The Turkish side appears dissatisfied with the retraction concerning its long-standing partner in the Horn of Africa. Nevertheless, we reiterate our position: Somalia has yet to demonstrate that it is a consistent and reliable partner.
By contrast, Somaliland continues to attract growing international engagement, reflecting its political maturity, stability, and reputation as a dependable partner.
Somaliland Calls on Cyprus and Greece to Recognize It
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Journalist, Horn of Africa Security Expert and Political Analyst
Somaliland has called on Cyprus and Greece to reconsider their stance regarding recognition of Somaliland, following contact between Somalia's new Speaker of Parliament, Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, and the Turkish-backed Northern Cyprus, which claims to have seceded from the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the Cyprus Mail, Somaliland stated it stands with the Republic of Cyprus and Greece, while warning against what it described as "Somali and Turkish aggression." Somaliland also questioned the relationship between Somalia's Parliamentary Speaker and his Northern Cypriot counterpart.
"Cyprus and Greece should conduct a fresh strategic review of the Republic of Somaliland," Somaliland declared, arguing that recognition could create new opportunities in diplomacy, economics, and security.
The statements came after Somalia's Parliamentary Speaker held a phone call with Northern Cyprus Parliamentary Speaker Ziya Öztürkler, who congratulated him on his recent appointment. Nur later posted a thank-you message on social media addressed to the Northern Cyprus Speaker, but the post was subsequently deleted.
Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed on Friday that Somalia's position on the Cyprus issue remains unchanged. The ministry stated it respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and cohesion of the Republic of Cyprus, based on international law and United Nations resolutions.
However, the Somali Foreign Ministry's swift rebuke and clarification are reported to have angered some Turkish politicians, given the deep and strategic alliance between Ankara and Mogadishu. While Turkish officials have not issued formal statements condemning the move, diplomatic observers suggest the incident has caused unease in Ankara, which views Northern Cyprus as a close ally and would likely perceive any engagement with it—even inadvertently—as a diplomatic misstep. The timing is particularly sensitive, as Turkey's Parliament recently approved an extension of Turkish military presence in Somalia until July 2028, underscoring the high stakes in their bilateral relationship.
Somalia and Turkey have long maintained close strategic relations, spanning security, education, health, economy, and infrastructure development. Turkey's Parliament approved last month an extension of Turkish military presence in Somalia until July 2028, with Ankara stating it supports Somalia in combating terrorism, piracy, and other threats.
About the Author: Jama Ayaanle Feyte is a distinguished journalist, a specialist in Horn of Africa security dynamics, and a political analyst whose work focuses on governance, conflict resolution, and regional integration.
Somalia Reaffirms Unchanged Stance on Cyprus, Dismisses Social Media Post as Unofficial
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has moved swiftly to clarify its foreign policy regarding the Cyprus dispute, reaffirming that its long-standing position remains intact and fully aligned with international law. The clarification comes in response to a recent social media post by a senior Somali official that had sparked diplomatic speculation.
In an official statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Somalia continues to uphold the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. The government stressed that its policy is guided by the Charter of the United Nations and pertinent Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984), which declare the secessionist entity in northern Cyprus legally invalid and call on all states to refrain from recognizing it.
The statement was issued after a message posted on social media by the Speaker of the House of the People, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, appeared to acknowledge the parliament of the self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC)—a breakaway state recognized only by Turkey. The post, which was later removed from the official parliamentary account, had prompted concerns that Mogadishu might be shifting its diplomatic posture.
Addressing the matter directly, the Ministry categorically stated that the communication was a personal expression and does not represent the official policy of the Federal Government of Somalia. "It shall not be interpreted as any change in the country's foreign policy," the Ministry asserted, adding that no formal decision has been made to alter Somalia's decades-old position on the Cyprus question.
The incident carries particular diplomatic weight for Somalia, which itself faces comparable challenges to its territorial integrity. The internationally recognized government in Mogadishu has been locked in a sustained campaign against external recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, following Israel's formal acknowledgment of Somaliland's independence in December 2025—a move Somalia vehemently rejected as a violation of its sovereignty.
In a related development, authorities in Somaliland had reportedly used the speaker's initial post as a diplomatic opening, urging Cyprus and Greece to consider reciprocal recognition. However, Mogadishu's prompt clarification appears to have closed that avenue.
