He argued that recognizing Somaliland could prompt Somalia to demand the expulsion of Ethiopian troops from its territory, creating an opportunity for Al-Shabaab to launch attacks against both Somaliland and Ethiopia.

However, Somaliland’s representative to Israel, Mohamed Omar Haji Mohamoud, rejected this perspective, asserting that recognizing Somaliland would yield significant security, economic, and regional strategic benefits for Ethiopia, rather than posing a security risk.

In an interview with the Israeli media outlet i24NEWS, the Ethiopian ambassador addressed the obstacles hindering Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland, expressing concern over the potential impact such a move would have on relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, as well as the future of Ethiopian forces deployed in Somalia.

He contended that if Ethiopia were to recognize Somaliland at this junction, Somalia might choose to demand the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops—a scenario he warned would generate a security vacuum that Al-Shabaab could exploit to threaten both Somaliland and Ethiopia.

On his part, Somaliland’s envoy to Israel, Mohamed Haji, maintained that recognizing Somaliland would bring strategic and security advantages to Ethiopia rather than creating new hazards.

‘I am convinced that the opposite is true. Ethiopia stands to gain immense strategic, economic, and security benefits from recognizing Somaliland, without incurring any security risks,’ said Mohamed Haji.

He added that Somalia’s retaliatory measures against Ethiopia are more detrimental than Somaliland’s recognition, arguing that Mogadishu is strengthening ties with nations rivaling Ethiopia and providing them with opportunities to advance their interests in the region.

The Somaliland ambassador stated that recognizing Somaliland would enable Ethiopia to strengthen its regional influence and secure a reliable strategic ally in the Horn of Africa.

He also argued that Somaliland has long demonstrated resilience and the capacity to prevent Al-Shabaab and pirates from establishing safe havens, noting that Somaliland’s local administration and security efforts make it a strategic ally that can benefit Ethiopia rather than pose a security burden.

Mohamed Haji further stated that African forces stationed in Somalia cannot be expected to remain indefinitely, calling for advanced planning for the scenario that will arise once those forces depart.

He contended that recognizing Somaliland would reinforce Ethiopia’s security, accelerate economic growth, and enhance Ethiopia’s geopolitical leverage in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

The post Ethiopia links Al-Shabaab to Somaliland recognition, Hargeisa responds. appeared first on Kaab TV.

Those statements triggered widespread political reactions and reignited fresh hope among citizens regarding Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to secure international recognition.

The celebrations erupted after reports and viral video footage circulated across social media platforms, showing citizens celebrating Trump’s statements, with his portrait and the United States flag displayed across several prominent buildings in Hargeisa.

The public display was widely interpreted as a demonstration of support and growing optimism that relations between Somaliland and the United States could reach a new strategic milestone.

Donald Trump delivered these remarks on October 12, 2026, while addressing a political campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio.

During his address, he characterized Somaliland as distinct from Somalia while also suggesting that its name should be modified to avoid confusion.

Trump’s statements swiftly dominated news outlets and social media platforms, particularly in Somaliland, where persistent diplomatic campaigns have long been underway to secure formal international recognition.

A cross-section of Somaliland citizens viewed the U.S. President’s remarks as a major political developments, believing that such explicit validation from a powerful global leader could significantly elevate international awareness regarding Somaliland’s political status and sovereignty claims.

However, Trump’s remarks were not delivered as a formal decision recognizing Somaliland, nor were they accompanied by an explicit declaration stating that the United States government has altered its recognition policy.

Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a press release on October 13 welcoming Trump’s remarks, describing them as reflective of the political reality that Somaliland has long advocated.

The press statement noted that Somaliland possesses defined borders, a constitution, a democratically elected government, and its own state institutions, having functioned as a self-governing entity for over thirty years.

The Somaliland administration also expressed a strong desire to deepen relations with the United States, particularly in security, trade, investment, and regional cooperation.

The Somaliland government has long maintained that its sovereignty is rooted in historical precedent, asserting that it gained independence on June 26, 1960, prior to unifying with former Italian Somaliland.

Somaliland contends that it reclaimed its independence on May 18, 1991, following the collapse of Somalia’s central government.

Although Trump’s comments generated optimism and jubilation in Somaliland, a clear distinction must be drawn between political commentary and formal state recognition.

The legal recognition of a sovereign state requires a definitive, official executive act by the government concerned.

The U.S. President’s characterization of Somaliland as a place distinct from Somalia was not accompanied by an official announcement from Washington formally recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.

Consequently, the celebrations in Hargeisa appear driven by the anticipation that Trump’s remarks could open new diplomatic avenues, rather than celebrating a formal declaration of recognition issued by the United States.

In recent years, Somaliland has invested intense efforts into securing political and diplomatic support from the United States and other foreign powers.

