Connect with us

Somaliland

Somaliland Activist Coldoon Arrested Again in Berbera Over Gaza Refugee Criticism

Published

on

Charity worker Coldoon detained after denouncing Somaliland’s alleged plan to accept Gaza refugees; rights groups slam renewed crackdown on free speech

Abdimaalik Muse Coldoon, a charitable worker and activist, has been arrested in Berbera after criticizing Somaliland’s stance on Gaza refugees. His detention sparks outcry over freedom of speech violations.

Somaliland Arrests Vocal Charity Worker Abdimaalik Coldoon After Criticism of Gaza Refugee Report

In a move reigniting tensions over freedom of speech in Somaliland, charitable worker and outspoken social media activist Abdimaalik Muse Coldoon was arrested Thursday in the port city of Berbera. While no formal charges have been announced, sources close to the case suggest the arrest was triggered by Coldoon’s vocal criticism of a recent Al Jazeera Arabic report claiming that Somaliland would be willing to receive refugees from war-torn Gaza.

Advertisement

Coldoon, a prominent public figure known for both his humanitarian work and fiery commentary, had earlier fled his hometown of Burao, fearing arrest. Though persuaded by family and community elders to return with reassurances that he would not be targeted, he was detained shortly after traveling from Burao to Berbera.

His recent remarks, which are believed to have provoked the authorities, included a rejection of any implication that the Somaliland government represents Somalis in broader geopolitical issues. “I am from Somalia, and the minister does not represent us… The Palestinians are our brothers,” he said, rejecting any plans to accept Gaza refugees under what he called a “mercenary government.”

While officials have remained tight-lipped about the reason for his detention, human rights advocates and political figures have decried the arrest as an assault on civil liberties. Justice Minister Yoonis Ahmed Yoonis—previously a key figure in the Waddani opposition party—condemned the act as unlawful. “Coldoon is being held simply for exercising his constitutional right to speak. This is a blatant violation of freedom of expression,” he said.

Advertisement

This isn’t the first time Coldoon has clashed with Somaliland authorities. His arrest record dates back to 2017, when he publicly supported former Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. He was previously jailed on charges of defamation and false information targeting educational institutions, though he was later acquitted.

Coldoon’s ongoing persecution marks yet another disturbing chapter in Somaliland’s tightening grip on dissent. Despite being a self-declared democracy, the government’s continued targeting of critics casts serious doubt on its commitment to basic human rights. Until his release, Abdimaalik Coldoon’s case will remain a litmus test for Somaliland’s fragile tolerance for free speech.

Advertisement

Somaliland

Elders Reject SSC-Khaatumo Inclusion, Affirm Allegiance to Puntland

Published

on

A group of traditional elders from Sanaag and Haylaan regions issued a strong statement on Wednesday firmly rejecting any attempts to incorporate their territories into the SSC-Khaatumo administration. The statement emerges as political representatives and other elders from these regions are scheduled to attend a major conference in Las Anod next week.

The elders stressed that Sanaag and Haylaan have historically and administratively been integral parts of Puntland since its inception in 1998. They reiterated their continued allegiance and integration into Puntland’s political framework, urging regional authorities to enhance development initiatives and reinforce security measures.

According to their statement, the elders confirmed that no legitimate political gathering among local clans had sanctioned representation at the upcoming SSC-Khaatumo State Completion Conference slated for July 10. They unequivocally denied authorizing delegates to attend on their behalf and insisted no valid political resolution had been taken to align with the SSC-Khaatumo administration.

Advertisement

The elders demanded an official apology from SSC-Khaatumo leaders, accusing them of meddling in internal community affairs and destabilizing regional peace and harmony. They further called upon the international community to recognize that they are not participants in any new administrative or political arrangements and have not delegated authority to representatives attending the conference in Las Anod.

Additionally, the elders urged the Federal Government of Somalia to adhere strictly to its constitutional responsibilities, cautioning against actions that might ignite inter-clan divisions and threaten the delicate peace in the region.

These developments follow the controversial arrival in Las Anod of former Puntland Parliament Speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, who claimed to represent Sanaag and Haylaan. Jibriil accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of militarizing the regions with the deployment of thousands of troops, asserting that his communities are prepared to seek autonomy from both Puntland and Somaliland.

Advertisement

This mounting tension underscores the widening fissure between Puntland, the Federal Government, and the SSC-Khaatumo administration regarding territorial sovereignty and clan representation in eastern Somaliland. The situation remains tense as all sides prepare for the impending Las Anod conference.

