The African Union has opened the floor for aspirants of the upcoming race for the chairperson and deputy positions of the continental body’s Commission to file their papers, or drop out in favor of rivals.
Aspirants are to submit their CVs to their respective countries, statements of vision and how they intend to address emerging challenges on the continent. It is the first step for aspirants to show intent to serve as leaders of the African Union Secretariat.
But it will not be the most difficult. Four aspirants have already announced publicly they will seek to contest. They include Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga, Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Somalia’s former Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam, and former Seychellois Vice President Vincent Meriton. Their countries had already backed them.
Under the current African Union rules on regulations, the seat for the African Union Commission chairperson will only be contested by countries in the eastern region while the deputy will be contested by the northern African region.
Depending on whether a male or female candidate wins the chairperson seat, the deputy will then come from the opposite gender.
According to an election notice publicized last week, the AU said candidates will file applications through their member states. But the final candidates on the ballot will be determined after a lengthy procedure that will also see them vetted by a panel of experts before the polls in February 2025.
All the eight positions of the Commission — chairperson, deputy and six commissioners — are up for grabs. But each region will be given slots based on what leaders agreed on as a fair “principle of inter-regional rotation.”
It means the six commissioners will fall to the remaining regions of south, central and western.
“Each region determines its own procedure for nominating candidates for the portfolios for which it is eligible,” the notice says. The region then hands in its list to the panel of experts by August 6.
“Only names of candidates submitted by the region will be considered in the pre-selection process undertaken by the Panel of Eminent Africans. Further, only member states that are not under AU sanctions are allowed to submit candidates.”
It means countries currently suspended for committing coups, including Sudan, Gabon, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea are ineligible to compete for any slots.
Although qualifications for each of the slots had already been created under the rules of the African Union, the Panel of Eminent Persons says it has developed job profiles and competency requirements for the leadership posts.
“This includes generic leadership skills and competencies as well as expert and thematic skills for each portfolio. The assessment process for all candidates is based on the skills and competencies identified for each senior leadership position,” said a dispatch that said qualified candidates must be “visionary.”
In our previous coverage, we explored Boodheri Mills, a flour mill established in 2017 and registered with the Canadian government in May of that year. The company’s factory was inaugurated on the outskirts of Hargeisa in September 2021. At the time of our initial reporting, Boodheri Mills was in the fundraising phase. While a flour mill is an exceptionally viable business idea, the aggressive sales tactics employed by the company, coupled with some of the projected profits and the apparent lack of basic know-how in operating a food manufacturing business in a frontier market, did not inspire confidence.
Boodheri Mills, especially the founder Mr. Abdirahman Sh Nur has disputed the veracity of our report in an op-ed published on multiple media outlets and and has threatened unspecified legal action.
At the time of this reporting, Boodheri Mills Group Incorporated, Business Number(BN): 714190329RC0001 has been dissolved by Canadian Authorities due to non-compliance of its reporting obligations with the Canadian authorities.
Two years after the flour plant’s construction and commencement of operations, financial and other documents from the company paint a grim picture. They reveal subpar execution, massive debt obligations to private banks, and a business hemorrhaging investor money at an alarming rate. In a letter dated October 20, 2023, addressed to investors, the company’s Founder, Mr. Abdirahman Sh Nur, acknowledges that their reliance on bank financing has become unsustainable. He states that the company requires $1.2 million to secure its future.
Notably, in his letter to investors, Mr. Nur is promising new investors a 12% return on their investment, with bi-annual dividend payouts. However, given the company’s current financial struggles and mounting debt, the feasibility of such promises raises serious doubts. The company’s ongoing operational challenges and cash flow issues cast a shadow over its ability to deliver on these projected returns to new investors.
In an accompanying slide deck presented to investors for the proposed $1.2 million capital injection, Mr. Abdinur appears to be promoting nonsensical figures in an attempt to entice new investment. Rather than providing a transparent account of the company’s financial situation, he simply explains away the majority of the previously raised capital as having been spent on building the factory’s infrastructure.
The dismissive manner in which Mr. Abdinur addresses the substantial expenditure of funds already raised from investors, coupled with the presentation of dubious numbers, raises significant red flags. Instead of offering a credible and detailed breakdown of the company’s financial position, he seems to be resorting to obfuscation and questionable projections to solicit additional investment. This lack of transparency and accountability regarding the use of investor funds is deeply concerning and undermines trust in the company’s leadership and financial management.
In his letter, Mr. Nur stated that he is taking back the rains of the company after 18 months haitus and is spearheading transformative changes intended to turn the company around and with the blessing of the Board of Directors, including a strategic partnership with NFMC-Al-Wataniya in Berbera for joint wheat procurement, FCAI funding for the factory’s solar project, and a vague strategic relationship with the IFC (World Bank) for potential advisory services. Notably, Mr. Nur has a track record of inflating tenuous connections, previously boasting about World Bank approval for Boodheri Mills’ viability as a business. The credibility of his grandiose claims remains dubious at best.
The statement exposes a paltry $12,500 Gross Profit from January to June—an astonishingly dismal figure. Despite the glaring absence of production, sales, and inventory details, the statement boldly declares a staggering $140,000 loss for the same period.
In direct contradiction to Boodheri Mills’ grandiose promises of independent accounting and auditing, the July statement appears to be crafted by an individual with a tenuous grasp of elementary accounting principles.
Amidst the fog of unanswered questions in the Profit and Loss statement, a glaring concern is the exorbitant electricity expense. Despite earlier fanciful claims of a Tesla-based renewable energy power plant, the reality is stark: Boodheri Mills has shelled out $39,414 on electricity costs, indicating a stark dependency on costly public electric suppliers.