The Somali government's reaffirmation was welcomed in Nicosia. The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its approval of the Somali statement, underscoring that respect for international law and the territorial integrity of states remains a cornerstone of its own foreign policy.
Concluding its statement, Somalia reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus dispute, advocating for a negotiated settlement through dialogue between the two communities, facilitated by United Nations-mediated efforts and in full compliance with international legal frameworks and Security Council resolutions
An East Africa Alliance?
Somaliland independence will be a huge news to East Africa and the free world. The soon to be sovereign country will have a coast and ports to serve two more countries: Ethiopia and South Sudan. The landlocked and "surrounded" East African countries will be able to use Somaliland's ports and coasts to have access to the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. South Sudan oil will be able to flow via pipelines via Ethiopia to Somaliland. Ethiopia will have access to ports and long coasts for commerce and military needs.
It is expected that the three East African countries could establish a security agreement for collective defense and counter terrorism partnerships between Berbera, Addis Abbeba and Juba. Israel, the UAE and the US could provide support to the Alliance.
Major development.
Security Crossroads: Intelligence Gaps, Foreign Vetting, and the Terror Funding Pipeline in the Horn of Africa
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Journalist, Horn of Africa Security Expert & Political Analyst
Overview: A Region on Borrowed Time
A dangerous security paradox grips the Horn. In Puntland, a flagged militant has slipped through surveillance and vanished into mountain redoubts. In Somaliland, political infighting overshadows external threats. The question is no longer whether the region is vulnerable—but whether its security frameworks can evolve from reactive fragmentation into a unified, preemptive defense.
Puntland's Intelligence Collapse
A terror suspect, previously interrogated and monitored, evaded capture in Puntland's highlands—exposing systemic failures:
· Compromised informants – Local intelligence networks appear weakened or uncoordinated.
· Terrain as cover – Rugged mountains remain unmonitored by aerial or technological means.
· Inter-agency silos – Data is hoarded, not shared, leaving a patchwork defense.
This is not a one-off lapse; it is a structural breakdown in threat tracking.
Somaliland's Strategic Complacency
While Puntland grapples with breaches, Somaliland's leadership is consumed by domestic rivalries. The political class debates legitimacy and elections while cross-border risks—foreign fighters, financiers, and intelligence operatives—go under-scrutinized.
Can Hargeisa distinguish legitimate commerce from hostile reconnaissance? The answer remains uncertain, and the margin for error is shrinking.
The Turkish Test – Vetting Foreign Nationals
A Turkish national arrives in Hargeisa as a "businessman." Given Ankara's complex stakes in the Horn, thorough vetting is critical. Yet:
· Is there a reliable intelligence channel to Turkey?
· Can local agencies verify passports, employment, and finances against global databases?
· Does the law permit deep scrutiny of digital trails and local ties?
Without formal bilateral protocols, Somaliland processes foreign entries on trust alone—an open door for infiltration.
The Ethiopian Influx – Migrants or Militants?
Large numbers of Ethiopians cross into Puntland—some as economic refugees, others as recruited fighters. The volume overwhelms screening capacity, and without biometric infrastructure, misidentification is rampant. A nuanced, intelligence-led border policy is urgently needed—one that separates humanitarian protection from security enforcement.
CCTV – Evidence, Not Prevention
Somaliland's new CCTV network is welcome but overhyped. Cameras capture attacks after they happen—they do not stop them. True prevention requires HUMINT, FININT, and SIGINT to disrupt plots before detonation. The strategic priority must shift from forensic reaction to proactive disruption.
The SIM Card Loophole – Terror's Digital Bank
Puntland arrests reveal a stark pattern: suspects with multiple SIM cards and large mobile-money transfers—untraceable, instant, and anonymous. Both Puntland and Somaliland lack rigorous registration; mobile platforms bypass AML checks.
Egypt's model offers a benchmark: biometric registration, state-controlled distribution, and verifiable identity trails. The Horn must compel telecoms to:
1. Enforce biometric SIM registration.
2. Monitor and flag suspicious high-volume transfers.
3. Enable real-time financial audits.
Without these measures, mobile networks remain the terror lifeline.
Conclusion: A Unified Doctrine Is Non-Negotiable
Puntland's porous mountains, Somaliland's distracted leadership, unvetted foreigners, and unchecked digital cash flow are not separate problems—they are symptoms of a broken security architecture.
Immediate imperatives:
· Break silos – Unify intelligence sharing across the region.