Continue Reading

Somaliland

Aid for War? Mogadishu Accused of Diverting Funds to Sanaag Conflict

Published

on

 Explosive allegations from Somaliland accuse Somalia’s government of misusing vital international aid for military buildup in Sanaag, threatening peace in the Horn.

Tensions in the Horn of Africa escalated dramatically this week as Somaliland condemned Somalia’s reported deployment of federal troops to the Somaliland’s Sanaag region.

Minister of Information Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle delivered a stark warning from Hargeisa, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of dangerous overreach, potentially sparking open conflict in a region that has enjoyed decades of relative stability.

Advertisement

“Somaliland has its own borders, and we will defend them,” Minister Ayanle declared unequivocally, highlighting Somaliland’s longstanding self-governance and its commitment to maintaining regional peace.

The Somaliland government accused Mogadishu of diverting crucial international aid funds—intended for counterterrorism—to finance provocative military maneuvers in Sanaag.

Such actions, Minister of Information argued, dangerously undermine the ongoing fight against Al-Shabab, which has recently regained significant momentum in central Somalia.

Advertisement

The controversy intensified following Somalia’s recognition of SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state and the appointment of a committee to establish an interim administration. This provocative political maneuver, according to Somaliland, seeks to legitimize Mogadishu’s territorial ambitions at the expense of peace and stability.

Meanwhile, voices within Somalia itself are ringing alarm bells. Former Hirshabelle President Mohamed Abdi Ware warned of a dangerous distraction from the primary national security threat—Al-Shabab. Ware sharply criticized the federal government’s shifting priorities, as evident by the recent fall of Moqokori to Al-Shabab, a strategic loss reflecting diminished national resolve and capacity.

“Almost everybody else chose to look away!” Ware lamented, highlighting a troubling shift away from unified anti-terror operations towards internal political rivalries and regional provocations. His stark warning underscores the strategic miscalculation Mogadishu risks by igniting unnecessary conflict in Sanaag instead of addressing its critical security vulnerabilities.

Advertisement

This alarming situation demands immediate international attention. Somaliland has maintained exemplary peace and democratic governance for over three decades, a stark contrast to Somalia’s persistent volatility. Mogadishu’s risky gambit in Sanaag threatens not only regional stability but also international efforts against terrorism.

The message from Hargeisa is clear: Somaliland will not tolerate interference. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration must reconsider its approach, prioritizing fight against terrorism over divisive territorial ambitions.

Failure to do so risks plunging the Horn of Africa into an avoidable crisis, further empowering terrorist elements that thrive on regional instability.

Advertisement

The international community and regional powers now face a critical choice: support Somaliland’s proven stability or watch passively as Somalia drags the entire region into a dangerous confrontation.

Continue Reading

Analysis

Countering the Threat: Hostile Information Campaigns Against Somaliland

Published

on

Somaliland stands at a critical juncture, achieving remarkable diplomatic strides on the global stage under the leadership of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro. However, this promising progress is increasingly threatened by orchestrated propaganda, misinformation, and fake news campaigns aimed at destabilizing the government, undermining diplomatic achievements, and inciting internal conflicts.

Hostile information campaigns have proven highly effective tools for adversaries, both state and non-state actors, seeking to erode public trust, ignite social tensions, and disrupt democratic processes. By spreading false narratives and inflammatory content, these adversaries intend to manipulate public perceptions, diminish government legitimacy, and create societal divisions that could lead to violence.

A particularly troubling aspect of these campaigns is the role played by diaspora influencers. Some members of the Somaliland diaspora, residing in Europe and North America, exploit their safe distance from direct repercussions to stoke conflicts within Somaliland.

Advertisement

By providing financial support and disseminating radical messages, these influencers exacerbate tensions, often with greater radicalization and disregard for consequences than those residing within the region.

Germany’s recent investigation into Somali influencers involved in inciting violence during the Las Anod conflict of 2023 underscores the gravity of this threat. The case of one influencer, who openly claims participation in clan militias and piracy yet managed to reside in Germany despite his denied asylum claim, highlights significant loopholes in immigration and asylum systems.

Advertisement

Such individuals not only perpetuate violence in their homeland but also pose security risks to their host countries by importing and perpetuating divisive conflicts.

Against this backdrop, Somaliland’s adversaries have intensified their disinformation campaigns, strategically targeting President Irro’s recent diplomatic successes with nations such as Djibouti, Kenya, the UAE, and Qatar. These campaigns are aimed at diminishing the government’s international standing and sowing panic among the population.

Reliable sources indicate these efforts are systematically coordinated by anti-Somaliland factions intent on disrupting the nation’s peaceful and progressive trajectory.

