Investigative Reports

Another Fake Degree Scandal Rocks Somaliland Presidency: Director General Caught With Diploma Mill “Masters”

Repeat of 2022 Central Bank Fraud Scandal Exposes Somaliland...

AFRICOM Commander Admits Somalia Al-Shabaab Policy Failure in Final Briefing 2025

Special Report | AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley acknowledges...

Security Reform vs. Security Risk: Weighing the Implications of Somaliland’s Military Biometric System

Key Points Somaliland's biometric registration of security personnel aims to...
Home Blog Page 13

Taiwan Representative Office In Somaliland “One-China Principle and One-Somalia Principle are distorted clichés”

0

In the wake of China’s recent expressions of displeasure over Somaliland’s growing ties with Taiwan, the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland issued a resolute statement reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and its support for Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition and stability.

The statement, released amid China’s objections to Somaliland’s attendance at the inauguration celebration of Taiwan’s 16th-term President Lai Ching-te, emphasized Taiwan’s dedication to using its democratic vitality as a force for good both domestically and internationally. It underscored Taiwan’s intention to deepen its cooperation with nations like Somaliland that share its commitment to democracy.

Highlighting the belief that democratization is the optimal solution for Somaliland’s quest for recognition and stability, Taiwan pledged solidarity with Somaliland and like-minded partners in supporting its democratization efforts. Taiwan reiterated its stance that Somaliland has the right to be recognized as a democratic, stable, and free nation in the Horn of Africa region.

The statement also directly challenged the “One-China Principle” and the “One-Somalia Principle,” labeling them as distorted clichés that do not reflect the realities on the ground. It emphasized that Taiwan and Somaliland are not subordinate to China and Somalia, respectively, and that their sovereignty should be respected accordingly.

President Lai Ching-te, in his inaugural address, made it clear that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other, echoing sentiments expressed by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi regarding Somaliland’s distinct identity from Somalia. These statements reinforced the notion that both Taiwan and Somaliland stand firm in their autonomy and reject external pressure to conform to outdated geopolitical paradigms.

During the meeting with the Somaliland delegation, President Lai referenced Taiwan’s “Project Africa” initiative, signaling Taiwan’s enduring goodwill and commitment to collaboration with Somaliland and other African nations. The statement concluded with an optimistic outlook, suggesting that through mutual cooperation, Taiwan, Somaliland, and other nations could prosper together.

Taiwan’s steadfast response serves as a testament to its unwavering support for democracy and its willingness to stand up to external pressures. In the face of China’s objections, Taiwan remains a beacon of hope and support for nations like Somaliland, advocating for their right to self-determination and recognition on the global stage.

President of Somaliland Dismisses US Concerns Over Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU as “Baseless”

0

In an interview with the Financial Times, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi has dismissed concerns raised by the United States regarding the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia. The agreement, which involves leasing a strip of land near the Red Sea to Ethiopia, aims to enhance security and navigation freedom in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, areas recently plagued by attacks from Houthi rebels.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in January, exchanges access to territory on the Gulf of Aden for formal recognition from landlocked Ethiopia. President Bihi Abdi emphasized that the accord would support international efforts to secure these vital waterways.

“Ethiopia will build a naval military base and operate commercial ships, and in exchange, Ethiopia will give us recognition,” Bihi Abdi explained, highlighting the strategic benefits for both parties.

Despite strong opposition from Somalia, which claims sovereignty over Somaliland, President Bihi Abdi views the agreement as a crucial step towards achieving full independence and international recognition for Somaliland. He believes that the MoU with Ethiopia will provide a clear pathway to global acknowledgment of Somaliland’s status.

The deal has sparked concerns from international entities, including the US, EU, and the Arab League, who fear it could escalate regional conflicts. However, a senior Ethiopian official involved in the negotiations expressed optimism about reaching a final agreement, citing realpolitik and necessity.

Despite the headwinds, both Somaliland and Ethiopia view the agreement as a geopolitical necessity, according to the Financial Times report. For the landlocked Ethiopians, it presents an opportunity to gain coveted sea access independent of current dependence on Djibouti following Eritrea’s 1993 secession. A senior Ethiopian official involved in the talks expressed optimism a final deal would be reached to the FT, calling it “a matter of realpolitik and necessity.”

