#Somaliland | Somaliland National Army Launches First Annual Military Exercise
The Somaliland National Army today launched its first annual military exercise in Benderwanaag, in the Maroodi Jeex region, led by Brigadier General Nimcaan Yuusuf Gaaxnuug.
The large-scale exercise, named “HEEGAN 2026”, will continue over the coming weeks, involving live-fire drills using tanks, artillery, armoured vehicles and drones. It aims to strengthen military readiness and coordination, with plans to hold the exercise annually.
𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐒𝐑𝐀𝐄𝐋’𝐒 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 🇮🇱
I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Israel on today’s general election to elect the 120 members of the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament.
I sincerely wish for the electoral process to conclude peacefully, transparently, and democratically, reflecting the free will of the Israeli electorate.
May this election advance the aspirations, prosperity, security, and long-term national interests of the people and the State of Israel.
As a Somalilander politician and Member of the Central Council of the opposition KULMIYE Party, I firmly believe that free, fair, and credible elections are fundamental pillars of democratic governance, political accountability, and national progress.
The Republic of Somaliland understands the value of this democratic principle through its own experience. We have conducted nine major elections based on the principle of “One Person, One Vote,” demonstrating our people’s enduring commitment to peaceful political participation, constitutional governance, and the democratic transfer of power. Somaliland’s electoral experience has earned international recognition and distinguished our democratic journey within the Horn of Africa and across the African continent.
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador @TiborPNagyJr has publicly advocated for Somaliland’s inclusion in international democratic initiatives, highlighting its democratic achievements and the importance of recognising its progress.
Similarly, @SenatorRisch/ @SenateForeign has discussed the distinctions between Somaliland and Somalia in the context of U.S. policy, including the need to reconsider the longstanding “One Somalia” approach in favour of a more pragmatic policy that takes Somaliland’s democratic record and political reality into account.
As Israel exercises its democratic right to choose its parliamentary representatives, Somaliland stands as a compelling example of a people who have consistently pursued their political aspirations through the ballot box, peaceful participation, and democratic institutions.
May this election usher in a future of peace, prosperity, security, and democratic progress for Israel and its people. May the democratic aspirations of the people of Somaliland likewise receive the international recognition and respect they deserve.
#SOMALILAND 🤝 #ISRAEL
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭. 🌹✊
𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐫 𝐉. 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐝.
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐔𝐋𝐌𝐈𝐘𝐄 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲. 🔰🤝
🚨Breaking News:
The results of the Israeli🇮🇱 elections are in.
🇮🇱 It appears that Benjamin Netanyahu is set to become the Prime Minister of Israel once again. This marks the biggest victory for any leader in the history of Israel.
🚨#BREAKING NEWS: Somaliland has launched a new military training programme focused on drone warfare and the use of advanced weaponry, according to Armed Forces
Somaliland's Chief of General Staff, Brig. Gen. Nimcaan Yuusuf Cismaan, (@nimcaanyo2) has opened HEEGAAN 2026, the national army's first annual field exercise, in Bandarwanaag.
The exercise brings together units and formations from across the Somaliland National Armed Forces.
(Source: Somaliland National Armed Forces)
🚨 BREAKING: Trump describes Somaliland as “a totally different country” and urges an immediate name change to distinguish it from Somalia.
“I think they should change the name immediately.”
A powerful statement reinforcing what Somalilanders have long maintained: Somaliland has its own identity, its own people and its own future.
GUUL SOMALILAND! 💚🤍❤️
History rewards those who build their state, preserve their sovereignty, and endure with purpose; Somaliland’s journey reminds the world that political realities cannot be ignored forever, and that recognition begins when the world acknowledges what a people have already built.
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland welcomes President Trump’s acknowledgement of Somaliland as a distinct country.
We look forward to deepening engagement with his Administration on shared interests in regional peace, security, and trade.
https://t.co/IhYNqerCL7
U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks underscore Somaliland’s distinct identity and its separate political reality.
The Republic of Somaliland remains steadfast in its pursuit of international recognition through principled diplomacy and constructive international engagement.
Trump’s praise of Somaliland is a political blow to Somalia sovereignty narrative and an uncomfortable moment for Ilhan Omar. Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition is putting its central message in the spotlight: self-determination cannot be silenced by territorial claims.
President Trump’s clarity and leadership in recognising the distinction between Democratic Republic Somaliland and the failed state of Somalia demonstrate the importance of political realism and acknowledging Somaliland’s distinct identity, functioning institutions, and legitimate aspirations for international recognition.
For those who doubted the achievements of our President’s recent visit to the United States, here is the response.
For the first time in history, a sitting U.S. President has publicly acknowledged Somaliland as a country separate from Somalia. This is a significant moment in Somaliland’s diplomatic journey.
Thank you, President Trump. We remain hopeful that formal U.S. recognition of the Republic of Somaliland is on the horizon.
Somaliland’s journey toward international recognition continues.
This is a strategic move for the safety and welfare of the world, the Somalilanders and the American people.
Somaliland is an independent, democratic nation. Ilhan Omar is not their friend.
But they are a real country wanting peace and prosperity.
Burberra is a deep-water port that sits in the gulf of Aden. Across from the Houthis, and controls a stretch of coastline that guards the Bab el Mandeb strait.
It is a choke point for global trade. America is using Djibouti to move materials, China already has a military base there.
By moving to Burberra in cooperation with Somalilanders. It gives peace in the region a stronger stance. And military dominance to assist in maritime movement.
This cooperation, with a stable government. Gives a strong foot hold for military logistics, maritime surveillance and counter terrorism against al Shabaab.
Somaliland wants to trade and cooperate with the United States. A functioning democracy, that is helping the fight on the war on terror.
Its time we recognize a free people with a working government. @JSLToday@SenTedCruz
Somaliland is ready to deploy up to 2,000 soldiers as part of the international stabilization force envisioned in the Gaza Strip, its president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, said on Wednesday
👇Read more here:
https://t.co/8lqBCKDt2A