The Hargeisa administration has repeatedly emphasized that Somaliland’s strategic location, extensive coastline, and the Port of Berbera are crucial for international trade and maritime security across the Gulf of Aden corridor.

Conversely, the United States maintains vital security and strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, including counter-terrorism operations, safeguarding commercial shipping, and ensuring the stability of maritime choke points critical to global trade flows.

The Somaliland government anticipates that these intersecting priorities could pave the way for expanded bilateral cooperation with Washington, though it remains unconfirmed whether Trump’s remarks will translate into a formal shift in U.S. foreign policy.

Another point arising from Trump’s statement is his recommendation that Somaliland modify its national name.

This suggestion has ignited intense debate among citizens and political figures in Somaliland, with many viewing the name ‘Somaliland’ as a historic and political symbol that cannot easily be relinquished.

Proponents of Somaliland’s independence insist that the name is intrinsically tied to the territory’s distinct history and its long-standing quest for international recognition.

On the other hand, Trump’s remarks have revived broader debate regarding how Somaliland should navigate its strategic engagement with the United States and its overarching recognition campaign.

The Somaliland issue has long served as a central point of political contention between the Hargeisa administration and the Federal Government of Somalia.

The Federal Government continues to firmly uphold the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, whereas Somaliland maintains that it is an independent state that successfully reclaimed its historic sovereignty.

Trump’s remarks therefore carry political significance that extends far beyond the public celebrations in Hargeisa, as they reignite the broader debate regarding the future trajectory of relations between Somaliland, Somalia, and the United States.

The celebrations in Hargeisa underscore the paramount importance that international recognition holds for a significant segment of the Somaliland public.

Any statement issued by leaders of major global powers possesses the potential to profoundly influence the political aspirations of a population that has long strived for formal international recognition.

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Council members elected Abdirizak Maxamed Farah Wiwa as the new Mayor of Hargeisa, and Aadan Jaam’a Haddi Mideye as Deputy Mayor of the capital city.

In his first remarks after being elected, Mayor Wiwa said the session had concluded peacefully and pledged to accelerate the delivery of services and municipal work.

“It is thanks to God that this extraordinary session has concluded peacefully and with dignity. I promise to serve you and to take the work of the city further than where it currently stands, God willing,” Wiwa said.

He also called on members of the City Council to cooperate with him, share constructive advice, and work together for the development of Hargeisa.

The election came after the Hargeisa City Council earlier today officially removed the former mayor of the capital, Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, along with his deputy, Khadar Ahmed Omar.

The motion of no confidence, which was submitted a day earlier, cited allegations related to failure to fulfil official duties and other administrative concerns, according to some council members.

Somaliland government media, which was present at the Hargeisa Municipality headquarters, reported that council members attended the session where the motion was debated.

The meeting was chaired by the Governor of Marodi Jeeh region, and the Secretary of the Hargeisa Municipality was also in attendance.

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The fire erupted in the 26 June district, neighborhood 150, and rapidly consumed the family’s house, which was constructed from corrugated iron and closely surrounded by similar dwellings, the Hargeisa Fire Department said.

Authorities explained that the tight spacing between the structures enabled the flames to spread quickly, giving the occupants little opportunity to escape. The children who lost their lives were girls aged 12, 7, and 5.

The Somaliland Police Criminal Investigation Department has launched an inquiry into the cause of the fire. While no preliminary conclusions have been announced, investigators are assessing how the blaze began.

Hargeisa’s fire chief warned that fires linked to electrical faults and unsafe living conditions are becoming more frequent, particularly in areas where children are present. He urged residents to take preventive measures and reduce potential fire hazards.

“We are witnessing a rise in fires caused by electrical issues and unsafe environments,” the fire chief said, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness and safety precautions.

The Somaliland government announced it had provided $40,000 in emergency assistance to the affected family. Officials also expressed condolences and offered prayers for the victims, asking for strength and patience for the surviving relatives.

Residential fires remain a recurring danger in Hargeisa, where many residents live in informal housing with limited fire safety resources. Last year, another deadly blaze claimed the lives of several children after a domestic dispute led to a house being set on fire.

The post Five People Including Three Young Children Die in Hargeisa House Fire appeared first on Kaab TV.

Minister Ayanle, who had not appeared in the media during the two days of protests in Borama, said the President had assigned him to announce the difficult decision permitting the Xeer Ciise ceremony. He added that the President later presented the calming, conciliatory statement as if it were his own, effectively becoming both spokesperson and decision-maker.

“I cannot shoulder, as Ahmed Yasin, the burden of announcing a harsh decision that sparks conflict for my own clan and region, while the softer message that soothes the community is attributed to the President,” the minister said.

He described the President as an honorable man who had given him the opportunity to serve, and he expressed gratitude for their working relationship. He added that he visited the President today to tender his resignation in writing, which was accepted, and the two parted with prayers for each other.