Somaliland has attracted significant investment from Dubai-based DP World into Berbera and its economic zone, aiming to transform it into a regional trade hub. The UAE, which controls Berbera’s airport and is establishing a naval base, has been a key player in these developments.

Somaliland's main port in Berbera.

Despite the potential for increased investment and economic growth, the MoU has faced domestic opposition, including from Somaliland’s defense minister, who resigned in protest. However, Bihi Abdi insists that the people of Somaliland support the deal, which he argues could help prevent potential conflicts in the region by addressing Ethiopia’s need for sea access.

In response to Washington’s concerns that the agreement threatens to disrupt the fight against Islamist militancy, Bihi Abdi dismissed such claims as “baseless” and reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to securing stability and fostering international cooperation.

President Bihi Abdi, a former Somali military pilot turned rebel fighter who is standing for re-election in November, remains steadfast in his pursuit of international recognition for Somaliland. “We’ve been working towards international recognition of our independent status for over 33 years,” Bihi Abdi stated. “We’re ready.”

Emirates Policy Center Report – Islamic State Expansion in Puntland Ignites Fresh Jihadist Infighting in Somalia

0

A report published by the Emirates Policy Center (EPC) states that the Islamic State (ISIS) is strengthening its foothold in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region. This expansion is fueling renewed clashes with al-Shabaab, another prominent militant group, exacerbating the already volatile security situation in the country.

“The expansion of IS forces into Puntland will likely lead to another round of bloody jihadist infighting and create a new safe haven for the group,” said Abdul Khaliq Abdullah, Secretary General of the EPC, in the report published this week.

The report indicates that ISIS, whose Somalia province pledged allegiance in 2015, has been strategically expanding its operations in Puntland, leveraging the region’s political instability and rugged terrain along the “Golis Mountains stretching from Bari to Sanaag.” It also capitalizes on unfettered access to the Red Sea with proximity to Yemen and other restive regions. This move is seen as part of ISIS’s broader strategy to establish a significant presence in the Horn of Africa.

The increased ISIS activity has led to intensified confrontations with al-Shabaab, which has long dominated the jihadist landscape in Somalia. According to James Fenerty, the Horn of Africa director for the Crisis Group, the conflict between these two groups “is not merely territorial, but is part of a broader ideological struggle as each group seeks to assert dominance and project strength.”

Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, views the encroachment of ISIS as a direct challenge to its authority. “This makes al-Shabaab see ISIS’s arrival as an existential threat,” Fenerty added. This has resulted in violent skirmishes and targeted assassinations of commanders and foot soldiers from both groups. Just last month, at least 13 militants were killed in Puntland during fighting between ISIS and al-Shabaab, according to local officials.

The local population is caught in the deadly crossfire, facing threats from both ISIS and al-Shabaab. “Civilians face brutality from both sides in this scramble for control,” said Omar Mahmood, an International Crisis Group analyst. The Puntland authorities, alongside national and international partners, are struggling to contain the violence. Efforts to bolster local security forces and improve intelligence capabilities are ongoing, but the complex dynamics of jihadist rivalry complicate these initiatives.

However, the Puntland administration has faced widespread criticism for its handling of jihadist suspects. Accusations of a “catch and release” approach have surfaced, with reports suggesting that detained militants are often released without trial or adequate oversight.

“There have been credible reports of a ‘catch and release’ system where detained militants are freed without proper oversight,” said Rahma Abdulkadir, a researcher with Amnesty International. “This makes a mockery of counterterrorism efforts.”

Adding to the complexity, in March 2023, U.S. Special Forces conducted a high-profile operation in Puntland’s mountains, targeting key ISIS leaders and infrastructure. The operation with its direct deployment of U.S. troops in a rare Somalia raid shows a level of urgency and a sharp departure from the United States’ typical drone-based operations in the country.

“This direct deployment reflected the urgent need to disrupt ISIS’ spreading insurgency before it could further destabilize the region and imperil U.S. interests,” said a Defense Department official speaking on condition of anonymity.

Puntland has also been identified as a base of operations for several individuals like former al-Shabaab commander Abdulkadir Mumin, who is now a prominent ISIS leader in the region. These individuals are often involved in terrorist activities, piracy, and other illicit operations despite being targeted by international sanctions from the United Nations, United States and European Union.

