As Russia eyes naval bases in the Gulf of Aden-Red Sea region, Djibouti and Somaliland emerge as critical battlegrounds in the great power struggle.

Russia’s geopolitical chessboard is shifting in the Horn of Africa, where Djibouti and Somaliland are emerging as potential alternatives to Sudan for a long-sought naval base. With Sudan’s internal chaos stalling Russia’s military presence, Moscow is now reacting to shifting dynamics rather than shaping them—but that doesn’t mean it lacks a strategy.

At the heart of Russia’s calculations lies a critical uncertainty—whether the U.S. will maintain its Djibouti military base or shift operations to Somaliland upon recognizing it. If Trump follows through on his Project 2025 agenda, Washington could abandon Djibouti, creating an opening for Russia to swoop in—just as it did in Niger after the U.S. exit.

But if the U.S. stays in Djibouti, Russia will likely pivot to Somaliland instead, possibly formalizing diplomatic and military ties in exchange for strategic investments. While no concrete reports confirm such a move, Russia’s willingness to defy Mogadishu by engaging Hargeisa hints at deeper intentions.

Russia’s “pragmatic reactionary” approach is about leveraging existing tensions—between Djibouti and the U.S., between Somalia and Somaliland, and between Sudan’s competing factions. By positioning itself as a counterweight to Western influence, Moscow isn’t just looking for a naval base—it’s aiming to reshape Red Sea security in its favor.

With Washington, Beijing, and Ankara already competing in the region, the Gulf of Aden-Red Sea chess match just got a new grandmaster. Will Moscow pull off a strategic checkmate, or is it merely chasing shadows in a U.S.-dominated game? The answer may shape the future of military balance in East Africa.

Shocking Internal Attack Raises Concerns Over Law Enforcement Discipline and Oversight

The fatal stabbing of Commander Cabdi Cali Nuur by a fellow officer inside Mohamed Mooge Police Station in Hargeisa has sent shockwaves through Somaliland’s law enforcement ranks. Internal violence among officers is rare, but this brutal attack exposes deep-seated issues within police discipline, oversight, and mental health screening.

Authorities have yet to disclose a motive, but immediate questions emerge: Was this an act of personal grievance, a failure in internal dispute resolution, or a deeper issue of stress and misconduct within the force? The swift arrest of the suspect suggests a strong response, but this incident shatters public confidence in those tasked with maintaining order.

This killing underscores an urgent need for reform. Psychological assessments, routine internal monitoring, and a tighter disciplinary structure must be enforced to prevent future breakdowns. A police force that cannot control its own ranks risks losing public trust.

As the suspect awaits trial in Somaliland’s Military Court, the case will be a litmus test for law enforcement accountability. Will this lead to meaningful reforms, or will it be dismissed as an isolated act? Somaliland’s leadership must act decisively to ensure this tragedy is not repeated.

Police Uncover Dangerous Counterfeit Drug Operation in Hargeisa

A dangerous pharmaceutical scam has been dismantled in Hargeisa, with four Yemeni nationals arrested for repackaging expired medicine and altering expiration dates to deceive consumers. The operation, allegedly worth $9,000, involved imported cartons from China designed to make old drugs look newly manufactured.

This bust exposes a deep-rooted issue in Somaliland’s pharmaceutical industry: the influx of counterfeit and expired medicine. With weak enforcement and porous borders, fraudulent drugs continue to threaten public health. The investigation that led to the arrests signals a new level of vigilance by Somaliland authorities, but is it enough?

The fact that expired drugs were being collected from local pharmacies suggests that businesses may be complicit in such scams, prioritizing profits over patient safety. While these four suspects will face trial, Somaliland’s larger battle remains: securing its pharmaceutical supply chain and preventing future scams.

This case is a wake-up call for tighter regulations, stricter border controls, and aggressive crackdowns on those endangering lives for profit. If Somaliland fails to rein in counterfeit medicine, the next victims could be those seeking treatment—only to be poisoned instead.

A Burao Water Agency worker was shot dead in a billing dispute, highlighting growing tensions over water charges in Somaliland’s second-largest city.

A routine billing assessment turned deadly in Burao, where Mahmoud Mohamed Yusuf, an employee of the Burao Water Agency, was shot and killed at close range. The suspect, who was swiftly arrested by police, reportedly clashed with the victim over unpaid water bills, underscoring deepening frustrations over rising costs of basic utilities in Somaliland.

