Investigative Reports

Somaliland Office in Taiwan Rejects Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan has...

Ministry of Information Spends 600,000 US Dollars to Fix a Decade Old Radio Station

According to a contract signed by the Minister of Information, Culture...

How Somalia is trying to Stifle Somaliland – US ties with an Online Troll and a pseudo-Charitable Organization

In February, June, and  August 2022, Mr. Okeke-Von Batten filed Lobby Disclosure Act...
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Somaliland Delegation in Nairobi Expected to Meet with Mr. Raila Odinga

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The delegation from Somaliland’s UCID opposition and ruling party of Kulmiye, led by Eng Faisal Ali Warabi and the Minister of Interior Mr. Mohamed Kahin Abdi is expected to meet with the veteran Kenyan Opposition leader and former Prime Minister of Kenya Mr. Raila Odinga.

Even though the purpose of the delegation’s visit to Nairobi was to meet with Somaliland’s international donors to discuss the stalemate over elections, building a closer diplomatic relationship with Kenya seems to be another aim for the visit.

On Monday, the delegation together with Somaliland’s Representative in Kenya Mr. Bashe Awil held separate meetings with the leaders of the Minority and Majority blocks of the Kenyan parliament, Hon. Juno Mohamed and Hon Aden Duale

Somaliland’s warming diplomatic ties with Kenya comes as Kenya’s increased diplomatic pressure and isolation on Somalia following the maritime border dispute between the two countries.

Citing a security concern, Kenya has instituted a mandatory stopover in Wajir airport for all flights from Mogadishu for additional security checks.

On Tuesday, immigration officials at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport refused entry visas to a large Somali Federal Government delegation travelling on Somali diplomatic passports and deported three of them back to Mogadishu.

Others were allowed to proceed after they produced western passports.

It is unclear if the move to deny entry visas to members of President Farmajo’s cabinet was a response to the passing of the petroleum legislation by Somalia’s parliament.

Today, Somalia’s Federal Government has lodged an official complaint with Kenya, calling its actions “potentially destabilizing”.

Somaliland: Government Responds To Ludicrous Claims From Mogadishu

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The Somaliland government has issued a strongly worded response to a ludicrous statement made by the chair of the federal government of Somalia’s elections commission, Marwo Halimo Ibrahim.

Speaking to the media, the Somaliland minister of Information and Public Guidance, Mohamed Muse Dirie stated “the assertion by the chair of the Somalia’s election commission that candidates from Somaliland who will take part in the prospective “national elections” slated for 2020, should submit their names, is not only offensive, but delusional”.

Minister Dirie declared “In the event that the administration in Mogadishu can even hold one person, one vote elections in the scant territory they presume to control is a fallacy, and not based on the reality on the ground. It is disturbing to hear such silly statements such as the one as made the chair of the elections commission in Somalia”.

The minister concluded “It is in the interest of the region and all the Somali speaking administrations, that Mogadishu must get it’s own house in order first, and reach an agreement with  all the “federal” administrations, before they can even mention Somaliland. How are we expected to hold talks with people who are living in a fantasy world, when all we do is wish them all the best, peace, security and progress and all they wish Somaliland is the opposite? Please, have some respect for Somaliland”

The weak federal governemnt in Mogadishu recently held a meeting with the member federal states in Garowe, Puntland, on election issues. The meeting ended without a consensus. 

Meanwhile, Somaliland is planning to hold parliamentary and local elections on December 12th, 2019.

About the Author 
Ahmed Kheyre is based in London, UK and can be reached @ ruraledcomm[at]yahoo.co.uk

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle and it’s staff. 

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Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work is permitted.

High Level Delegation from UCID and KULMIYE Parties Depart for Nairobi for Talks with International Community

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A delegation from the two of Somaliland’s political parties, UCID and Kulmiye departed for Nairobi today to meet with Somaliland Donor Working Group chaired by the UK.

The delegation is led by the chairman of UCID Eng Faisal Ali Warabe and the Minister of Interior Hon. Mohamed Kahin Abdi representing Kulmiye. Other members include Abdiasis Samaale, the former Minister of Finance in President Siilaanyo’s administration and member of Kulmiye party, Ahmed Abdi Dheere and Prof. Ahmed Abdi Muse Abyan.