While Boodheri Mills is offering the enticing promise of a 12% profit return to solicit a significant $1.2 million capital infusion from existing or potential investors, ominous signs are emerging. Current investors are signaling their desire to withdraw their investments, exposing Boodheri Mills’ vulnerability due to a lack of liquidity. The company has stated to these investors that, unlike traditional financial institutions, it does not have the liquidity to buy back their shares. The sole option for investors to recoup their funds lies in the precarious act of finding new buyers for their shares.
Notably absent from the investor document is any explanation for the exodus of investors or a tally of those seeking to exit their investments in Boodheri Mills. This lack of transparency raises further concerns about the company’s financial situation and the reasons behind investors’ loss of confidence. Without a clear understanding of the underlying issues driving this investor exodus, potential new investors may be wary of committing funds to a company facing such liquidity challenges and a flight of existing investors.
While Boodheri Mills is grappling with dwindling returns and desperately seeking 1.2 million US dollars from current and new investors to purchase wheat and stay afloat, its founder, Mr. Nur, has ventured into an entirely new business called Roobroon and is also seeking investors.
This new venture boasts high-profile government officials and celebrity promoters like DJ Subeer. Roobroon appears to be a carbon copy of Boodheri Mills, from the sales pitch down to the promises of lucrative returns. However, given Mr. Nur’s track record with the struggling flour plant and the underwhelming financial statements shared with Boodheri Mills’ current investors, this novel idea may face significant obstacles in attracting new investors despite its star-studded promoters.
While the business model of Mr. Nur’s new venture, Roobroon, remains somewhat unclear, he appears to be promoting a farming cooperative concept. Under this framework, farmers would either lease their land to Roobroon or engage in a profit-sharing arrangement to access services and equipment. The resulting wheat produced on these farms could then be used by Boodheri Mills, potentially reducing its reliance on imported raw materials. However, what stands out is the significant exaggeration in Mr. Abdi Nur’s claim, asserting that he has seen a report stating that the underground water reserves in the area hold a volume five times greater than that of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. This claim seems to be an extraordinary overstatement, raising questions about the credibility of the information being presented.
Mr. Abdi Nur who mentioned his agricultural background and expertise does not explain the basic business model, projected cost of this new enterprise and how the investors will recoup their investment.
It is noteworthy that there exists a natural synergy between Mr. Abdi Nur’s Boodheri Mills and Roobroon. However, much like his currently struggling flour plant, his new idea of a farming cooperative does not seem well-thought-out. While a farming cooperative could potentially put Somaliland on the path to food security, it is a viable but costly and labor-intensive idea. Even a basic proof of concept for such an initiative could cost more than a million dollars, primarily due to the astronomical cost of farming equipment.
Luckily, Mr. Nur only mentions one piece of agricultural equipment known as center pivot irrigation, which costs around $90,000 for a basic machine. However, when fitted with all the necessary accouterments, the cost can rise to $153,000 for every 20 farms or so that would be shared among small farmers. What Mr. Abdi Nur fails to mention is whether water drilling is part of the proposed business venture, which could push the cost for investors even higher.
During the unveiling of Roobroon company to potential investors, Mr. Abdi Nur appeared to have secured the buy-in from the then ministers of Agriculture and Investment. However, both ministers have since been sacked in President Bihi’s latest cabinet reshuffle. It remains unclear whether the removal of these two ministers will have any impact on Roobroon’s launch.
In Somaliland, it has become a common practice to invite government officials, at times even the President, to attend unveiling or ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Unfortunately, the presence of these officials may inadvertently contribute to misleading some investors, who might assume that the venture has been thoroughly vetted and approved by the government.
While the attendance of high-ranking officials may lend an air of legitimacy to these events, it is crucial to recognize that their involvement does not necessarily equate to an official endorsement or a comprehensive review of the business proposals. Investors should be cautious about making assumptions based solely on the participation of government figures in such ceremonies.
It is essential to conduct due diligence and independent research when considering any investment opportunity, rather than relying solely on the perceived credibility conferred by the presence of officials. A thorough understanding of the business model, financial projections, and the track record of the individuals involved should be the primary factors guiding investment decisions, rather than the perceived government association.
Despite Mr. Abdi Nur’s need for cash infusion to keep his struggling flour plant, Boodheri Mills, afloat and the significant debt owed to Premier Bank, his new venture, Roobroon, appears to follow a familiar formula – heavy spending on media coverage to attract investors.
While Roobroon is promoted as an entirely separate venture from Boodheri Mills and will likely have a different corporate structure, the common factor in both entities is Mr. Abdi Nur himself and its important to remember that for Boodhari Mills, Mr. Abdi Nur is actively seeking emergency cash infusion of 1.2 million dollars to stay afloat. This remarkable timing of new round of funding for the flour plant and the new venture seems to be more than a coincidence.
Rather than fostering self-sustaining business models, Mr. Nur’s operations appear to prioritize the acquisition of fresh capital to maintain operations. This approach raises significant concerns about the long-term viability of these ventures and their ability to deliver on promised returns without the perpetual influx of new investor money. Such a model is inherently unsustainable and bears resemblance to the mechanics of a Ponzi scheme, regardless of the initial intentions behind these ideas.
While the Somaliland government has recently created investment legislation, Somalilandchronicle.com has not yet examined the details to assess if adequate investor protections are built-in to ensure the public can safely invest in private ventures. It remains unclear what kind of oversight mechanisms exist to safeguard the interests of both investors and businesses.
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.
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.
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.”
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 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 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.
Delighted to witness the signing of the ICT Implementing Arrangement on May 22nd for Phase II of ICT Project in the Republic of Somaliland. Taiwan Model of Cooperation is people-centric, focusing on the knowledge-transfer mechanism complemented with hardware and software. 1/ pic.twitter.com/wALZegiLNi
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.
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.
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
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
