Diaspora Alert: Expose Mogadishu’s E-Visa Scam
The so-called “e-visa” launched by the Mogadishu administration is a new form of digital extortion, an attempt to tax travellers heading to Somaliland, a country they neither govern nor control. The last time Hargeisa paid taxes to Mogadishu was in 1988.
This scheme forces travellers to pay twice: once for an e-visa that is invalid in Somaliland, and again for a genuine Somaliland visa on arrival. Under global card network rules, this qualifies for a chargeback (refund) as a “service not provided.” After diaspora members began filing chargebacks, Mogadishu quietly added this warning to its website:
“Payments … cannot be reversed or recovered through chargeback procedures … In the event of any chargeback … the applicant’s personal information, IP address, location data, and other relevant information will be utilized to file a criminal complaint with the appropriate authorities” (see screenshot).
This notice violates Visa and Mastercard rules and breaches data-protection regulations in the EU, UK and US. It forbids refunds, threatens travellers, and misuses personal data, clear indicators of a fraudulent online operation.
Any bank or payment processor handling these payments is in breach of compliance rules and could be terminated by Visa and Mastercard if chargeback rates rise. A few hundred disputes could bring this scheme down.
What You Can Do
· Do not buy the Mogadishu e-visa if you’re travelling to Somaliland.
· If you already did, file a chargeback, your Hargeisa visa proves “service not delivered.”
· Report the merchant and payment processor to your bank’s fraud team so they can add it to their watchlist
Republic of Somaliland Celebrates 65 Years of Sovereignty
PRESS STATEMENT
Hargeisa | 26 June 2025
The Republic of Somaliland today marked the 65th anniversary of its historic independence with a solemn and dignified state ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
This nationally significant occasion—commemorating the 26th of June 1960, the day Somaliland reclaimed its sovereignty from British colonial rule—serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring will of the Somaliland people to determine their own destiny.
Presiding over the ceremony was the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), accompanied by the Vice President, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi. Also in attendance were the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, members of the Council of Ministers, leaders of national political parties, the Attorney General, former vice presidents, distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, senior statesmen, traditional elders, artists, scholars, and a wide cross-section of invited guests.
The evening featured a poignant cultural programme, including theatrical performances and poetic compositions, designed to honour the memory of those who fought for Somaliland’s freedom and to reaffirm the significance of the date in the nation's collective consciousness.
In their keynote addresses, the Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi; distinguished scholar and statesman Professor Ahmed Ismail Samatar; and the respective Speakers of the House of Elders and House of Representatives, Honourable. Saleebaan Mohamoud Adan and Honourable Professor Yasin Haji Mohamoud Hiir (Faratoon), reflected on the historic legacy of independence and called for its preservation through national unity, vigilance, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Addressing the nation, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) described the 26th of June not only as a landmark in the annals of Somaliland’s modern history but as an eternal covenant between generations—a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dignity, sovereignty, and nationhood.
The President underscored the remarkable progress made by the Republic in the realms of governance, peacebuilding, and institution-building, while candidly acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by Somaliland’s quest for international recognition.
His Excellency reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the defence of Somaliland’s sovereignty, the consolidation of its democratic gains, and the advancement of its rightful place among the community of nations.
As the ceremony concluded and the clock struck midnight, the national flag of the Republic of Somaliland was hoisted above the Presidential Palace with full military honours. Members of the armed forces presented a formal salute to the flag—symbolising the unbroken continuity of Somaliland’s nationhood and the solemn dignity with which it continues to uphold its sovereign path.
All praise and thanks be to Almighty Allah.
Hussein Adan Igeh (Deyr),
Spokesman for the President of the Republic of Somaliland
Honoured to attend the 18 May celebration in Somaliland and to see a wonderful collegial leadership, consensus politics and faith in democratic state-building.
(President Irro and ex-President Bihi having a light moment)
Strong Condemnation for Hassan Sheikh's foolish interference into Somaliland’s internal Affairs.
I am writing to categorically and unequivocally condemn the baseless and false claims that the President of Somalia- representing the archetype of a failed state-, exercises control over the Strategic Maritime Domains of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, or that he has any legitimacy over critical infrastructure such as Berbera Port and Berbera Airport. The assets in question are under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Somaliland, which is an independent sovereign state.
Furthermore, the claim that these facilities have been falsely offered to the United States government is entirely unfounded and misrepresents the sovereign reality of our nation.
The Republic of Somaliland has, since restoring its statehood based on colonial-era borders on June 26, 1960, established a stable, democratic, and self-reliant state. The government of Somaliland exercises full and exclusive control over its territorial waters, land borders, airspace, and vital national assets, including Berbera Port and Berbera Airport. These facilities are cornerstones of our economic development and regional trade, managed with transparency and in strict compliance with international laws.