In February 2022, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated five leaders of the ISIS Somalia branch as Specially Designated Global Terrorists to disrupt the group’s efforts to expand into mainland Africa. The sanctions include asset freezes and prohibitions on transactions to degrade ISIS’s capacity for attacks.

However, enforcement of these sanctions has been challenging due to Puntland’s complex political and security landscape marked by porous borders and governance issues that make it a haven for those evading justice.

In its report, the EPC warns that resolving the infighting between ISIS and al-Shabaab will be an “uphill battle” without addressing the underlying drivers feeding extremism in Somalia:

“The fragmentation of central authority, lack of economic opportunities and presence of ungoverned spaces have created fertile ground for the spread of extremist ideologies and recruitment of disenfranchised youth,” the report states.

The rise of ISIS in Puntland also poses broader implications for regional security beyond Somali borders. According to Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, the group’s presence “could potentially attract foreign fighters and increase the flow of arms and resources into Somalia, further destabilizing the volatile Horn of Africa.”

Exacerbating the security challenges is the strained relationship between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government. The Puntland administration has suspended its cooperation with Mogadishu amid disputes over resource sharing, political representation, and administrative autonomy. This rift hampers coordinated counterterrorism efforts and undermines the unified response needed to address the jihadist threat effectively.

“Somalia desperately needs reliable security forces, good governance and economic development to counter extremist groups’ narratives,” Felbab-Brown said, warning that “the jihadist rivalry has made the tumult facing this region considerably more perilous.”

Meanwhile, al-Shabaab remains a formidable threat throughout Somalia, including in and around the capital. The group has conducted numerous high-profile attacks, including bombings, assassinations, and armed assaults on government and civilian targets.

Notable incidents include the October 2017 truck bombing in Mogadishu, which killed over 500 civilians, one of the deadliest attacks in the country’s history. Al-Shabaab has also struck government buildings, hotels and military checkpoints in brazen assaults that expose its potent operational capabilities despite efforts to degrade the group.

“The people of Somalia find themselves once again caught between murderous factions, all while facing appalling drought, hunger and displacement from the violence,” said Samira Gaid, executive director of the Mogadishu-based Raag NGO providing humanitarian assistance. “The emergence of an ISIS stronghold will only amplify the anguish and suffering.”

Analysts warn that without a coordinated and robust international response, the expansion of ISIS in Puntland could lead to prolonged instability and offer a haven for global jihadist networks to further destabilize the region. The international community is urged to ramp up support for Somali security forces while addressing the underlying political, economic and social grievances that fuel such insurgencies.

“Resolving the competition between ISIS and al-Shabaab will ultimately require going beyond a kinetic approach to promote governance, economic opportunities and nationalism that undercuts the appeal of extremist groups,” the EPC report concludes.

As the bloody conflict unfolds, Somalia’s path to peace faces new and daunting challenges. Robust international engagement and a holistic strategy tackling both military and civilian pillars will be crucial to mitigating the impact of this renewed jihadist infighting across the fragile Horn of Africa.

China Lashes Out Over Somaliland’s Taiwan Ties, Embassy Statement Lays Bare Diplomatic Contradictions

0

China has reacted with hostility after a high-level delegation from the Republic of Somaliland attended Taiwan’s Presidential inauguration ceremony in Taipei. Its embassy in Somalia issued a strident statement, revealing inconsistencies in Beijing’s stance on the matter. The remarks from the Chinese Embassy reiterated China’s commitment to the “one-China principle” regarding Taiwan, likely sanctioned by China’s Foreign Ministry.

However, the embassy’s claims of unified global support for China’s position were contradicted by the reality of Taiwan maintaining robust ties with many nations including the with the United States and European countries. These relationships persist despite Beijing’s frequent condemnations and warnings regarding engagement with the island nation it claims as its own territory.

The statement targeted the Somaliland delegation’s presence at the inauguration ceremony in Taiwan on May 20. Although the Republic of Somaliland declared itself an independent nation after regaining independence from Somalia in 1991, it remains unrecognized internationally. Despite this lack of recognition, the Republic of Somaliland has maintained a stable democracy for 33 years and is considered a beacon of democracy in the region.