Advertisement

In response to this growing menace, the Somaliland government must proactively engage in diplomatic channels, officially informing host countries of these harmful activities perpetrated by diaspora influencers. Diplomatic outreach could involve providing concrete evidence of incitement and collaboration in destabilizing activities, urging host countries to uphold accountability and prevent misuse of asylum privileges.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Information in Somaliland must spearhead a comprehensive strategy to counteract misinformation by promoting media literacy. Integrating media and information literacy into the national curriculum is imperative. Schools should equip students with critical thinking skills enabling them to discern and challenge disinformation. Well-trained educators must be empowered to guide students through analyzing and evaluating the credibility of various media sources.

Robust public communication strategies, transparent dissemination of accurate information, and rapid responses to fake news can bolster the public’s resilience against disinformation. The government should actively utilize both traditional media and digital platforms to quickly counter misinformation and reinforce public confidence.

Advertisement

Ultimately, Somaliland’s long-term stability and diplomatic success will rely on effectively addressing these hostile information campaigns. A proactive, multifaceted approach that combines diplomatic engagement, media literacy education, and effective strategic communication can shield Somaliland from the damaging effects of propaganda and fake news, ensuring the nation’s continued growth and international recognition.

How Misinformation Is Threatening Somaliland’s Stability

Somaliland’s Information War Is a Threat to National Security

Advertisement

Somaliland’s Ministry of Information: A Crisis of Competence Threatening National Security

Combat the Infodemic: Strategies to Prevent the Spread of Misinformation

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Diplomacy

Ambassador Masoud Ali Powers Historic UAE Economic Breakthrough

Published

on

Ambassador Masoud Ali’s strategic diplomatic initiatives in the UAE position Somaliland for unprecedented economic growth and global recognition under President Irro’s visionary leadership.

In the intricate tapestry of international diplomacy, moments of strategic brilliance often illuminate a nation’s path toward greater recognition and prosperity. Such a moment has recently unfolded for Somaliland, epitomized by the exemplary work of its Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Masoud Ali, and the visionary leadership of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro.

The recent high-level working trip by Somaliland’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng. Ahmed Jamac Barre, to the UAE, meticulously orchestrated by Ambassador Ali, stands as a powerful testament to Somaliland’s readiness to engage with global markets and its significant diplomatic progress.

Advertisement

This visit was far more than a routine official engagement; it was a carefully calibrated demonstration of Somaliland’s economic potential on the world stage. Ambassador Masoud Ali’s instrumental role in facilitating the Minister’s meetings with major companies and international investors in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah cannot be overstated. His deep understanding of the UAE’s business landscape and his ability to forge connections with influential entities like Mubadala, BB Energy, Skyline, Masdar, and Tech City, all renowned for their expertise in oil, gas, and renewable energy, highlight a diplomatic acumen that sets a high bar for all Somaliland’s representatives abroad.

Ambassador Ali’s proactive approach and strategic foresight are a shining example for junior Somaliland ambassadors across the globe, demonstrating how dedicated and knowledgeable diplomatic efforts can directly translate into tangible economic opportunities for the nation.

The choice of the UAE as a destination was itself a strategic masterstroke, reflecting a long-term vision to tap into one of the world’s major business and investment hubs. It signals that Somaliland is consciously seeking financial and technical support from influential countries, moving beyond traditional aid paradigms towards robust economic partnerships.

Advertisement

During these crucial engagements, the Minister of Energy and Minerals presented a compelling case for investment, anchored in Somaliland’s enduring peace, stability, and security since regaining its independence in 1991. He underscored the nation’s proven democratic credentials, evidenced by free elections and peaceful transfers of power, which offer a stark contrast to the volatility often associated with the broader region.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted Somaliland’s open economic market, attractive investment incentives, and its abundant natural resources. Crucially, he emphasized Somaliland’s strategic geographical location, adjacent to the lucrative Gulf markets, and the transformative development of the Berbera port and the Berbera Corridor road, which are rapidly solidifying its position as a vital regional trade hub.

The transparent presentation of “oil blocks” ready for investment, alongside the Ministry’s commitment to officially regulate the oil and gas sectors while safeguarding national rights, instilled a vital sense of confidence in potential investors.

Advertisement

This successful diplomatic and economic outreach is a direct reflection of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s astute leadership. His administration, characterized by its commitment to action and unity, has clearly prioritized economic growth and the pursuit of full international recognition through pragmatic engagement.

The appointment of Ambassador Masoud Ali to such a critical diplomatic post in the UAE exemplifies President Irro’s judicious ability to place the right person in the right position, leveraging individual expertise for national gain.

