Mahdi Ismail

Chevening Scholar🇬🇧 | ex Director of plan Hargeisa Local Government | MA Applied Human Rights, University of York | MA Peace & Conflict Studies, Mekelle Uni.

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

I'm super thrilled to inform you that I have been selected for the prestigious @CheveningFCDO in this year's cohort.I will pursue my MA in Applied Human Rights at the @UniOfYork.Big thanks go to @FCDO, the British office In Hargiesa @LizzieWFCDO N @UniOfYork.
#ChosenForChevening

[Israel ישראל @Israel]

.@nikitabier,@elonmusk time to add the Somaliland flag emoji to X!!

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@LotemMichael This is a historic moment , the first time a country has officially appointed an ambassador to Somaliland.
This marks a new chapter in Somaliland’s diplomatic recognition and international relations.

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

Welcome to Somaliland, Your Excellency Ambassador @LotemMichael.

We, as Somalilanders, warmly welcome Israel’s first Ambassador to #Somaliland and look forward to strengthening friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between our two nations.

#Somaliland
#Israël

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@HeadBritOffice Eid Mubarak.

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

My new article has just been published in @TimesofIsrael.

As I argue in the article, any agreement must protect Somaliland’s sovereignty, N security.

3 minutes to read.

https://t.co/fg8BPWzCFu

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@somalilandmfa The government itself should filter the statements it shares with the world, as most of them do not contribute positively to the current situation.

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@somalilandmfa These states are not the primary concern of Somaliland; our support is reserved for the United Arab Emirates.

In Somaliland, engagement in foreign disputes should be guided by prudence and national interest, rather than taking sides.

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@somalilandmfa These states are not the primary concern of Somaliland; our support is reserved for the United Arab Emirates.

In Somaliland, engagement in foreign disputes should be guided by prudence and national interest, rather than taking sides.

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

We strongly condemn the reported attacks carried out by the Iranian regime against the United Arab Emirates, including the targeting of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Any act that endangers civilians and undermines regional stability is deeply concerning and unacceptable under international norms.

At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the people and leadership of the United Arab Emirates. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters as they face these serious challenges.

We call for restraint, respect for sovereignty, and an immediate de-escalation to prevent further harm and instability in the region. Peace, dialogue, and adherence to international law must prevail.

#Somaliland
#UAE
#Iran

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

It is surprising that the Djibouti puppet and agent of dictator Ismail Omar Guelleh, as head of the African Union, is focusing on tensions between the United States and Iran, while many conflicts across Africa remain unresolved.

The AU’s primary responsibility is to address Africa’s own crises, strengthen peace and security on the continent, and prioritize the urgent challenges facing its member states, rather than advancing the interests of Djibouti’s leadership.

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

A state meeting is not a family gathering.

Instead of the Minister of Women standing beside the Hassan, his daughter was present. This sends the wrong and clear message showing the failed state of Somalia , governance must be institutional, not personal. Public office is a national responsibility, not a family privilege.

[Dr. J. Peter Pham 🇺🇲 @DrJPPham]

In an exclusive interview with @JoshuaKlein_ of @BreitbartNews, #Somaliland President @Abdirahmanirro calls on the #USA🇺🇸 to follow #Israel🇮🇱 in recognizing the strategically located country & striking security & economic partnerships with it. https://t.co/QiI4qoFQel

[Abdalle Ahmed Mumin @Cabdalleaxmed]

🚨EXPOSURE🚨: World Bank Terminates $65 Million #Baxnaano Project in #Somalia Amid Corruption Allegations

The @WorldBankAfrica has paused a $65 million social protection program in Somalia, known as the #Baxnaano Project, officially titled the Shock Responsive Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP), following serious allegations of corruption and fraud, according to internal email communications leaked to our newsroom.

The Baxnaano Project was launched in September 2019 by the Federal Government of #Somalia, with the aim of providing cash assistance to poor and vulnerable households affected by conflict, climate shocks, and humanitarian crises.

- Senior Procurement Official Resigns

In an email chain leaked to us shows that on 7 February 2026, Hussein Bashir, the Head of Procurement for the #Baxnaano Project, resigned from his position in a lengthy email addressed to the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Mr. Salim Aliyow Ibrow. The resignation email was also copied to the Director General of the Ministry and several World Bank officials, indicating the seriousness of the concerns raised.

In the email, Hussein Bashir — a key employee within the @worldbankgroup–funded project — detailed what he described as systemic corruption, procurement irregularities, and internal disputes that, according to him, undermined the integrity of the project.

Despite not being an addressee of the original email, the Director General of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Hassan Yusuf Isak, issued a response in which he said he “categorically rejects” all the allegations raised in the email.

The Director General’s intervention has raised eyebrows, particularly given that the allegations were not formally directed to him.

Mr. Isak is related by marriage to the Speaker of Somalia’s Parliament, a connection that critics say has contributed to a perception of political protection and lack of accountability.

Key Allegations Raised in the Email Chain

➡️According to the leaked correspondence, the main allegations include:

➡️Projects intended for #Puntland, #Galmudug, and #Hirshabelle were compromised by corruption

➡️Procurement processes lacked transparency and failed to follow established rules

➡️Internal disputes and mismanagement severely disrupted project implementation

➡️The World Bank terminated or suspended the project in late 2025, following these issues

About the Baxnaano Project

The Baxnaano program provides unconditional cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households, typically $20 per month ($60 quarterly), with an additional $40 top-up during emergencies.

The project is implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs @SomaliaMolsa in partnership with the World Food Programme @WFPSomalia and @unicefsomalia with financial support from the @WorldBankAfrica and other international partners.
@TheVillaSomalia @SomaliPM @francescaDM_EU @EU_in_Somalia @UKinSomalia @StateDept @OCCRP @USForeignAssist @1_ForeignAssist @tedcruz @FoxNews @newhumanitarian

[Rashid Abdi @RAbdiAnalyst]

Hassan Sheikh in an interview with Al-Jazeera vowed to go to war with Israel if the Jewish state establishes a military base in Somaliland.

Admirable and gallant of him.

But here is the problem:

[David Firester, Ph.D. 🇺🇸🇮🇱 @davidfirester]

@mahedialsomal nails it: Israel’s recognition of Somaliland isn’t “just symbolism”—it forces comparison. Visibility makes Mogadishu’s narrative harder to sustain when Somaliland’s 34-year governance record is put side-by-side with Somalia’s dysfunction.

https://t.co/evQSBrF92g

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@TOKATEKE_ @US2SOMALIA Look at yourself and your name!. Disgusting 🫣

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@RAbdiAnalyst Here we go again!.

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@RAbdiAnalyst

[Mahdi Ismail @mahedialsomal]

@FarahJuxa Hassan Sheekh[ the king of the ashes]
😂😂