“I pray for Somaliland, and I thank the people for the support they showed me during my time in office,” he said.

The minister also delivered a special message to the people of Awdal region, urging them to preserve peace and avoid entering a conflict whose end they cannot foresee. He advised the Awdal community not to fall into divisions with neighboring groups.

“Today, we are at a good point. You have the right to reject what you oppose, but please avoid actions that will not bring us any good—actions that enemies might exploit or that could stain our history. This is my advice as one of your own,” he added.

The situation in Borama has calmed this evening after the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, suspended the Xeer Ciise ceremony. It has been agreed that a peace dialogue will be held on the 10th of this month.

However, the Ciise community has expressed anger at the government’s latest decision, insisting that the ceremony must be allowed to proceed.

The post Somaliland Information Minister Resigns Over Borama Unrest appeared first on Kaab TV.

A colleague of Andar told Kaab TV that the journalist was taken into custody at the headquarters of Hargeisa’s police investigation unit.

The reasons for Andar’s arrest have not yet been disclosed.

Since President Irro took office, there has been a noticeable increase in the detention of journalists in Somaliland.

Media organizations have reported that, over the past ten months, cases of journalists being arrested have risen sharply, raising concerns about the state of press freedom in Somaliland.

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Speaking to reporters in Hargeisa on Tuesday, a government committee tasked with reviewing the issue said telecom firms had no legal basis to jointly raise prices on August 8, calling the move a direct threat to competitive market practices.

Communications and Technology Minister Jamaal Mohamed Jama said the committee met with internet service providers and reviewed their justification for the price increase before ruling that the coordinated action could not stand. He said the companies’ decision to raise prices simultaneously amounted to an unlawful agreement that distorted market conditions.

Aviation and Airports Development Minister Fu’aad Ahmed Nuux, who read the committee’s decisions to the media, said any business arrangement that harms the public including companies aligning their prices at the same level and at the same time is prohibited under Somaliland’s market system.

He stressed that Somaliland operates a free-market model, meaning prices must rise or fall based on demand, supply, and competition, not through coordinated action among service providers.

Telecommunications companies raised internet prices on August 8, triggering widespread public outcry across major towns and on social media. The backlash forced the companies to withdraw the increase within days, underscoring the public’s reliance on affordable connectivity and the sensitivity surrounding digital access in the region.

The post Somaliland Calls Internet Price Increases ‘Illegal’ Following Public Backlash appeared first on Kaab TV.

In a statement issued Thursday, the bank said the E-Visa agreement “was entered into entirely in Mogadishu” and has no connection to Somaliland’s financial system.

The Central Bank stressed that Premier Bank’s Somaliland branch operates strictly under Somaliland’s financial laws and is not part of Somalia’s payment gateway for E-Visa processing.

“The Central Bank of the Republic of Somaliland informs the public that the E-Visa service agreement for Somalia was entered into within Somalia, and Premier Bank Somaliland had no role in that process,” the statement read. The bank added that it is closely monitoring local financial institutions to prevent Somaliland’s financial system from being linked to any services or agreements that fall outside its legal framework.

The bank also warned the public and media against spreading unverified information that could damage the credibility of Somaliland’s financial institutions, saying that anyone involved in illegal financial activities would be held accountable.

The Central Bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the independence and stability of Somaliland’s financial system and encouraged the public to maintain confidence in its institutions.

Mukhtaar Mohamud, Chairman of the Economic Committee in the Somaliland House of Elders, told Bulsho TV that Premier Bank is a private company and cannot be held responsible if its Mogadishu branch handles Somali E-Visa payments.

“I heard Ismail speaking about this recently. Banking is a private business—this is a political issue,” he said. “Our banks such as Dahabshiil, Dar es Salaam, Premier—operate in all Somali-populated areas. We are in conflict with a federal government, not with private banks.”

He accused WorldRemit founder Ahmed Ismail of taking advantage of the current political tensions and warned businessmen against politicizing commercial institutions.

“A bank is a container for money. A branch in Mogadishu cannot refuse if money is deposited,” he said.

Premier Bank Somaliland also defended itself after Ahmed Ismail said earlier this month that the federal E-Visa system was linked to Premier Bank. The bank said it is fully registered under Somaliland law and provides services only within Somaliland, including its payment gateway system.

Business Manager Hussein Hassan Hussein said Premier Bank had no involvement in Somalia’s E-Visa arrangements and noted that Ismail Ahmed “has no evidence” for his allegations.

Somalia launched its mandatory electronic visa and travel authorization system on September 1, 2025, calling it a major step toward improving security screening and financial transparency. All foreign travelers must now apply for a visa online before entering the country.

However, Somaliland and Puntland rejected the system, with Somaliland insisting that only documents issued by its own immigration authority are valid in its territory, while Puntland said the federal E-Visa is “illegal” and that regional governments maintain authority over airport and border procedures.

