Laasgeel Institute

The Laasgeel Institute for Policy Studies and Research Analysis (LIPS) is an independent, non-profit think tank dedicated to advancing Somaliland’s future.

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

📰 New Policy Brief

Explore our latest policy brief: “Somaliland–Israel Cooperation: Advancing Security in the Red Sea Corridor and Regional Stability.” A must-read for policymakers, researchers,and strategy experts.(1/3)

📥 Read the full brief now 👉 https://t.co/q1kuLvn231

[Cabdiraxmaan Cirro @Abdirahmanirro]

It was a privilege to visit Somaliland children receiving life-saving heart surgery in Israel and to witness firsthand care and treatment being provided to them. The courage, resilience, and smiles of these young children serve as a powerful reminder of the value of hope and the profound importance of saving human lives.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the doctors, medical professionals, and all those whose humanitarian efforts have made it possible for these Somaliland children to receive the treatment they need. My thoughts and prayers are with the children and their families. I pray for their full recovery, good health, and a bright future.

[MFA Somaliland @somalilandmfa]

The Government of the Republic of Somaliland rejects the statement issued by the Failed Somalian Government regarding Somaliland’s sovereign diplomatic engagements.

Full Statement 👇🏾

https://t.co/WicbHj7KLJ

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

On 23 April 2026, Laasgeel Institute published a policy paper titled “Somaliland–Israel Cooperation: Advancing Security in the Red Sea Corridor and Regional Stability.""” A must-read for policymakers, researchers, and strategy experts.

The paper argues that Israel’s recognition would be a strategic game-changer, expanding Israel’s strategic presence in the region while advancing Somaliland’s international legitimacy. We stated that Somaliland–Israel cooperation is based on mutual benefit in:

• Defence cooperation and maritime security
• Diplomatic cooperation
• Trade and economic opportunities
• Counter-terrorism cooperation
• Strengthening Somaliland’s global stage.

Looking ahead, the paper forecasts that deeper Somaliland–Israel cooperation could reshape strategic dynamics in the Horn of Africa, promote regional stability, and create new economic and diplomatic opportunities. As competition in the Red Sea corridor intensifies, partnerships based on mutual interests and shared values will become increasingly important for regional peace and security.

As an independent Somaliland think tank, the Laasgeel Institute warmly welcomes this historic cooperation between the two nations and the Head of State of Somaliland’s state visit to Israel.

📥 Read the full policy brief now.

https://t.co/dABmjmaqiN

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

📰 New Policy Brief

Explore our latest policy brief: “Somaliland–Israel Cooperation: Advancing Security in the Red Sea Corridor and Regional Stability.” A must-read for policymakers, researchers,and strategy experts.(1/3)

📥 Read the full brief now 👉 https://t.co/q1kuLvn231

[Cabdiraxmaan Cirro @Abdirahmanirro]

Bismillahi Rahmani Rahiim;

I have arrived in Israel as the first President of the Republic of Somaliland to undertake a State Visit, and I am honoured by the warm welcome extended by my friend, President @Isaac_Herzog

For thirty-five years, the people of Somaliland have built a peaceful, democratic, and resilient nation. We asked the world: Do you see us? Israel answered first. Today marks a historic milestone in our journey and the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Somaliland and Israel.

To the people of Somaliland: I carry your hopes and aspirations with me. Generations have struggled, sacrificed, and persevered to bring our nation to this moment. We will seize this opportunity with confidence, wisdom, and determination, always guided by the interests of our people and our Republic.

Today, history is being written, and Somaliland stands ready to forge a shared future founded on friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.

#SomalilandIsrael

[MFA Somaliland @somalilandmfa]

the President of the Republic of Somaliland conveyed his sincere appreciation to the government and people of Israel for their warm and gracious welcome.

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

Fiqi Ayuub Village : Somaliland’s Hidden Gem of Minerals, History, and Tourism

Located north of the city of Burco, the capital of Togdheer Region, Fiqi Ayuub is one of Somaliland’s most remarkable yet underappreciated destinations. Blessed with abundant natural resources, rich historical heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, it stands as both a mineral-rich area and a promising tourism hub.

Fiqi Ayuub is particularly known for its deposits of jade and other valuable minerals. More than four mining companies currently operate in the area, including locally owned Somaliland businesses and Chinese-invested enterprises. However, the region's significance extends far beyond its mineral wealth. It is home to ancient archaeological sites, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures that reflect Somaliland’s rich and unique heritage.

This raises an important question: Why are Chinese companies actively exploring and investing in mineral resources in eastern Somaliland, particularly in the Togdheer and Sanaag regions?

One major factor is that several Western governments, especially the United Kingdom, have classified parts of eastern Somaliland as “Red Zone” areas, often discouraging investment and engagement without conducting independent fact-finding missions on the ground. Such classifications fail to reflect the reality experienced by local communities and visitors.

