WADDANI Party Welcomes Former Commissioner Ms. Rooda Ahmed Yasin in Official Ceremony
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
HARGEISA – In a significant political development, the WADDANI Party has officially welcomed former Commissioner Ms. Rooda Ahmed Yasin into its ranks. The formal induction took place today at the party's headquarters, where Party Chairman, Mr. Hirsi Ali H. Hassan, personally received Ms. Rooda in a well-attended ceremony.
Ms. Rooda, who previously served as a Commissioner, made the decision to join WADDANI after what party insiders describe as a shared vision for the nation's future. Her arrival is seen as a notable addition to the party's growing stature ahead of the upcoming political season.
The event drew a broad cross-section of the party's leadership and political allies. Among those in attendance were senior members of WADDANI's top decision-making bodies, several sitting ministers from the Government of the Republic of Somaliland, and a number of Members of Parliament. The gathering also included other prominent party figures and grassroots supporters, underscoring the unity and momentum within the party.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Chairman Hirsi Ali H. Hassan extended a warm welcome to Ms. Rooda and praised her track record of public service. He expressed confidence that her experience and commitment would further strengthen the party's mission to advance good governance, development, and national unity.
Ms. Rooda, in turn, expressed her enthusiasm for her new political home, citing WADDANI's principles and its dedication to the people of Somaliland as key factors in her decision.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among attendees, as party leaders and members reaffirmed their collective resolve to work toward the party's goals and the broader interests of the nation.
Piracy in the Arabian Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Horn of Africa has surged to unprecedented levels, with 17 piracy incidents recorded in the first half of 2026. This rise has been linked to alleged cooperation between the Houthis and Somali pirate networks, aimed at destabilizing maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Somaliland has offered assistance in efforts to combat piracy.
"Somalia is a failed state, 75% or more of its populations has no living memory of what a state is even supposed to do"
- Davidson College Professor of Political Science Ken Menkhaus discusses his recent research on #Somalia
SOMALI ACTIVIST STAGES SOLO PROTEST AT ICJ, SEEKS SOMALILAND RECOGNITION
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Journalist, Horn of Africa Security Expert and Political Analyst
THE HAGUE, Aug 24 – A Somali activist staged a solitary protest outside the International Court of Justice on Monday, distributing pamphlets that called for international recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
Shiine Culay, who described himself as a private citizen acting without organisational backing, stood outside the Peace Palace in The Hague and handed out hundreds of printed messages urging the global community to formally acknowledge Somaliland's sovereignty.
"I came to the International Court of Justice alone, as a citizen with no one directing me, to demonstrate and show the world that we have a legitimate right to international recognition," Culay told Bakayle Media, a Somali news outlet.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime. It has since maintained relative stability, held multiple democratic elections, and developed functioning state institutions. However, no United Nations member state has formally recognised its independence.
Culay also addressed ongoing tensions in the Sool region, particularly around the city of Las Anod, which has seen clashes between Somaliland forces and local militias aligned with Somalia's federal government.
"Firdhiye is coming back—just like the parliamentarians who elected him," Culay said, in an apparent reference to political figures in Mogadishu. "As for Hassan's self-proclaimed administration in Las Anod, their anger is fading away."
He rejected characterisations of Somaliland's secession as a clan-based movement.
"Somaliland is a nation, not a clan," he said. "There is no Harti man who outranks me in loyalty; I am the one who supports Somaliland." Culay belongs to the Harti clan family, which has branches across both Somaliland and Somalia.
The International Court of Justice handles disputes between sovereign states and does not adjudicate unilateral declarations of independence. Culay's choice of venue was symbolic rather than procedural.
Somaliland's push for recognition has gained renewed attention after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the region in January, granting Addis Ababa access to a naval base in exchange for potential future diplomatic recognition. Somalia's federal government condemned the deal as a violation of its territorial integrity.
The African Union has maintained a policy of respecting colonial-era borders, which has been a key obstacle to Somaliland's recognition bid.
Culay's protest drew no immediate response from the ICJ or the Dutch authorities. It was unclear whether his demonstration would have any impact on diplomatic discussions regarding Somaliland's status.
The activist said he planned no further actions at this time.
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.
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