This discerning approach inspires confidence that as President Irro prepares to appoint new ambassadors globally, he will continue to select individuals of similar caliber and strategic vision, further strengthening Somaliland’s diplomatic corps and accelerating its journey towards greater international standing and economic self-reliance.

Advertisement

The success in the UAE is not just a win for the energy sector; it is a powerful narrative of a nation confidently stepping onto the global economic stage, guided by effective diplomacy and visionary leadership.

Continue Reading

ASSESSMENTS

Somalia’s Secret Plot to Annex Sanaag Sparks Crisis as Puntland Targets Former Speaker

Published

on

Puntland moves against Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril amid separatist push in Sanaag, accusing Mogadishu of fueling conflict to break Somaliland’s territorial integrity.

Secret WARYATV sources reveal Somalia’s covert support for Sanaag separatists, triggering Puntland’s move to revoke immunity from ex-Speaker Jibril, risking major conflict over Somaliland’s resource-rich eastern region.

Sanaag in Turmoil: Puntland and Mogadishu’s Secret Tug-of-War Threatens Somaliland’s Territorial Unity

Advertisement

A secretive power struggle is unfolding over the strategically crucial Sanaag region, pushing Somaliland and Puntland toward a potentially explosive conflict. Puntland’s parliament is set to revoke immunity from its former Speaker, Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril, accusing him of sedition for spearheading efforts to detach Sanaag and merge it with the newly formed SSC-Khaatumo administration.

Jibril’s bold appearance in military attire at a meeting with clan elders in Ceelbuh underscores the seriousness of Sanaag’s separatist ambitions. Despite Puntland’s heavy security crackdown, separatists defiantly claim a constitutional right to self-determination, exposing deep grievances rooted in historical neglect and political marginalization.

Secret sources have revealed exclusively to WARYATV that Somalia’s federal government is clandestinely fueling this separatist momentum, aiming to annex Sanaag from Somaliland—a charge Mogadishu vehemently denies. Yet, Puntland sees Villa Somalia’s hidden hand clearly, believing federal backing emboldens separatists seeking to redraw territorial lines at Puntland’s expense.

Advertisement

Losing Sanaag would dramatically weaken Somaliland’s strategic and economic standing, stripping it of vital access to Red Sea routes and lucrative mineral deposits. Somaliland, already battling with SSC-Khaatumo administration, faces existential threats as Sanaag’s allegiance shifts.

This crisis underscores the explosive intersection of local grievances, regional rivalry, and federal interference. With Puntland deploying troops and separatists digging in their heels, the stage is set for a conflict that could redefine power dynamics across eastern Somaliland—unless urgent diplomacy prevails.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Somalia

Somalia’s Dark Era: Presidency, the Halane Mafia, and Looming Conflict with Somaliland

Published

on

Somalia Under Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: A Family-Run “Company” Colluding with Al-Shabab and Controlled by Foreign Halane Mafia.

President Mohamud’s administration accused of corruption, terrorist collaboration, and dangerous attempts to destabilize peaceful Somaliland.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces damning accusations of transforming governance into personal enterprise, collaborating with terrorists, and remaining under control of foreign interests, pushing Somalia into deeper instability and risking conflict with Somaliland.

Advertisement

Under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia faces a devastating era marked by corruption, foreign domination, and troubling allegations of complicity with Al-Shabab terrorists. Far from national leadership, his administration has reportedly descended into a family-operated enterprise, prioritizing personal enrichment and power consolidation over national stability.

Central to this crisis is the fortified compound of Halane, known as Somalia’s “forbidden fortress,” which operates like a colonial enclave, dominated by foreign interests and maintained by a tight-knit group—the “Halane Mafia.” For two decades, this foreign-backed clique has systematically undermined true Somali sovereignty, going so far as openly excluding Somalis from critical roles within their own country.

The UNSOS job ad scandal, explicitly barring Somalis from employment opportunities on their soil, is just one glaring example of the ongoing humiliation and subjugation. Instead of fostering genuine capacity-building, these international actors perpetuate dependency, keeping Somalia weak, fractured, and beholden to foreign aid and consultants.

Advertisement

Amidst this turmoil, President Mohamud’s reported plans for aggression against the peaceful of Somaliland demonstrate alarming misdirection and recklessness. Somaliland’s stable governance and security stand in stark contrast to the chaos within Somalia’s borders—a chaos amplified by Mohamud’s failures and compromised leadership. Such aggression could unleash catastrophic instability, diverting attention from his administration’s dysfunction and dangerous collaboration with extremist elements.

Somalia stands at a perilous crossroads, trapped by internal corruption and external manipulation, with a leadership seemingly intent on deepening conflict rather than pursuing peace and self-determination. For the Somali people, their nation risks sliding deeper into perpetual instability and foreign subjugation.

