As Europe marks VE Day’s 80th anniversary, Somaliland’s sacrifices remain sidelined despite its troops’ loyalty in Britain’s darkest hour.

Thousands of Somaliland soldiers fought alongside British forces in WWII. On VE Day’s 80th anniversary, their bravery remains largely unrecognized—sparking calls for historical justice.

As Britain and its allies commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day—marking the defeat of Nazi Germany—one crucial chapter remains missing from the global remembrance: the story of Somaliland’s forgotten heroes.

In a heartfelt interview with Nation.Cymru, Professor Eid Ali Ahmed, a Somaliland-born academic based in Wales, expressed profound dismay over the continued erasure of thousands of Somaliland soldiers who fought alongside British forces during World War II.

“It is a shame that the people of Somaliland who gave their blood for peace and freedom are not being remembered while others are honored,” Professor Eid said.

History Buried in Silence

In 1940, the Italian military launched a powerful assault on the British Protectorate of Somaliland, forcing a temporary retreat of British forces to Aden. It was a humiliating setback, but one that set the stage for an extraordinary counteroffensive. Within six months, Britain returned—this time with critical support from local Somaliland fighters—reclaiming the territory and pushing back the Italian and Somali forces loyal to Mussolini.

Despite these sacrifices, Somaliland veterans were never granted the same honors or pensions awarded to European troops. Notably, even Italian forces, once enemies of the Allies, have been more visibly acknowledged in VE Day ceremonies.

The Camel Corps and the Unsung Bravery

One of the most iconic units in this overlooked history is the Somaliland Camel Corps, a rugged desert battalion that helped hold back fascist expansion across East Africa. While Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a monument to this unit in 2002, broader recognition for their sacrifices remains alarmingly absent.

Cemeteries in Hargeisa hold the names of fallen Somaliland soldiers, but their stories are not embedded in global memory. Even on VE Day’s 80th anniversary, their legacy was invisible amid the pomp and ceremony afforded to other Allied nations.

A Legacy of Loyalty—and Neglect

Professor Eid recounted the contributions of Somali troops not just in Africa but also in Burma and Tanganyika, where they supported British forces. Their involvement stretched into modern conflicts—serving as seafarers during the 1982 Falklands War.

Among those who recognized their valor was Captain Richard Darlington, a British officer so moved by Somali soldiers’ bravery that he settled in Somaliland post-war, dedicating his life to education. He received an MBE and OBE, founded Amoud High School, and was affectionately nicknamed Gacmadheere (long hand) for his charitable work.

Professor Eid, once Darlington’s student, now leads the Darlington Gacmadheere Foundation—offering scholarships to underprivileged Somaliland students. Yet even this living legacy struggles to fill the void left by Britain’s institutional silence.

“It is time,” says Professor Eid, “for Somaliland’s veterans to be honored—not just in stone, but in public memory, textbooks, and history.”

Eighty years after VE Day, the people of Somaliland continue to ask one simple thing: Remember us.

Vice President’s 70-day mission delivers peace in Ceel-Afweyn as Irro’s cabinet intensifies decentralization and 18 May celebrations.

In a session heavy with symbolism and strategy, Somaliland’s 19th Council of Ministers convened under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) and Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, signaling the consolidation of national peace and a bold new push for decentralization.

The session began with a powerful moment of unity: the Vice President, returning from a 70-day national peace mission, was greeted with a standing ovation—a rare gesture of reverence that mirrored the scale of his achievement. His mission report stunned the Cabinet with its twin victories: the successful national integration of civilian defense forces and the peaceful resolution of the protracted Ceel-Afweyn conflict.

What makes this feat extraordinary is its independence—achieved without foreign intervention, purely through Somaliland’s indigenous capacity for negotiation, tradition, and national will. “This peace is 100% Somali-owned,” the Vice President emphasized, crediting elders, women, and youth as co-architects of the accord.

But the Cabinet wasn’t just about retrospection—it pivoted hard toward the future.