It is unclear why only two of the three political parties are attending the meeting. Efforts to reach Waddani for comments have been unsuccessful.

According to diplomatic sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation is scheduled to hold talks with the EU, UK, Denmark and the United States about Somaliland elections.

International community has been pressing Somaliland parties to come to consensus and resolve disputes to hold parliamentary and local council elections on time.

Efforts to reach Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Nairobi for more information have been unsuccessful.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.

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The blessed republic of Somaliland is in celebration today. It is exactly the day in which its sovereignty is reclaimed or regained. On the eve of 28th celebrations of the nation’s birth, I have a simple and short message to send.

Dear countrymen it is the day to show the world that we are as strong as a solid foundation which can’t be fallen apart. It is the time we have survived and stand firmly against all odds. It is the right time to feel proud and joy for the betterment of our nation. Surely, We are in a better position than 28 years ago. We had built a nation with law and order in a lawlessness east-African region.

Dear countrymen, let me remind you, Somaliland is a country built by its people from the ashes without one’s help. So, what ever disagreements happen will only be solved by its grassroots. Our country’s issues are always be open for discussion. We all know, Somalilands’ means of addressing its own internal misunderstandings had been hailed across the globe.

 In some cases, If some of our citizens feel neglected we have the capacity and means to discuss and settle our difference. Although we have had a very rough road there is also a long way to go. That very rough road ahead can only be overcome through unity. Unity among Somaliland people. Through unity and patience recognition will eventually arrive at our door-step sooner rather than latter. That is just a matter of days.

Dear Somalilanders, held your head high and stand together to bravely reject the nasty plans intended to destroy our nation.

About the Author:   Mohamed Samater is an engineering technologist by profession now lives in Melbourne, Australia. He was also an educationalist. Former Dean and lecturer at local universities in Somaliland. Email: engsamater[at]gmail.com

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle and it’s staff. 

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Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Lack of Access to Reproductive Health for Young Girls is Why Babies End up in Toilets.

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I am heartbroken over the news that a baby was rescued from a toilet in Hargeisa few days ago and relieved that the baby is safe. I am heartbroken over the agonizing decision that led a mother dispose of her precious baby after giving birth. How hard did she embrace the baby, kissed it or perhaps breastfed just once before she threw it in a latrine?

I am a mother and I cannot fathom the events or the circumstances that would drive a new mom do this to her baby. However, I am not here to litigate her state of mind what sins led to her pregnancy but cringe at the thought of the monstrous her act of discarding her precious baby in a toilet hoping it will drown in excrement.

Even though this is an act by a single individual, on the whole, it reflects on the dark corners of our souls, the isolation this young mother must have felt is a testament to harshness of our nature.

Would things have turned out different if this young mother had access to counselling services that could have guided her to give up the baby for adoption or safely hand it over to one of the few orphanages anonymously?

What about if she had access to contraceptives? before you assume that I advocate we should be ok with people’s sexual activities outside of the sanctity of marriage, I am not.

I am not sure how often this happens but I would imagine it is not the first time and there is a likelihood that many of these discarded babies do not survive or get rescued.

It is convenient to sidestep this uncomfortable topic of teen pregnancy and what leads to it but she was not alone in making that baby. There is a gentleman walking about in Hargeisa who is equally responsible and probably saw the news reports of a baby rescued from a toilet on his social media before he moved on to browse the next post on Facebook.

Let us give our young girls access to reproductive health and education to at least give them a chance to avoid committing a mysterious act against a precious baby who deserves to be loved and cherished.

About the Author Anonymous female.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle and its staff. 

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Notice: This is an article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work is permitted.

Breaking – Large Delegation of Kenyan MPs To Visit Somaliland

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A large delegation of Kenyan MPs are heading to Hargeisa, Somaliland to take part in the commemoration of Somaliland’s independence day on 18th May. The delegation is expected to arrive in Hargeisa on Thursday afternoon.

According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation, the delegation of at least a dozen Members of Parliament are from various parliamentary committees including Defense and Foreign Affairs, Energy, Investment and others.

