President Irro makes a high-profile visit to Awdal, pledging development while seeking to secure political loyalty. But is this a true commitment—or just another power move?

Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi Irro’s high-profile visit to Awdal and his latest pledge to fund an oxygen concentrator for Boorama General Hospital is more than just a humanitarian gesture—it’s a calculated political move aimed at solidifying his hold over the region. At a time when his administration faces mounting criticism, particularly over security concerns and clan tensions, this visit signals an effort to consolidate his base and project stability.

During his dinner meeting with Awdal’s cultural elites, Irro emphasized his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and urged traditional leaders to rally behind his administration. The gathering, attended by top ministers, MPs, and party officials, was less about policy and more about securing regional backing in a volatile political climate.

Awdal’s elders, in return, showered praise on Irro’s leadership, highlighting infrastructure and economic development projects under his administration. But the question remains—is this goodwill genuine, or is it a strategic display to mask growing dissatisfaction within Somaliland’s political and security landscape?

The oxygen concentrator pledge, while symbolically significant, is just one piece of a larger political chessboard. Irro’s administration is under scrutiny over escalating security challenges and rivalries brewing within Somaliland’s power circles. His meeting with Awdal’s leaders comes at a time when factional disputes are intensifying, clan allegiances are shifting, and questions about his ability to govern effectively are growing louder.

While his words of unity and solidarity may resonate, the true test will be whether his administration delivers tangible progress beyond political appeasement. Will Awdal remain a loyal pillar of his presidency, or is this merely a temporary truce before deeper cracks begin to show?

Somaliland’s journey to statehood is a story of resilience, self-determination, and a legacy obscured by historical complexities. While the world recognizes July 1st, 1960, as Somalia’s independence, the truth is more nuanced, and Somaliland’s own declaration of independence on June 26th of that year plays a crucial, often overlooked role.

On that historic day, Sir Pierson Dixon, representing the Queen and the UK Council, submitted Somaliland’s independence paperwork to the United Nations. This act, grounded in international law and recognized by the UK, solidified Somaliland’s status as a sovereign nation. However, this initial recognition was short-lived. The narrative shifted when control fell into Italian hands, leading to a request for UN verification of Somalia’s independence on July 1st. This procedural move, however, did not negate Somaliland’s prior declaration.

The subsequent narrative of a unified “Somali Republic” rests on shaky legal ground. Crucially, no legally binding treaty of union between Somaliland and Somalia was ever signed, ratified, or registered with the UN, as required by Article 102 of the UN Charter. This absence of a legally sound union casts doubt on the legitimacy of Somalia’s claim to represent both territories. In fact, Somaliland’s parliament rejected the Act of Union in 1961, further underscoring the lack of legal consensus.  

Adding to the complexity, Somalia’s own path to recognized statehood is intertwined with Somaliland’s. Until June 30th, 1960, Somalia was under UN Trusteeship (Italian control), meaning it lacked the full sovereignty required to enter into a legally binding union. This raises questions about the validity of any subsequent claims of unification.

The implications of these historical and legal discrepancies are significant. Some argue that Somalia’s presence in Somaliland constitutes an illegal territorial occupation under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits expansion by force. Furthermore, the argument is made that Somalia’s international recognition, including its UN seat, is predicated on the misappropriation of Somaliland’s prior independent status. 

The narrative of a unified Somali Republic, promoted by Italy, the former colonial power, is seen by some as a form of neocolonialism. This manipulation of the UN process, it is argued, has allowed Somalia to maintain a fraudulent claim to international legitimacy, a claim that would be significantly weakened without Somaliland’s prior independent status.

Beyond the legal arguments, the historical record points to a procedural error at the UN level, an error with far-reaching consequences. This error, some argue, has not only denied Somaliland its rightful place on the world stage but has also contributed to ongoing conflicts and injustices, including the mass killings of the Isaaq clan, which some legal experts argue constitute genocide under the UN Genocide Convention.

Somaliland’s story is a testament to its people’s enduring quest for self-determination. It is a story that demands recognition, not only for the sake of historical accuracy but also for the pursuit of justice and lasting peace in the Horn of Africa. The call for protected status for the Isaaq clan and demands for compensation are a direct consequence of the historical injustices and the ongoing struggle for recognition. The pursuit of truth and accountability regarding these historical events remains central to Somaliland’s national identity and its aspirations for a secure and prosperous future.

Brigadier General Nimcan Yusuf Osman discusses military cooperation with UAE top brass.

The Commander of the Somaliland National Army, Brigadier General Nimcan Yusuf Osman, met with the Commander of the United Arab Emirates Military Forces, Lieutenant General Engineer Eisa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei, in Abu Dhabi. The high-level discussions focused on strengthening military cooperation, with the UAE pledging support for the development, training, and modernization of the Somaliland Armed Forces.

Brigadier General Osman’s visit comes at a critical time, as Somaliland seeks to enhance its defense capabilities, particularly in military technology and security infrastructure. The UAE, with its advanced military industry and regional influence, is seen as a key partner in Somaliland’s bid to boost its national defense forces.

Somaliland Military Chief Attends Global Defense Summit in UAE Amid Growing Security Interests

The meeting took place against the backdrop of an international defense and security forum in Abu Dhabi, where military leaders from across the world are showcasing cutting-edge military technologies. The event, running until February 23, 2025, provides an opportunity for Somaliland’s leadership to forge deeper defense ties with global players.

The UAE’s potential investment in Somaliland’s military modernization could reshape regional security dynamics, strengthening Somaliland’s defense infrastructure and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa. As regional tensions simmer, Somaliland’s military alliances will be crucial in determining its future security and geopolitical standing.

This latest development signals a new chapter in Somaliland-UAE relations, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s strategic presence in the region and Somaliland’s quest for greater military self-sufficiency.

Somaliland’s top military commander joins global defense leaders in Abu Dhabi, signaling new opportunities for security partnerships and military advancements.

Somaliland’s military diplomacy is on the rise, with National Army Commander Brigadier General Nimcaan Yusuf Osman attending an elite international defense and security summit in Abu Dhabi. His presence at this high-profile event—featuring leaders from 65 nations and top global defense firms—marks a significant moment in Somaliland’s growing security ambitions.

This unprecedented invitation by the UAE signals a shift in Somaliland’s international military engagement, particularly in accessing cutting-edge defense technologies, strategic partnerships, and advanced training opportunities. As the geopolitical competition in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa intensifies, Somaliland is positioning itself as a serious player in regional security dynamics.

For years, Somaliland’s military has operated without major international defense partnerships due to its lack of formal recognition. However, this forum offers a rare opportunity for engagement with defense industry leaders, opening doors for military modernization, security cooperation, and counterterrorism collaboration—key priorities in an era of rising instability in East Africa.

This event is also a quiet but powerful diplomatic win for Hargeisa. The UAE, which maintains strong economic and security interests in Somaliland—particularly in Berbera Port—is increasingly acknowledging Somaliland’s role as a regional security player. Could this be a precursor to deeper military cooperation or even formal recognition down the line?

As Somaliland moves to bolster its defense capabilities, this historic participation in Abu Dhabi’s premier security summit proves that its military ambitions extend beyond its borders—and that the world is starting to take notice.

Somaliland-UAE Military Ties Strengthen Amid Strategic Talks in Abu Dhabi

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.