Domestically, the bilateral ties between the Republic of Somaliland and Taiwan have sparked debate , with the Waddani opposition party questioning the wisdom of siding with Taiwan over China and advocating for improved relations with China instead.

Following the Chinese Embassy’s statement, a response left by Waddani Chairman Dr. Abdirahman Abdillahi Cirro’s official account simply said “ok,” sparking widespread discussion and speculation about its meaning and the party’s position on the matter.

In a stance seemingly contradicting reality on the ground and the Republic of Somaliland’s sovereign status, China insisted that the “Federal Government of Somalia” is the sole authority with jurisdiction over the Republic of Somaliland, considering it part of Somalia’s territory. This directly undermines the Republic of Somaliland’s self-declared independence aspirations, which China fears could embolden Taiwan’s independence movement.

In 2020, the Republic of Somaliland and Taiwan established formal bilateral ties, drawing immediate, forceful condemnation from Beijing as an infringement on its territorial claims. China attempted to sway the Republic of Somaliland away from Taiwan with promises of development aid and investment from a high-level delegation. However, when those overtures failed, Beijing shifted to a “hostile stance” toward the region, according to multiple reports.

Immediately following the establishment of bilateral ties between Somaliland and Taiwan, Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi rejected an offer from a Chinese delegation that included a conditional development package. The offer, which proposed infrastructure projects in exchange for Somaliland severing its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, was declined. Instead, President Bihi reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Taiwan. This move was seen as prioritizing Somaliland’s strategic interests and diplomatic independence over China’s economic incentives.

“China’s aggressive tactics to isolate Taiwan and pressure the Republic of Somaliland are counterproductive and alarming,” said U.S. Congressman Mike Smith, echoing US government concern concerns over Beijing’s coercion and confrontation approach in international diplomacy.

While the Taiwanese government has yet to officially respond, it has indicated it will continue its policy of pursuing relations with the dwindling number of entities that recognize it diplomatically, including the Republic of Somaliland.

The harshly-worded statement from China’s Somalia embassy, likely reflecting a stance sanctioned by Beijing, underscores China’s erratic behavior as it seeks to restrict Taiwan’s engagement globally. This has included issuing threats and staging provocative military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, even over routine diplomatic visits and meetings.

As China intensifies its stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty claims, its extreme rhetoric and actions from its embassies and Foreign Ministry risk inflaming tensions and further alienating it on the international stage, analysts say. Its opposition to the Republic of Somaliland’s outreach to Taiwan demonstrates an unwillingness to embrace geopolitical reality, which could destabilize the broader region.

Taiwan’s IT Dominance to Boost Somaliland’s Digital Transformation in New Partnership Phase

0

Taiwan and Somaliland have taken a major step forward in their digital partnership. On May 22, 2024, they signed an Implementing Arrangement for Phase II of their information technology (IT) cooperation project, aimed at boosting Somaliland’s e-government infrastructure and cybersecurity over the next four years.

At the signing ceremony, the Taiwanese Ambassador highlighted the successes of Phase I, which spanned from 2020 to 2023. This initial phase saw the launch of a government portal, the development of a data exchange system called S-Road, and the establishment of the Somaliland Innovation Zone (SIZ). Since its creation in 2021, the SIZ has trained over 1,200 individuals in 56 different IT courses.

“I’m thrilled to see the launch of Phase II of our IT project, which will run from 2024 to 2027,” said the Ambassador.

The focus of Phase II will be on building a strong government IT framework and enhancing cybersecurity. A significant part of this effort is the construction of a Data Center with an integrated Cybersecurity Center. The Ambassador stressed the importance of the SIZ and the government portal, assuring continued support for these initiatives.

In addition to infrastructure, the partnership will offer IT training, scholarships, and work visits to promote knowledge transfer and capacity building within Somaliland’s IT sector.

The Ambassador expressed confidence in Somaliland’s Ministry of IT to make full use of the resources provided by Taiwan, highlighting the strong bond between the two nations. “The relationship between Taiwan and Somaliland is thriving, supported by friendship and partnership. Together, we can achieve great things.”

He outlined Taiwan’s vision for IT cooperation in Africa, focusing on a people-centric approach that balances knowledge transfer with the necessary hardware and software. Referring to the saying, “If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for life,” the Ambassador affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to “Developing the country with Information, Connecting the world with Communication, and Building hope with Technology” – the core of their ICT vision.