At the heart of the session was Somaliland’s long-awaited decentralization framework, covering political, administrative, and fiscal reforms. This is no mere policy tweak—it’s a quiet revolution in governance. Ministries are now tasked with bringing services closer to the people, empowering local governments to generate and manage resources, and embedding accountability from Borama to Badhan.

If implemented effectively, this could fundamentally alter Somaliland’s development model—shifting power from Hargeisa to the hinterlands and closing the gap between government and governed. In a region where centralization often fuels conflict, this move places Somaliland ahead of its peers.

The final note was patriotic but purposeful: full mobilization for May 18, Somaliland’s independence anniversary. The Cabinet instructed all agencies to raise flags, join civic parades, and project the strength of a united republic to the world. More than a celebration, this is a message—to citizens, to Somalia, and to the international community—that Somaliland is more cohesive, peaceful, and forward-moving than ever.

President Irro’s government is no longer just reacting to crises—it is now shaping Somaliland’s destiny.

Outspoken journalist Coldoon sentenced to 6 months in prison and fined after criticizing rumored Gaza refugee plans; free speech fears escalate in Hargeisa.

Somaliland activist Abdimaliq Muse Coldoon has been sentenced to six months in jail and fined over a Facebook post. The ruling, linked to criticism of alleged Gaza refugee resettlement, sparks outrage and raises alarms over freedom of expression in Somaliland.

The jailing of Somaliland’s most defiant activist, Abdimaliq Muse Coldoon, is a thunderclap in the battle for free speech in the Horn of Africa. Sentenced to six months in prison and slapped with a 3 million SL shillings fine for a single Facebook post criticizing Gaza refugee rumors, Coldoon now symbolizes the collision between online expression and state power in Somaliland.

The verdict—issued without even disclosing formal charges—comes after Coldoon voluntarily returned from exile in April. His “crime”? Daring to write that Somaliland’s rumored plan to host Palestinian refugees made it look like a “mercenary government.” That one sentence set off a political firestorm. Coldoon, always a thorn in the side of successive administrations, faced his accusers without legal counsel—just his words.

Worse, this isn’t his first time behind bars. In 2017, he was jailed for praising Mogadishu’s President Farmaajo. In 2021, he was locked up again over vague defamation claims tied to elite schools. Each time, the state came up with a new excuse. This time, the weapon was Gaza.

Rights activists and opposition Waddani leaders are calling the latest ruling an assault on democracy. Even Justice Minister Yoonis—once Coldoon’s legal defender—denounced the verdict as “unlawful.” But the silence from President Irro’s palace is deafening.

What message does this send? That speaking truth to power in Somaliland now carries a jail term. That online speech—if it ruffles the wrong feathers—can cost you your freedom. That Somaliland, once hailed for democratic promise, may be slipping toward authoritarian reflex.

This isn’t just about Coldoon. This is about whether Somaliland, in its quest for recognition and international legitimacy, is willing to jail its own citizens to manage foreign narratives.

If this ruling stands, the next post, the next journalist, the next critic might be next.

Somaliland Activist Coldoon Arrested Again in Berbera Over Gaza Refugee Criticism

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), has announced the implementation of two major development projects in Ceel Afweyn district aimed at fostering peace and stability in the region.

In his address, President Irro detailed that the first project will be overseen by the Vice President, while the second initiative, the establishment of the Ceel Afweyn Technical and Training Institute, will be personally undertaken by the President. The institute’s objective is to develop skilled technicians to meet the demands of Somaliland’s technical sector.

President Irro further stated the government’s commitment to strengthening military and security agencies. This effort, in collaboration with community engagement, seeks to disarm individuals possessing illegal weapons. The President expressed his conviction in Somaliland’s potential, stating, “Somaliland has only hope, only will, and only future,” and offered prayers for the nation’s security.