The claims propagated by the weak and beleaguered Mogadishu administration are a deliberate attempt to undermine Somaliland’s legitimacy of statehood, and it is a blind distortion of facts on the ground.
Hassan Sheikh's naked interference in Somaliland’s internal affairs not only ignores our long-established sovereignty but is also an insult to both the domestic and international community by falsely attributing authority over our national assets to a government that has consistently failed to fulfill even the most basic criteria for statehood to govern its own territory.
We, the people of Somaliland and their government, call upon all concerned parties, including but not limited to the United States of America to reject these spurious claims and to acknowledge the true facts: Somaliland remains an independent, sovereign state with full control over its maritime and aviation infrastructure.
The Republic of Somaliland categorically states that our strategic assets in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are integral to our national security and economic stability, and any suggestion to the contrary is a clear political desperate attempt devoid of factual basis.
We urge the international community, particularly our esteemed partners in the United States of America, to recognize Somaliland’s unequivocal control and rightful management of these falsely claimed assets.
Our facilities at Berbera Port and Berbera Airport continue to be instrumental in bolstering regional trade, attracting investment, and promoting security in the Horn of Africa. We remain committed to safeguarding our sovereignty and ensuring that our assets serve the interests of our people and contribute to regional prosperity.
Thank you for your attention to these matters. Somaliland stands resolute in its commitment to uphold democratic principles, peace and stability, rule of law, human rights, respecting international norms, pursuit of truth, accountability, and the protection of Somaliland’s sovereign rights and self-determination of our people.
Long Live the Republic of Somaliland and its Nobel people,
Sincerely,
Hussein Adan Igeh (@Huseindeyr)
Spokesman for the President of the Republic of Somaliland
Now is the time not just for the US but also the UK to move to recognition.
For years Somaliland has been a stable democratic country we need to support them and instead of dithering act.
Somalia has sadly failed and holding Somaliland back benefits no one.
A democracy in East Africa, a key player in trade, and a nation with strong global ties—Somaliland is making its case for international recognition.
#WGS25#WorldGovSummit
H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) & VP Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi take office today, marking a historic, peaceful transfer of power.
President Cirro pledges unity, justice, and progress: "What unites us is greater than what divides us."
#Somaliland#Democracy#HoA
President @musebiihi presides over the final Cabinet meeting.
Key highlights include:
✅ Successful elections, 90% funded locally
✅ KULMIYE's transition to a constructive opposition role
✅ A call for national unity and collaboration during this critical phase
2/4
Each group brings allies, pushing for top govt positions, contracts & money. With limited roles and resources, many are left disappointed. That’s when the trouble starts, they join opposition parties, form militias or disrupt parliament, just like in past administrations.
Press Statement: Meeting Between President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and President Muse Bihi Abdi.
Hargeisa, Somaliland – Today marks a historic moment in the Republic of Somaliland's democratic journey. His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (@Abdirahmanirro ), the President-elect of the Republic of Somaliland met with His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi (@musebiihi ), the Incumbent President of the Republic of Somaliland at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The meeting underscored the commitment of both presidents to ensuring a peaceful transfer of power and fostering national unity.
During their discussions, President Muse Bihi Abdi reaffirmed his dedication to upholding the nation's constitutional processes and wished the President-elect success in his upcoming term.
President-elect Abdirahman expressed his gratitude to the outgoing President for his service to the nation and emphasized his administration's commitment to building on the achievements of past governments. Both presidents highlighted the need for continued collaboration to address pressing national priorities.
The meeting concluded with a shared message of unity and hope for the future of Somaliland. Presidents called upon all citizens to remain engaged and supportive of efforts to promote peace, democracy, and progress.
#Somaliland
###
Congratulations to President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (@Abdirahmanirro) on your victory. I pledge my full support for a smooth transition of power. May your tenure bring peace, progress, and enduring success to our beloved nation. 1/2
#Somaliland
Democracy remains a rare gem in Africa and Somaliland has once again showcased the strength of its electoral system and the unwavering democratic spirit of its people. Congratulations to the 6th President @Abdirahmanirro & VP Maxamed Cali Aw Cabdi on their 2024 election victory!
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (Silanyo), 4th elected President of the Republic of Somaliland, has returned to his Creator. May Allah rest his soul, forgive his shortcomings & grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah comfort his loved ones & Somaliland.
Following the historic agreement signed between the Government of #Somaliland and DP World that saw DP World invest over half a billion dollars, the strategic port of Berbera in Somaliland is rapidly emerging as a crucial hub for global trade, especially in light of recent disruptions at other ports in the Red Sea region.
The name "Berbera Port Somaliland" is now recognized as a player in the boardrooms of shipping and financial conglomerates.
Plans are underway to expand capacity to 2 Million TEU, further positioning Berbera for the near future, as a formidable force not only within the region but in global trade as well.