced to ashes.
• Women and children targeted and shot.
• Entire families massacred.
• Survivors forced into the wilderness, many severely injured, with some transported to Somaliland for emergency medical care.

“The Hawd region is being wiped off the map,” Adan stated. “These are crimes against humanity, and Somaliland cannot confront this crisis alone.”

Despite Somaliland’s best efforts to assist the victims, the sheer scale of the devastation has left the region overwhelmed. Immediate international intervention is needed to provide humanitarian aid and demand accountability for these heinous crimes.

Edna Adan’s powerful words resonate: “How many lives must be lost before the world notices?”

Somaliland calls on global powers, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies to act swiftly. The time to prevent further loss of life and secure justice for the victims is now.

Somalilanders Call for International Action Against Hostile Provocations

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Renewed Clashes Along Ethiopia-Somaliland Border Signal Escalating Crisis