Somaliland VP Seals Historic Peace Deal That Ends Bloodshed and Unites Fraternal Clans

President Irro commended the Vice President and his delegation for their successful peace-building efforts in Ceel Afweyn district. He reiterated that the government’s initial priority was to resolve the protracted conflict in the area, and that he had directed the delegation to remain in Ceel Afweyn until peace was achieved.

President Irro articulated his sentiments, stating:

“My satisfaction with the establishment of peace in Ceel Afweyn stems not only from my constitutional responsibility as President to enhance the security of our citizens, but also from my personal joy as a citizen witnessing the cessation of bloodshed and the restoration of brotherhood in the Ceel Afweyn region. I commend the spirit of understanding, compassion, and kinship demonstrated by the elders and the community of Ceel Afweyn. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, ‘Peace and reconciliation are superior to prayer, fasting, and charity.’

The pursuit of peace in Ceel Afweyn has been a paramount objective of the Wadajir and Waxqabad government. Consequently, despite numerous competing priorities, we prioritized peace initiatives in Ceel Afweyn and the integration of civilian forces from the outset.

Recognizing the significance of this undertaking, we entrusted the Vice President, Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, to lead a delegation comprising senior government officials and traditional leaders, with the explicit mandate to remain until these objectives were accomplished. Today, we thank God for the successful completion of these tasks, enabling the people of Ceel Afweyn to realize the prospect of a secure future in their land, to rebuild trust and fraternity, and to collaboratively advance the development of their region.

Fellow citizens, it is imperative that we do not allow the conflicts of the past to define our present or constrain our future. Tribalism constitutes a primary impediment to progress, development, and social cohesion. Throughout history, no nation divided by clan affiliations, regionalism, or similar divisive ideologies has achieved enduring success.

The people of Ceel Afweyn have overcome a significant obstacle that has been used to justify the underdevelopment of their region.

The onus is now on the government of Somaliland to fulfill its commitment to enhance public services and develop the economic infrastructure of Ceel Afweyn.

The Government of Unity and Action is pleased to announce two development projects designated for implementation in Ceel Afweyn district, aimed at consolidating peace in the area.

The Vice President will announce the first project, while the second project, which I am announcing, entails the establishment of the Ceel Afweyn Technical and Training Institute.

This institute is envisioned as a platform for cultivating skilled workers who will excel in Somaliland’s technical job market. Furthermore, we will prioritize strengthening the military and security apparatus to, in cooperation with the community, neutralize any individuals possessing illegal firearms.

We take collective pride in the fact that our peace-building and conflict resolution endeavors are internally driven, free from foreign delegations or external interference.

This homegrown approach is a testament to the system we have cultivated in our nation, which has garnered international admiration. It represents a valuable tradition that we must preserve and share with the world. This indigenous knowledge and expertise, grounded in research and analysis, will serve as a guiding resource for future generations, both domestically and globally.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the elders, traditional leaders, and all those who have tirelessly contributed to the peace process in Ceel Afweyn, including the youth, women, and intellectuals of the region.

I commend them for inaugurating a new chapter in the history of the Republic of Somaliland. We have learned a fundamental truth: brotherhood and Somaliland’s shared heritage transcend all other considerations.

Therefore, I urge all citizens to move forward in unity, as a nation, not as divided clans. We share a common hope, a common will, and a common destiny. May God fortify the peace and unity of Somaliland, and may He guide us towards a future of justice and lasting prosperity.”

Vice President Aw Abdi hails Berbera as the beating heart of Somaliland’s economic sovereignty and regional dominance during landmark visit.

Somaliland Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi visits Berbera Port to inspect critical upgrades, signaling the government’s bold push to dominate Horn of Africa trade.

Berbera isn’t just a port — it’s Somaliland’s sword and shield in the Horn of Africa’s new economic battlefield. That message rang loud and clear as Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi landed in the Saaxil Region to inspect the nation’s most prized strategic asset: Berbera Port.

Escorted by top brass from DP World, the logistics titan driving Berbera’s transformation, the VP’s visit underscored what many are beginning to understand — Somaliland is no longer a quiet frontier; it’s a rising trade epicenter. Gleaming cranes, expanded terminals, and fresh multimodal corridors now signal a new kind of power: economic leverage.