Taiwan is globally recognized for its leadership in the latest technological innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor manufacturing. The country’s dominance in the semiconductor industry, led by companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), underpins its pivotal role in the global tech ecosystem. TSMC’s cutting-edge chip designs are critical to the development of AI technologies, driving advancements across various sectors from healthcare to autonomous vehicles. This technological prowess not only cements Taiwan’s status as a global innovation hub but also ensures its strategic importance in the worldwide IT landscape.

Somaliland and Taiwan established official bilateral ties in July 2020, marking a significant step for both entities. Despite pressure from China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, Somaliland has maintained its relationship with Taiwan, seeing it as mutually beneficial.

Since establishing ties, the two have signed several key agreements. These include partnerships in agriculture, education, and healthcare. A notable collaboration is a major oil drilling operation in Somaliland, where Taiwan’s state-owned CPC Corporation has been involved in exploring and developing potential oil reserves, further strengthening the economic bonds between the two regions.

As Somaliland progresses on its digital transformation journey, this enhanced partnership with Taiwan promises to strengthen the nation’s e-government capabilities, improve cybersecurity, and develop a skilled IT workforce, setting the stage for sustainable growth and global connectivity.

Somaliland: A Resilient Journey of Independence and Geostrategic Significance”

0

On May 18, 2024, the people of Somaliland, both at home and abroad, are joyfully commemorating the 33rd anniversary of their hard-won independence.

Somaliland, a self-governing and self-proclaimed state situated in the tumultuous Horn of Africa, celebrates the 33rd anniversary of its restoration of independence on May 18, 1991, following its separation from the ill-fated union with Somalia.

After nearly a decade of armed struggle, the resilient people of Somaliland successfully reclaimed their independence and, unaided by external forces, embarked on a remarkable journey of nation-building. Since 1991, Somaliland has thrived, effectively fostering peace, establishing a robust state infrastructure, nurturing democracy, and achieving notable economic progress. Despite its location in a troubled region, Somaliland has skillfully navigated the challenges it faces.

Our unyielding dedication to democracy, peace, and stability has yielded a flourishing society characterized by sustainable economic growth, social harmony, and self-sufficiency.

In accordance with the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, Somaliland has fulfilled all the prerequisites for statehood, including defined territory, a permanent population, a functioning government, and the capacity to engage in international agreements.

In stark contrast to its neighboring Somalia, Somaliland stands as a beacon of peace, stability, and democracy, free from the scourge of piracy, terrorism, and other outlawed activities.

Somaliland’s strategic positioning in the Horn of Africa carries significant importance. Positioned alongside the Gulf of Aden, it functions as a crucial maritime trade pathway linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its close proximity to the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, a critical choke point, provides it with influence in matters concerning regional security and trade. The stability it enjoys plays a part in upholding stability in the region, while its untapped natural resources present economic prospects. Furthermore, its collaboration in combatting terrorism and piracy bolsters regional security. These elements establish Somaliland as a prominent participant in regional political, security, and trade realms, drawing interest from global and regional stakeholders.

Therefore, I confidently assert that Somaliland’s unique case grants it an international recognition more than any other nation. Unlike some recognized countries that pose security, economic, and political burdens to the world, Somaliland presents a different scenario. Recognition of Somaliland would undoubtedly contribute positively to regional peace, security, and the realms of politics and economics.

About the Author

Abdifatah Ahmed Hurre is the Togdher Region Coordinator of Somaliland Quality Control Commission and has a MSc in Economics and an in project Management.

Workshop on Enhancing Employment and Job Creation in Somaliland

0

On May 7, 2024, the much-awaited Consultation Workshop on Improving Employment and Job Creation by the Pharo Foundation was held at the Maansoor Hotel in Hargeisa. With the active participation of government ministries and prestigious Senior Experts from Pharo, the event was a great success.

The meeting served as a venue for fruitful discussions, where innovative strategies were explored to address pressing challenges in education, agriculture, health, water, livestock, investment, and finance. Collaborative efforts and information sharing were at the forefront, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise.

The workshop served as a pivotal platform for stakeholders from government bodies and senior management of Pharo Foundation and Pharo Ventures to convene and deliberate on crucial strategies for fostering job creation across public and private sectors.