In 2023,MP @GavinWilliamson, the chairman of Somalialnd independence recognition Institute, visited Togdheer Region and witnessed firsthand the stability and security of the area. His visit reinforced what local residents have long known: these regions are peaceful, accessible, and full of untapped opportunities.

Watch here👇👇 https://t.co/gRd99eAdbF

The time has come for the UK and other Western partners to undertake objective fact-finding missions and reassess their perceptions of eastern Somaliland. At the Laasgeel Institute, we stand ready to support and facilitate such efforts.

If Western countries continue to overlook these opportunities, they risk losing access to a strategically important region rich in resources and investment potential. Others will inevitably fill the gap, strengthening their influence in areas that hold significant economic and geopolitical value.

This program was prepared by @HudaBanfas and @CabdiraxmaanHo2, two young Somalilanders committed to highlighting the country's potential. Huda Ali Banfas is a young Somaliland heritage researcher, photographer, and author of Kayd Deegaan. She is dedicated to documenting and preserving Somaliland’s historical sites, archaeological treasures, and cultural heritage for future generations.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Fiqi Ayuub, Mr. Hassan Elmi Duale has extended an open invitation to both local and international tourists to visit the district and experience its natural beauty, historical significance, and warm hospitality.

Fiqi Ayuub is more than a mining destination—it is a gateway to Somaliland’s history, culture, and future prosperity.

Fiqi Ayuub | Togdheer Region | Somaliland

@GavinWilliamson
@SenTedCruz
@JasonMccue

[Herman J. Cohen @CohenOnAfrica]

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz is calling for formal U.S. recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a key counterterrorism partner and strategic ally in the Horn of Africa. Since restoring its sovereignty in 1991, Somaliland has maintained its own government, security institutions, and democratic system while remaining one of the region’s most stable territories. I agree. The United States should strengthen ties with Somaliland and recognize its longstanding record of stability and self-governance and benefit from its strategic importance along the Gulf of Aden.
https://t.co/06cCCouh3B

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

Thank you, Senator @SenTedCruz, for recognizing the resilience and democratic progress of Somaliland. The people of Somaliland have built a stable and democratic nation with limited external support, while playing a vital role in counterterrorism, combating piracy, and promoting regional stability in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland also contributes significantly to the protection of international maritime security and serves as an important strategic partner in safeguarding U.S. interests amid growing geopolitical competition with China. It is time for the United States to recognize Somaliland’s statehood and strengthen cooperation with a reliable democratic partner in the region.

[Fox News World @FNCGlobalNews]

Sen. Ted Cruz: "Somaliland promises to be a critical counterterrorism ally for the United States, both because of its strong willingness to partner with us and because of its unique location. We should recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state and, in the meantime, significantly boost our counterterrorism cooperation."

Iran expert Lisa Daftari on why Tehran fears the small African state:

"Somaliland is offering the United States what the mullahs fear most in this theater — an alternative, resilient platform on the African shore that includes an airfield, port, and over-the-horizon access that would dilute Houthi leverage and give Washington options that don't depend on Djibouti or Persian Gulf partners alone."

The breakaway state overlooks the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where Houthis have choked global shipping.

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

🌙 Eid Al-Adha Mubarak to all Somalilanders. May peace, unity, and blessings fill every home across our nation. we continue building a brighter future.

#EidMubarak #Somaliland #LaasgeelInstitut

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

#BREAKING: A UK-based law firm, @mccuejury, has challenged the validity and rebuked the non-existent so-called “Act of Union” that the UN Trusteeship Territory of Somalia used to gain legitimacy from the UN and other international organizations.

In this regard, as a counterfeit that obliterated the State of Somaliland, leading to 66 years of denied rights and prolonged injustice against the people of Somaliland, including genocide that the UN failed to prevent.

[McCue Jury & Partners LLP @mccuejury]

.@JasonMcCue delivers a powerful message to Mogadishu, tearing up the 1960 Act of Union. "It is not worth the paper it is written on. The government ink on the face of this document only masked your intended tyranny, dictatorship and genocide". #SomalilandIRInstitution

[Jason McCue @JasonMccue]

Call to all Somaliland brothers and sisters - join me and the SOMALILAND IR INSTITUTE in sharing your own videos of tearing up the blood stained Act of Union (just a blank sheet of paper with ACT OF UNION written on it with #justice4somaliland below it) - together justice will triumph.

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

We strongly welcome the establishment of an institute that is vital to the legal and diplomatic case of the Republic of Somaliland. One of our primary goals has always been to advance Somaliland’s legal case.

Over the years, we have consistently urged successive Somaliland governments to strengthen Somaliland’s legal case by engaging international legal experts and experienced international lawyers.