Sources added that the delegation will meet with Somaliland President HE Muse Bihi Abdi and members of his administration.

Image result for abiy ahmed farmajo uhuru
President Uhuru Kenyatta (middle), Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed (right) and Somali President Mohamed Abdillahi Farmajo

Diplomatic relations between Somaliland and Kenya have been on a positive trajectory. It is unclear if Kenya is pivoting to Somaliland following the recent dispute with Somalia over maritime border between the two countries.

Efforts by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed to mediate Kenya and Somalia have been unsuccessful.

Update

The delegation of Kenyan MPs have arrived in Hargeisa and were welcomed at Egal International Airport by UCID Opposition party chairman, Eng Faisal Ali Warabe, Deputy Mayor of Hargeisa and other government officials.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

5 Dead and 6 Injured in Flooded Hargeisa

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Heavy rains in Hargeisa today have claims the lives of five people and injured six others. This is according to the government officials, including the President HE Muse Bihi Abdi, who have surveyed the damaged areas of the Capital of Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Image may contain: 10 people, including Agg Khadar Y Ali, people smiling, people standing and outdoor
President Bihi and other government officials surveying flood damages in Hargeisa.

Two of the victims were killed by downed power lines where the remaining three were swept in a vehicle by heavy floods. Officials added that a total of nine people were rescued from floods by police and fire services.

This is not the first time that heavy rains and floods have resulted in loss of live in Somaliland, especially in the capital. Last year, 2 children were killed by floods in Hargeisa after heavy rains.

Madaxweyne Muuse Biixi ayaa booqday goobta ay masiibadu ka dhacay una tacsiyeeyay aabaha dhalay carruurta dhimatay
Ahmed Qorane, father of children lost to floods in Hargeisa last year.

Lack of building, electrical codes or designated flood areas coupled with non-existent flood drainage in Hargeisa have often caused heavy floods in the rainy season.

BREAKING – UK Ambassador to Somalia to visit Somaliland

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The Ambassador of the UK to Somalia, Mr Ben Fender OBE is visiting Somaliland this week. Mr. Fender is scheduled to hold a series of meeting with the President of Somaliland HE Muse Bihi Abdi and members of his administration as well as the opposition parties and civil society organizations.

This is Ambassador Fender’s second visit to Somaliland since being appointed. His most recent visit was on April second with the largest delegation of European ambassadors to Somaliland.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

Breaking – Waddani Opposition Party Chairman Meets with Qatari Ambassador to Somalia

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Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, the Chairman of the Opposition party of Waddani has met with His Excellency Hassan Hamza Asad Hashem, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Somalia in Nairobi.

Professor Ahmed I. Samatar and Dr. Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro in Hargeisa.

According to diplomatic sources in Nairobi, Dr. Irro was accompanied by Professor Ahmed I. Samatar on his trip to Nairobi. Professor Samatar was reported to have attended the meeting of the Chairman with the Qatari Ambassador.

His Excellency Hassan Hamza Asad Hashem, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Somalia with Somali Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi M. Gulaid

Sources added that Dr. Irro and Professor Samatar have also met with the United States Ambassador to Somalia Mr. Donald Yamamoto. Neither meeting was publicly disclosed and no details of the topics discussed have emerged.

Somaliland government has officially sided with the UAE/Saudi side of the Gulf crisis, where Mogadishu has fostered close cooperation with Qatar and Turkey.

Somaliland Government Detains a Member of the Parliament

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Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Dhakool, a member of Somaliland Parliament representing the eastern region of Sool was arrested today.

No official statement has been released to explain the MP’s arrest but all indications point to the MP’s opposition to the commemoration of the establishment of Somaliland Republic on the 18th of May.

Mr. Dhakool stated that the 18th May should not be a national day and that it is a dark day as it is related to the disintegration of the Somali state at the hands of Somali National Movement. Mr. Dhakool has been a Somaliland MP since 2005.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eswY2NmYEBg

It is unclear if the MP has been officially charged but sources in Somaliland security services indicate that he is currently being held in Hargeisa Central Police Station.