“This is no longer a vision — it’s a revolution in motion,” said the Vice President. “Berbera is the heartbeat of Somaliland’s economy and the gateway to our geopolitical ascent.” The port isn’t just getting wider — it’s getting bolder. More than concrete and cranes, it’s about sovereignty, recognition, and influence in a volatile region where trade routes equal power.

Backed by President Irro’s administration, the government is deploying Berbera as a weapon of diplomacy and self-determination. With Gulf actors watching, Ethiopia lurking, and the Red Sea militarizing, Somaliland’s control of a functional, modern port is a geopolitical trump card.

But Aw Abdi’s tour wasn’t just about inspection — it was about symbolism. His praise for the people of Saaxil was a rallying cry: a call to own the future, stand tall, and assert Somaliland’s place in global logistics — without waiting for the world’s permission.

As regional tensions rise and trade routes become contested, Berbera is no longer just a port. It is Somaliland’s frontline.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Somaliland, Adam Haji Ali Ahmed, presented the annual performance report of the country’s judiciary for 2024 and the initial months of 2025.    

Chief Justice Adam Haji Ali

Chief Justice Adam Haji Ali also announced the completion of the Supreme Court Library, designed to serve as a reading room for students and to house legal resources for judges and legal researchers.    

The report acknowledged the high volume of individuals served by the courts each month for various purposes, including case adjudication, complaint resolution, and the provision of legal services.    

The importance of mobile courts in delivering legal services from the district level to the Supreme Court level across their jurisdictions was emphasized.    

Maintenance and development of court buildings and infrastructure were also addressed. Extensive maintenance was conducted in 2024 at the Sanaag, Togdheer, and Saaxil Regional Courts, while buildings were added to the Awdal Regional Court, and the Qol-u-jeed District Court building was completed.    

The 2024 annual report included data on income collected by customs offices within the courts, with the Chief Justice noting the judiciary’s significant contribution to government revenue through customs taxes.    

The report also discussed the role of the sheriff in facilitating the settlement of civil disputes through agreements, noting the regular resolution of cases.    

Mediation was highlighted as a valuable method of dispute resolution, consistent with Islamic principles and Somaliland law, and actively promoted by the judiciary, particularly in cases with limited evidence or time constraints.    

Chief Justice Adam Haji Ali addressed the challenges facing the judiciary, which he stated are generally similar to those encountered by other national institutions. Infrastructure limitations were identified as an ongoing concern, although improvements are being made.    

Land disputes were cited as a primary challenge in litigation, attributed to increased urbanization and rising land values. The cities of Burco, Boorama, and Berbera were noted as having a high prevalence of land disputes.

The Chief Justice reported a significant decline in land dispute cases in Hargeisa, credited to the implementation of the Geographic Information System (GIS), which has reduced instances of fraudulent property transactions. He recommended that local governments in Burco and Boorama adopt similar GIS systems.  

The report also addressed the challenge of litigants who pursue cases without merit and express dissatisfaction despite unfavorable rulings. The Chief Justice cautioned the media and the public against being misled by such individuals and urged them to seek balanced information to avoid undermining the rights of other parties.    

In conclusion, the Chief Justice expressed gratitude to all judicial workers, stakeholders involved in the administration of justice, and constitutional institutions for their cooperation and contributions.

Editor Saed Ibrahim reminds the world: When Siyad Barre was massacring Somalilanders, Israel was the lone voice of justice at the UN.

Editor Saed Ibrahim reminds the world: When Siyad Barre was massacring Somalilanders, Israel was the lone voice of justice at the UN.

 In an explosive i24 interview, Saed Ibrahim says Somaliland’s independence bid isn’t about Gaza—but about justice, democracy, and a decades-long history of betrayal by the world. Only Israel spoke out when it mattered.