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Speaking to reporters in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s Minister of Defense, Mohamed Yusuf Ali (Ilkacase), announced that the government is actively working through multiple channels to ensure the safe return of the detained soldiers.

While he declined to disclose specific details of the negotiations, the minister emphasized that the process is ongoing and that the government is exploring all possible options.

“The process to release the prisoners is underway. The government is committed to doing everything possible to bring back our captured soldiers. There are several channels now open to us, but I cannot disclose the details at this time,” said Minister Ilkacase during the press briefing.

The minister’s statement marks the first official acknowledgment by Somaliland authorities that talks are taking place regarding the captured personnel, signaling a potential thaw in the tense standoff that has persisted since the outbreak of hostilities in Lasanod.

The conflict in Lasanod—which began in late 2022 and escalated throughout 2023—pitted Somaliland’s security forces against local fighters aligned with the SSC-Khatumo movement, a group that seeks autonomy for the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions under the Federal Government of Somalia.

The clashes resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and led to the capture of several Somaliland soldiers, particularly following the battle for Goja’adde, one of Somaliland’s major military bases in the area.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that efforts to secure the release of the prisoners involve community elders, religious leaders, and regional mediators, although no official confirmation has been made about who is leading or facilitating the talks.

The situation in Lasanod remains fragile, with humanitarian organizations continuing to report displacement and humanitarian challenges as a result of the prolonged conflict.

Analysts believe that any progress in prisoner negotiations could help pave the way for broader dialogue and potential de-escalation between the opposing sides.

For now, the Somaliland government has reiterated its willingness to engage in peaceful means to resolve the matter and bring home its detained soldiers.

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According to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), at least 10 journalists were arrested between March and July 2025.

On May 11, police arrested journalist Mohamed Abdi Hassan on charges of “inciting violence” after he reported on a clan conflict in the Sanaag region.

On May 23, independent journalist Abd Qadir Mohamed Aw-Hasan was sentenced to six months in prison for “insulting the president” after posting a satirical video online.

On May 29, journalist Warsame Kafi Abdirashid Aden was detained following an interview with a woman who accused a senior judge of assault.

On June 9, Syed Musa Farah, a journalist from Erigabo, was fined after reporting on alleged mismanagement at the local TB Hospital.

On June 22, Abdirisaq Qasim of Saab TV was arrested in Berbera for allegedly broadcasting accusations against senior officials online. He was later transferred to Hargeisa and released following community mediation.

On July 1, police in Hargeisa arrested journalist Yasir Ahmed Abdillahi after he criticized President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro’s visit to Qatar. The Maroodi-jeh Regional Court later acquitted him of any wrongdoing.

These incidents highlight a growing pattern of politically motivated arrests, judicial harassment, and censorship aimed at silencing journalists and restricting public scrutiny of Somaliland’s authorities.

In late September, a new wave of arrests took place. On September 27, 2025, police in Erigabo (Sanaag region) arrested four journalists who questioned Education Minister Ismail Yusuf Duale about the closure of local schools.

They were detained for seven hours before being released without charges, while a fifth journalist was reportedly injured and escaped.

On the same day, Gabiley police detained journalist Mohamed Wadaad after he reported on the arrest of community elders protesting government land seizures in Wajale.

He remains imprisoned without an arrest warrant, a clear violation of Somaliland’s constitution.

Earlier in September, Burco police arrested Abdicasis Saleeban Sulub of KF Television for 18 days under orders from the Togdheer regional governor, following his coverage of a sensitive report. Although later acquitted, he remains in detention pending appeal.

On September 11, three journalists in Borama were briefly detained after reporting on local criticism of the regional governor during President Irro’s visit.

Meanwhile, journalist Ahmed Mohamud Dool has been imprisoned for 30 days in Hargeisa after alleging police involvement in murder cases.

Despite promises of reform under President Irro’s leadership, press freedom in Somaliland continues to deteriorate.

The SJS reports 24 arrests of journalists and the banning of two media outlets in the past nine months—evidence of growing intolerance for dissent and erosion of civil liberties.

In another blow to media independence, on August 9, 2025, the Maroodi Jeex Regional Court of Appeal reinstated restrictions against Hadhwanaag News, ordering local internet service providers to block access to its websites—hadhwanaagnews.co, hadhwanaagnews.ca, and hadhwanaagtv.com.

The court also sentenced each journalist at the outlet to six months in prison and fined them 500,000 Somaliland shillings (approximately $50).

Hadhwanaag News had previously been suspended in September 2019 after publishing allegations of corruption involving former Central Bank Governor Ali Ibrahim Jama (Ali Baghdadi).

The site was reinstated in February 2025 following a court decision, but the renewed restrictions signal an ongoing campaign to silence critical voices in the region.

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