While billing disputes are common, a fatal escalation of this nature is unprecedented in Burao. Security forces have tightened patrols, and the incident has sent shockwaves through the city. Local authorities are now facing pressure to address both public grievances over utilities and growing concerns about security for workers in the field.

This tragic killing raises serious questions about economic hardship, governance, and public trust in service providers. If left unchecked, similar tensions could spiral into further unrest, putting both government agencies and businesses at risk. As authorities investigate, the focus must now shift to de-escalating public resentment and ensuring essential services remain safe for workers and consumers alike.

Somaliland secures international spotlight as President Irro returns from UAE with strengthened ties and new opportunities.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has returned home after concluding a landmark diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates. Greeted with a grand reception at Egal International Airport, the president was met by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, key ministers, military commanders, and national dignitaries.

This historic visit saw Somaliland take center stage at the World Governments Summit, a platform that hosted 140 countries, 400 ministers, and top global leaders. Irro emphasized that Somaliland attended as an equal to recognized states, marking a crucial step in its quest for international legitimacy.

“We went at the official invitation of our friendly government, the UAE, and we were invited on behalf of the Republic of Somaliland,” President Irro declared.

The visit strengthens Somaliland’s global standing, opening doors for economic collaboration, trade, and strategic partnerships with influential nations. As Somaliland continues to assert itself on the world stage, waryatv.com will be watching closely for the next move in this diplomatic evolution.

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DP World Foundation praises Somaliland’s leadership amid high-level talks on trade, security, and humanitarian aid.

Somaliland’s diplomatic momentum surged as President Abdirahman Irro engaged in high-level discussions with UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meetings, held during the World Government Summit, emphasized Somaliland’s strategic importance in regional trade and security.

DP World Foundation, a key player in Somaliland’s development, hailed its meeting with Irro. Director General Latifa Al Qamzi highlighted growing collaboration in emergency relief and humanitarian aid, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to Somaliland’s economic and infrastructural growth.

The UAE has already positioned itself as Somaliland’s primary investor, particularly through its multi-million-dollar development of Berbera Port. With discussions expanding into logistics, maritime security, and commerce, Somaliland’s geopolitical significance continues to rise. As Irro pushes for international recognition, Somaliland’s deepening ties with the UAE bolster its legitimacy as a stable and influential actor in the Horn of Africa.

Ayaan Hassan honored for transforming maternal healthcare in Somaliland, training midwives to reduce childbirth complications.

Ayaan Hassan, a Somali-Swedish midwife, has been awarded the 2025 Medical Mission’s Kindness Award for her groundbreaking maternal health work in Somaliland. Over the past eight years, she has trained midwives in Gabiley, equipping them with life-saving skills to combat maternal mortality in a region where medical resources are scarce.

Hassan, who specializes in midwifery and women’s health in Sweden, felt a duty to give back to her homeland. Every year, at her own expense, she returns to Somaliland to train healthcare workers, addressing childbirth emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage and obstructed labor. Her efforts gained government support in 2017, ensuring security and accommodation for her mission.

Her work has left a lasting impact—midwives she trained now work in hospitals and teach at universities. Many credit Hassan’s training with saving lives, proving that her initiative is driving sustainable change in Somaliland’s maternal healthcare sector.

Hassan has pledged her $3,000 prize money toward supplying professional uniforms for Gabiley’s midwives, reinforcing her commitment to empowering local healthcare workers. She hopes her story will inspire other Somali professionals in the diaspora to contribute to their communities.

Läkarmissionen, the Swedish humanitarian organization behind the award, praised Hassan’s dedication, calling her a “remarkable individual” whose work has directly saved lives and strengthened Somaliland’s maternal healthcare system.

Somaliland and UAE deepen cooperation on trade, security, and regional stability as President Irro meets top Emirati officials.

Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) is making strategic diplomatic moves during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. On the second day of his trip, he met with UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, solidifying a growing partnership between Somaliland and the Gulf powerhouse.

President Irro expressed gratitude for the UAE’s hospitality and reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. The high-level discussions focused on critical areas, including economic investments, infrastructure development, and security coordination in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Somaliland’s strategic location and its growing economic importance, particularly through the Berbera Port, position it as a vital player in regional trade. The UAE, already a major investor in Somaliland, sees new opportunities for deeper collaboration in logistics, commerce, and maritime security.

This visit underscores Somaliland’s rising geopolitical significance and its efforts to secure international recognition through strategic alliances. With UAE backing, Somaliland is further cementing its role as a stable and influential entity in the Horn of Africa.