· Invest in prevention – Prioritize HUMINT(Human Intelligence) , FININT( Financial Intelligence) and SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) over forensic cameras.
· Regulate telecoms – Adopt Egyptian-style SIMcards
Security Crossroads: Intelligence Gaps, Foreign Vetting, and the Terror Funding Pipeline in the Horn of Africa
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Journalist, Horn of Africa Security Expert & Political Analyst
Overview: A Region on Borrowed Time
A dangerous security paradox grips the Horn. In Puntland, a flagged militant has slipped through surveillance and vanished into mountain redoubts. In Somaliland, political infighting overshadows external threats. The question is no longer whether the region is vulnerable—but whether its security frameworks can evolve from reactive fragmentation into a unified, preemptive defense.
Puntland's Intelligence Collapse
A terror suspect, previously interrogated and monitored, evaded capture in Puntland's highlands—exposing systemic failures:
· Compromised informants – Local intelligence networks appear weakened or uncoordinated.
· Terrain as cover – Rugged mountains remain unmonitored by aerial or technological means.
· Inter-agency silos – Data is hoarded, not shared, leaving a patchwork defense.
This is not a one-off lapse; it is a structural breakdown in threat tracking.
Somaliland's Strategic Complacency
While Puntland grapples with breaches, Somaliland's leadership is consumed by domestic rivalries. The political class debates legitimacy and elections while cross-border risks—foreign fighters, financiers, and intelligence operatives—go under-scrutinized.
Can Hargeisa distinguish legitimate commerce from hostile reconnaissance? The answer remains uncertain, and the margin for error is shrinking.
The Turkish Test – Vetting Foreign Nationals
A Turkish national arrives in Hargeisa as a "businessman." Given Ankara's complex stakes in the Horn, thorough vetting is critical. Yet:
· Is there a reliable intelligence channel to Turkey?
· Can local agencies verify passports, employment, and finances against global databases?
· Does the law permit deep scrutiny of digital trails and local ties?
Without formal bilateral protocols, Somaliland processes foreign entries on trust alone—an open door for infiltration.
The Ethiopian Influx – Migrants or Militants?
Large numbers of Ethiopians cross into Puntland—some as economic refugees, others as recruited fighters. The volume overwhelms screening capacity, and without biometric infrastructure, misidentification is rampant. A nuanced, intelligence-led border policy is urgently needed—one that separates humanitarian protection from security enforcement.
CCTV – Evidence, Not Prevention
Somaliland's new CCTV network is welcome but overhyped. Cameras capture attacks after they happen—they do not stop them. True prevention requires HUMINT, FININT, and SIGINT to disrupt plots before detonation. The strategic priority must shift from forensic reaction to proactive disruption.
The SIM Card Loophole – Terror's Digital Bank
Puntland arrests reveal a stark pattern: suspects with multiple SIM cards and large mobile-money transfers—untraceable, instant, and anonymous. Both Puntland and Somaliland lack rigorous registration; mobile platforms bypass AML checks.
Egypt's model offers a benchmark: biometric registration, state-controlled distribution, and verifiable identity trails. The Horn must compel telecoms to:
1. Enforce biometric SIM registration.
2. Monitor and flag suspicious high-volume transfers.
3. Enable real-time financial audits.
Without these measures, mobile networks remain the terror lifeline.
Conclusion: A Unified Doctrine Is Non-Negotiable
Puntland's porous mountains, Somaliland's distracted leadership, unvetted foreigners, and unchecked digital cash flow are not separate problems—they are symptoms of a broken security architecture.
Immediate imperatives:
· Break silos – Unify intelligence sharing across the region.
· Invest in prevention – Prioritize HUMINT(Human Intelligence) , FININT( Financial Intelligence) and SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) over forensic cameras.
· Regulate telecoms – Adopt Egyptian-style SIMcards
NAIROBI: Abdirizak Mohamed Mohamud, also known as Abdirizak British, who serves as the Head of Protocol at Villa Somalia and is the nephew of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He has reportedly entered Nairobi, Kenya discreetly in recent days, carrying a Somali diplomatic passport.
Real estate sources in Nairobi told us that Abdirisak is seeking to auction two apartment properties he previously purchased in Nairobi.
According to our investigation, the properties are located in Lavington and Parklands, in Nairobi.
The sudden sale of these properties is reportedly linked to Kenya’s alleged decision to begin tracing assets suspected of having been acquired with funds allegedly embezzled from Somalia by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s family and close associates.