In 2024, our team also submitted an eight-page foreign policy reform recommendation document to the committee that drafted the #manifesto of the Waddani Party. The document focused on reforming and modernizing Somaliland’s foreign policy strategy and included several key recommendations, among them:

1- Strengthening Somaliland’s legal case for international recognition through institutional and diplomatic mechanisms.

2. Establishing a National Policy Institute dedicated to advancing Somaliland’s recognition campaign through global diplomacy and legal advocacy.

3. Hiring international lawyers and legal experts to enhance Somaliland’s international legal representation.

4. Completely stop Somaliland–Somalia talks at this time.

5. Allocating a special budget for Somaliland’s recognition efforts and appointing a dedicated Somaliland Recognition Committee.

Links

https://t.co/hKBPWTEuAx

https://t.co/lnWEpAfDbf

https://t.co/RJbZvvA9QJ

We are proud to see tonight that much of the work we have long advocated for and carried forward as volunteers are now being implemented .

We are confident, @mccuejury, that you will succeed in this case, and we are also ready to support you as friends and partners in this important case.

[McCue Jury & Partners LLP @mccuejury]

The launch of the Somaliland Independence Recognition Institution was chaired today by @RagehOmaar. Here is what it is and why it matters.

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

“Somaliland became a sovereign state at midnight on June 26, 1960. It has never legally lost or transferred its jurisdiction,”said lawyer @RayteAbdi25131. He also addressed, “We have a strong legal case, and it is time for the Government of Somaliland to pursue legal action.”

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

Thank you for your tireless support for the Republic of Somaliland & its case,Honourable MP @MarkusWiechel. The @LasgelInstitute team is also pleased that your message carries the legal case of Somaliland.

#Somalilandre_Recognition

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

The Laasgeel Institute extends its appreciation to the Government of the State of Israel, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its principled presentation of Somaliland’s legal case, including the findings of the 2005 fact-finding mission, which confirmed that no lawful union ever existed between Somaliland and Somalia and that Somaliland’s recognition would not open a Pandora’s box.

The Laasgeel Institute stands ready to support the Government of Israel with relevant documentation and legal materials concerning Somaliland’s historical and legal status.

The recognition of the Republic of Somaliland by the State of Israel is firmly grounded in historical and legal facts, including the absence of any ratified union under international law, in line with Article 102 of the United Nations Charter.

[יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog @Isaac_Herzog]

I was delighted to receive the first-ever Ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, who presented his diplomatic credentials this morning.

Ambassador Hagi was kind enough to praise our orchestra, who played the national anthem of Somaliland for the first time ever in Israel.

This important new partnership
between our nations will bring a shared future of cooperation in a range of fields to the benefit of both our peoples and the entire region.

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

Laasgeel Institute reaffirms its previous recommendations for Somaliland’s legal case to be formally presented before international legal and judicial forums. The Laasgeel Institute has conducted research showcasing that somaliland's legal case is credible and compelling under international law.

The Laasgeel Institute has also issued recommendations calling upon both previous and current Somaliland administrations to engage experienced international legal experts capable of advancing Somaliland’s legal recognition case and safeguarding the fundamental human rights of Somaliland’s people.

Somaliland has a strong legal case under international law. The State of Somaliland gained de jure independence from the United Kingdom on June 26, 1960, and received recognition from more than 35 countries. Somaliland has never transferred its jurisdiction to Somalia.

However, Somalia illegal occupation the state of Somaliland. After decades of grave human rights violations and genocide. Somaliland restored its sovereignty on May 18, 1991, within the same borders recognized at independence in 1960.

The Republic of Somaliland, therefore, not as a secessionist movement, but as the restoration of a previously sovereign state, consistent with international law and the African principle of Uti possidetis juris.

@JasonMccue
@GavinWilliamson
@jakeWsimons
@Mr_Andrew_Fox

[Tibor Nagy @TiborPNagyJr]

This meeting between Somaliland and Israeli business and government officials in Addis Ababa is just the start on the road to attracting serious investment in "the little country that can." Right now Somaliland is the star of the region in all aspects.
https://t.co/l7tgaWyjo5

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

Israel’s recognition is a strategic game-changer, expands Israel’s strategic presence in the region while advancing Somaliland’s international legitimacy

1- Maritime security
2-Trade & economic opportunities
3- Counter-terrorism
3- Strengthens Somaliland’s Global Stage.

(3/3)

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

📰 New Policy Brief

Explore our latest policy brief: “Somaliland–Israel Cooperation: Advancing Security in the Red Sea Corridor and Regional Stability.” A must-read for policymakers, researchers,and strategy experts.(1/3)

📥 Read the full brief now 👉 https://t.co/q1kuLvn231

[Laasgeel Institute @LasgelInstitute]

This timely analysis examines the historic recognition decision, its geopolitical significance, defence, and economic partnerships shaping the region’s future.
Thank you, Mr. @ShayGal84, for your valuable contribution to this important and timely paper.

(2/3)