The workshop focused on addressing key obstacles to productivity and employment, with a particular emphasis on health barriers, financial constraints hindering entrepreneurship and innovation, and structural impediments.

It shed light on the disconnect between the burgeoning number of graduates and the scarcity of employment opportunities, underscoring the pressing need to bridge the gap between educational outputs and the demands of the job market.

Moreover, the event facilitated fruitful exchanges between 14 ministries, including the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family, Ministry of Health Development, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Livestock Development, Ministry of Trade and Tourism, Ministry of Investment Development, Ministry of Information Technology, and Ministry of Fishery.

Each ministry representative discussed their contribution to national production and employment and the multifaceted challenges encountered in their respective domains.

This collaborative effort aimed to foster alignment and pave the way for concerted action towards overcoming barriers to employment and unlocking new pathways for sustainable economic growth and job creation

Guest Article

Somaliland Sovereignty Resumption Marks its 33rd Anniversary in Few Days

0

In 8 days, Somaliland will be celebrating its 33rd year since it reclaimed its sovereignty, and for those 33 years, Somaliland has peacefully sought re-recognition as a dejure state, a status that it rightfully gained in 1960.

However the International Community and the UN have shied away from taking the lead in re-recognizing Somaliland, in the hope that the African Union advocates of “African Solutions for African Problems” would lead the way. The African Union in 2005 showed interest, dispatched a fact finding mission to Somaliland who determined in light of its history, the Somaliland case was unique and built on solid grounds. But since that report was published, nothing substantive has emerged from the African Union Headquarters.

The assumption is, the African Union believes their continued silence will quietly resolve this issue but it hasn’t.

Meanwhile Somaliland has reinforced their desire for re-recognition through a referendum, followed by multiple democratic elections, and peaceful activism.

Yet the African Union still ignores Simaliland and watches as Somalia continues to falsely claim sovereignty, despite the clear realities of the day and their shortcomings.

All Somaliland seeks is a right that’s universally enshrined in various international laws and conventions, such as the UN Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. All these rights are paramount in respecting the autonomy and dignity of individuals and communities, allowing them to shape their own destiny according to their aspirations and needs.

The recent events in the Gulf of Aden have reignited the case of Somaliland, due to its geo-strategic importance. There is now a growing demand once again for Africa and the African Union to take the initiative to acknowledge Somaliland’s quest for re-recognition.

To do so, it requires boldness on the part of the AU to settle an issue that’s happening barely an hours flight away from their Addis Ababa Headquarters. And to be successful in their mission, the African Union needs to recognize, Somaliland was the 17th African nation to gain independence on June 26th, 1960 before most African nations.

Ambassador Roda J Elmi

Somaliland Deputy Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Speed Reading Contest Among Somaliland High Schoolers

0

 Over 19 high schools comprising 174 girls across Somaliland recently participated in a speed reading competition in the capital, Hargeysa, using ‘’Daariz,’’ a free language app. Daariz means study in Arabic.

The contest organized by education non-profit, the Sahamiye Foundation, is focused on helping students improve their Somali language while honoring ‘’the joy of reading,’’ a statement to the VOA said.

‘’In each round, students engaged in timed reading challenges in the app to determine the quickest reader with a high comprehension rate,’’ it said.

‘’Daariz uses a unique speed meter reader to help learners build confidence and reading automaticity, while the app’s virtual ‘camel’ badges reward students for each literacy milestone achieved.’’

60 students made it to the semi-final stage as each round gained momentum. The statement added that: ‘’on average, students displayed an impressive reading speed of 166 words per minute, with one young student named Cabdirashiid displaying an incredible reading speed of 469 words per minute.’’

In the end, 14-year-old Hibo from Noradin Girls High School took the first place with a score of 292 words per minute, earning her the top prize of $500.

“My emotions are beyond words; I’m truly so happy… I am delighted that I was among the winners of the Daariz program,” Hibo said.

The second and third place runners-up were awarded prizes of $200 and $300 dollars respectively.

Hayat Arteh, founder of the Sahamiye Foundation said she was ‘’thrilled’’ about the patronage of the competition.

“The event is a celebration of literacy and its transformative potential for young people. With Daariz, we hope to empower as many people as possible to read and write in their mother tongue language,” Arteh noted.