Recently, Kenya deported two senior Somalia officials over passport fraud and militia involvement.
Kenya is doing a very noble job which we should all support.
@InteriorKE@ForeignOfficeKE@PoliceKE
#BREAKING: Turkey issues a stark ultimatum to Somali pirates!
According to well-placed intelligence sources, Ankara has ordered the Somali pirates who seized a Cameroon-flagged vessel yesterday to release the ship within hours. This follows a Turkish drone strike on a nearby skiff earlier this afternoon.
Key details emerging:
The cargo – Preliminary reports indicate the hijacked ship was en route to Turkey's military base in Mogadishu, carrying military equipment and construction materials destined for Turkey's new space launch facilities being built in southern Somalia.
Naval presence – Two Turkish warships have now taken up positions close to the captured vessel.
Casualties reported – Sources say the hijacking wasn't bloodless; armed security guards onboard put up resistance, and casualties were sustained during the takeover.
Diplomatic pressure – High-level talks have taken place between Somali federal leaders and Turkish officials. Ankara is reportedly threatening a direct military strike if the pirates do not stand down immediately. Intelligence also suggests another vessel approached the area earlier this morning.
We will bring you updates as this story develop
The recent remarks by former U.S. Ambassador Larry—who served both Somalia and Somaliland—have laid bare Washington's deep disillusionment with southern Somalia. That very frustration, he suggests, is what has driven the United States to forge closer ties with Somaliland and, separately, with Puntland.
I had the chance to meet Ambassador Larry in the city we both call home, back when I was serving as the opposition's foreign affairs chief. He is a measured, insightful figure with a keen grasp of the complex political landscape in the Horn of Africa.
👇👇👇
Waddani Party Chairman Urges Public and Officials to Combat Misinformation
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Chairman of Somaliland's main opposition party, Waddani, Mr. @HersiAHassan Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, has issued a clarion call for heightened vigilance and fact-checking, urging both government officials and the broader public to rigorously verify the authenticity of news circulating in the public domain.
Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony of the KOON Media House in Hargeisa, Chairman Hirsi addressed the growing challenges posed by unchecked information, emphasizing that the credibility of news is paramount to social stability.
"To the authorities, the media, and the general populace, I say this unequivocally: we must all take the time to scrutinize and confirm the facts," Mr. Hirsi declared. He underscored a critical political reality, stating that any decision or policy detrimental to the government inevitably harms the citizens it is meant to serve. He therefore extended his counsel specifically to public officials, imploring them to exercise due diligence and avoid acting on unverified claims.
The Dual-Edged Sword of Media Power
In his keynote address, Chairman Hirsi delved deeply into the evolving role of the press in Somaliland society. He acknowledged that the media stands as a pillar of democracy, playing an indispensable role in guiding public discourse and advancing civic education.
However, he issued a stark warning regarding the immense power held by journalists and content creators. "The authority of the media is absolute, but it is entirely dependent on the direction in which it is wielded—whether for constructive development or for destructive division," he noted. He further warned that a lack of professional integrity carries severe consequences: "If the media leads the public astray using fabricated or inaccurate reports, it will inevitably corrupt societal values and undermine the community's moral and intellectual compass."
A Warning Against Social Media Echo Chambers
Expanding on the modern information crisis, Mr. Hirsi specifically addressed the rampant consumption of news via unregulated social media platforms. He cautioned that relying solely on these digital outlets for knowledge without proper verification poses a significant threat to community cohesion.
"The habit of passively scrolling through social media for news, without questioning the source or intent, is gradually eroding our traditional values and undermining our collective way of thinking," the Waddani chairman asserted. He reiterated his appeal for a culture of verification, encouraging citizens to cross-reference information from multiple credible sources before forming opinions or sharing content.
Context and Significance
Chairman Hirsi's remarks come at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Somaliland, where misinformation and disinformation campaigns often exacerbate tensions between political factions and the government. His call to action serves as a direct challenge to both state media and private outlets to uphold journalistic ethics.
Furthermore, his emphasis on fact-checking reinforces the broader demand for transparency and accountability within the current administration. By highlighting the symbiotic relationship between a well-informed populace and a stable democracy, the Waddani leader positioned media integrity as a non-negotiable foundation for national progress. The launch of the KOON Media House in the capital, he concluded, should be a stepping stone toward more professional, objective, and truth-driven journalism in the country.