When Somali dictator Siyad Barre launched airstrikes on Hargeisa and slaughtered tens of thousands of Isaaq civilians in 1988, the world said nothing. Except for one nation—Israel. Now, in a stunning televised interview with i24 News, Somaliland Chronicle editor Saed Ibrahim is reminding the world of that painful truth, and why Somaliland deserves justice, recognition, and respect—on its own terms.

“Only Israel raised its voice at the UN when our people were being massacred,” Ibrahim said. That haunting fact, largely forgotten in Western capitals, has re-emerged in the context of Somaliland’s rising diplomatic visibility and fierce insistence that its bid for independence has nothing to do with Gaza.

As Ibrahim made crystal clear: Somaliland is not a pawn in the Israel–Palestine conflict. “There are no talks with anyone regarding Palestinians,” Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan confirmed. There are no deals. No side games. The recognition Somaliland seeks is based solely on its own record—three decades of stability, democracy, functioning institutions, and peace.

Yet the irony is glaring. While global powers trip over each other to fund Somalia—a failed state still harboring ties to terror groups like al-Shabaab—Somaliland remains blocked, punished, and ignored for choosing stability. For daring to walk a democratic path. For surviving.

Ibrahim’s interview wasn’t just a media appearance. It was a callout. A demand. A reminder that Somaliland regained its independence from Somalia over 34 years ago and has since built what most African countries can only dream of: a peaceful democracy with its own currency, army, constitution, and civil society. What it doesn’t have is a seat at the UN. Why? Because the world still pretends Somalia owns it.

What makes this story unique, and incendiary, is that it exposes the cowardice of the global diplomatic elite. When it mattered most, only Israel spoke up. When the bombs fell, only Israel raised the alarm. And now, when Somaliland asks for recognition, most of the world looks the other way—unless there’s a Palestinian bargain attached.

As Taiwan arms Somaliland, a new anti-China front rises in the Horn of Africa. The war calculus in the region just shifted.

A Taiwan–Somaliland military cooperation deal could reshape the Horn of Africa’s strategic balance, defy China’s influence, and mark Somaliland’s most aggressive step yet toward full sovereign defense. 

A geopolitical earthquake is rumbling beneath the Horn of Africa, and no one saw it coming — except those paying close attention to Taiwan and Somaliland.

While Somalia bows to Beijing and cancels Taiwanese passports like a puppet, its northern neighbor Somaliland is gearing up for something else entirely: military firepower. According to diplomatic sources, a landmark military cooperation agreement between Taiwan and Somaliland is imminent — expected by mid-2025.

The deal reportedly includes Taiwanese naval vessels and upcycled military equipment, alongside ongoing training of Somaliland forces by Taiwanese defense experts. In military terms, Somaliland is preparing to raise a sovereign deterrent force — not to please global elites or UN bureaucrats, but to hold the line against regional destabilization, piracy, and terrorism.

This is a direct slap in the face to both Beijing and Mogadishu.

China has spent two decades buying loyalty across Africa with ports, roads, and poisoned promises. Somalia is its loyal errand boy, chanting “One China” in return for empty infrastructure loans and surveillance tools. But Hargeisa isn’t playing along. Instead, it’s forging real alliances that support sovereignty through strength, not speeches.

Like Taiwan, Somaliland is diplomatically isolated — but not intellectually or militarily weak. The two entities share a rare strategic clarity: if you’re not recognized by the global system, you build your own.

This deal is about weapons, training, and war-preparedness. But more importantly, it’s about declaring to the world that Somaliland won’t beg for recognition — it will defend it.

With China tightening its grip over the Red Sea, and Iran-Houthi terror rising across Bab el-Mandeb, this military deal plants a democratic outpost right in the heart of a contested zone. For Washington, for Tel Aviv, and for anyone who values regional security, this should be a wake-up call: Somaliland is becoming a frontline state.

While Somalia sleeps with the Houthis and harbors Al-Shabaab in the name of fake sovereignty, Somaliland is building alliances, naval capacity, and regional resilience. That’s the real story — and it’s just getting started.