Sahamiye Foundation is a charity founded by Ismail Ahmed, a Somaliland-born business mogul, which according to its website is “dedicated to transforming lives through the promotion of literacy and education.”

Berbera Port’s Growth Is Envied by Regional Port Logistics

0
xr:d:DAF1oJYeUtY:81,j:4215787272077666109,t:24020808

As Kenya’s neighbors forge ahead with the expansion and modernization of their port infrastructure, the country risks losing its place as the regional logistics hub because of the ascendance of political considerations over economic interests.

The Port of Mombasa was lucky to survive the mistakes that had been made in the years before 2007, in particular the failure to develop the facility’s infrastructure in order to keep up with the growth in the quantity of cargo handled. This may not hold going forward given recent Geo-economic and political developments. Unlike Kenya, our competing regional ports may have learned a vital lesson about the need to develop sufficient port infrastructure to keep up with future developments. They have been keen to create linkages with private sector capital. In Kenya, on the contrary, efforts to concession infrastructure development for ports in Kenya have been met with intense opposition from various actors.

Previously without an alternative, the landlocked countries of Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had no option but to pay dearly for Kenya’s failure to develop its port infrastructure to keep up with the growth cargo. The lack of capacity reached crisis point in 2007 when the port experienced immense operational challenges.

Dar es Salaam Port was then in a dire situation and had, indeed, relied on Mombasa Port to address its congestion problems by using Kenya as a transshipment port to avoid long delays for cargo destined for the Central Corridor – largely mainland Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, and Zambia.

The wake-up call came in 2007 when shipping lines threatened to designate Mombasa a demurrage port. This would justify liners calling at the port to charge the unpopular Vessel Delays Surcharge (VDS) – a punitive fine for an inordinately long delay that can be as high as KSh35 million per day depending on the vessel’s size or the type of cargo on board. Although in reality VDS was not claimed – except by oil and LPG vessels that faced storage capacity constraints – the threats were numerous.

However, it is the growth of cargo volumes for the region – and consequently the shrinking capacity at the Mombasa Port – and the emergence of competing ports that should worry Kenyan policymakers who should urgently fast-track the remaining port capacity infrastructure development as well as keenly focus on the other underdeveloped hinterland infrastructure for Lamu Port.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has proposed a number of projects that must be fast-tracked in order to deal with the growing volume in both domestic and transit cargo.

There is a market of over 385 million people in Eastern Africa, huge unexploited economic opportunities, and a growing demand for port infrastructure to drive growth. Cargo throughput – the total volume of cargo discharged and loaded at the port – has been registering impressive growth. For instance, the port moved 18,063,051 tons between January and June 2023, up from 17,474,311 during the same period in 2022 tons, a 3.4 per cent increase.

Globally, vessels are growing bigger as ship owners seek to maximize profits by carrying more cargo while running fewer ships, and shippers want to get lower freight costs through economies of scale. The biggest ships in the market, such as Maersk Emma, MSC Oscar, and others, are now almost 20,000 TEUS in capacity. Ports thus face the challenge of providing space to accommodate these behemoths. Also, global ship operators are seeking partnerships to provide seamless services – from the source to the end market – and port development plays a key role in this new supply chain.

Ethiopia, Lamu Port’s key target, has turned its focus on Berbera Port in Somaliland, which is set to become the most modern port in the Horn of Africa once it is completed. The Gulf states’ growing interest in the Horn of Africa region due to geopolitical and strategic considerations saw DP World enter into an agreement to develop and manage the facility for 30 years in May 2016. The total investment of the two-phase project will reach US$442 million. DP World will also create a free economic zone in the surrounding area, targeting a range of companies in sectors from logistics to manufacturing, and a road-based economic corridor connecting Berbera with Ethiopia.

The port deal with Somaliland – that declared detached from Somalia in 1991 but which is still not internationally recognized by the international community – has increased Somaliland’s credibility as an independent state. Port Berbera is now the closest sea route to Ethiopia, an 11-hour journey by road. The port opens up opportunities for huge growth in the import and export of livestock and agricultural produce. DP World Group Port officials say that the port, which can currently handle 150,000 TEUs, will expand into handling one million TEUs of 20 and 40-foot mixed units.

By Githua Kihara