A Critique of the Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Administration and the Halane Enigma

Advertisement

Somalia Pushes SSC-Khaatumo Statehood, Igniting Tensions with Somaliland and Its Allies

Continue Reading

Somaliland

Somalia Pushes SSC-Khaatumo Statehood, Igniting Tensions with Somaliland and Its Allies

Published

on

Somalia appoints technical committee to finalize SSC-Khaatumo administration amid accusations of external meddling and military buildup in contested regions.

The Federal Government of Somalia moves to formalize SSC-Khaatumo regional administration after recognizing it as a federal member state, escalating tensions with Somaliland and raising geopolitical stakes involving Turkey and China.

Somalia’s Bold Move to Cement SSC-Khaatumo Autonomy Escalates Horn of Africa Tensions

Advertisement

In a dramatic development reshaping eastern Somaliland political landscape, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has appointed a technical committee to finalize the formation of the SSC-Khaatumo interim regional administration. This follows the official recognition of SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state—a move that has sparked alarm in Somaliland and intensified regional rivalry.

The eight-member committee, chaired by Dr. Ahmednur Mohamed Abdi, signals Somalia’s intent to solidify governance structures in the contested eastern regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn. By including key figures from Sanaag, the federal government is making a clear territorial claim, effectively challenging Somaliland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Observers like geopolitical analyst Mohamed W. Dualeh frame this as a concerted effort by an “axis of evil”—Turkey, China, and Somalia—to destabilize Somaliland, undermining decades of relative peace and the fragile dialogue on recognition. Military buildups and ammunition flows into Sanaag exacerbate fears of renewed conflict, with Somalia accused of reigniting warfare to achieve political ends.

Advertisement

The formation of SSC-Khaatumo follows nearly a year of armed clashes and grassroots mobilization, with traditional elders and leaders openly withdrawing allegiance from Somaliland. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s landmark visit to Somaliland’s eastern city Las Anod and formal endorsement of SSC-Khaatumo marked a watershed moment, emboldening the nascent state to consolidate control.

This bold federal move risks deepening divisions, complicating Horn of Africa geopolitics, and fueling instability in a region already rife with contestation. As institutional development accelerates under Somalia’s directive, Somaliland and its allies face mounting pressure to respond to what many see as an existential threat.

The Horn’s future hangs in the balance as competing claims, external influences, and local grievances collide in the fight for sovereignty, recognition, and power.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Somaliland

Somaliland Secures Strategic Spotlight in Horn of Africa Peace and Security

Published

on

Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Irro welcomes EU Special Representative to cement crucial partnership on governance, maritime security, and regional stability.

President Abdirahman Irro hosts EU Special Representative Annette Weber, highlighting Somaliland’s peace achievements, security role in the Red Sea, and ambitions for deeper EU cooperation.

Somaliland’s President Elevates the Nation’s Global Standing with EU Engagement

Advertisement

In a landmark meeting at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro reinforced Somaliland’s emergence as a pivotal actor in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea security landscape.

Welcoming Ambassador Dr. Annette Weber, the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, Irro underscored the historic and strategic significance of deepening cooperation with the EU.

The visit signals a new chapter in Somaliland’s international engagement, framed by mutual respect and a recognition of Somaliland’s resilience and self-driven progress. President Irro highlighted major domestic successes: a bold peace initiative in the Sool region, peaceful conflict resolution in Sanaag, and the remarkable independent demobilization of over 6,000 armed civilians—achievements that underscore the nation’s capacity for self-governance and stability.

Advertisement

Crucially, Irro articulated Somaliland’s vital security role along more than 800 kilometers of coastline in a region pivotal for global maritime trade. His call for Somaliland’s inclusion in regional security frameworks is a strategic move that asserts the nation’s indispensable contribution to combating piracy, terrorism, and securing one of the world’s busiest waterways.

Ambassador Weber’s commendation of Somaliland’s democratic governance and peace record complements this narrative, signaling the EU’s openness to a more structured and meaningful partnership. The discussions laid a foundation for expanded political dialogue, technical cooperation, and institutionalized engagement channels — all designed to harness shared values and regional priorities.

This engagement is more than diplomacy; it is a powerful affirmation of Somaliland’s state-building success and its rightful place on the international stage. President Irro’s leadership is driving a vision of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development that positions Somaliland as a beacon of stability amid a volatile region.

Advertisement

For Somaliland and its partners, the path ahead is clear: deepen collaboration, amplify Somaliland’s voice in regional security, and build on the strong foundation of governance and peace that Irro’s administration has championed.

Continue Reading

Most Viewed

error: Content is protected !!