is a savy multimedia Journalist working in Kenya and Uganda.

Franchise Opportunity: Western Union in Somaliland

25 Aug 2014  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Somaliland

The article discusses the critical role of remittances in Somaliland's economy, highlighting the challenges posed by Barclays' decision to close accounts of money-transfer operators like Dahabshiil. This move threatens the financial stability of the region, which heavily relies on remittances, especially in the absence of a formal banking sector. The article underscores the efforts of the Somaliland government and international bodies to find solutions, including the establishment of a 'safer corridor' for remittances. It also touches on the broader socio-political context, including Somaliland's quest for international recognition and the impact of Islamic banking laws on financial reforms.

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British Government Somaliland Government Barclays Department for International Development (DFID) World Bank African Union AMISOM

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Khadar Mohamed Akule is a journalist based in Hargeisa, Somalia.

Dozens dead in Eastern Somaliland violence

08 Feb 2023  |  NewsGram  |  English  |  Political Tensions

At least 38 people were killed and over 130 injured in Las Anod, eastern Somaliland, following clashes between Somaliland forces and local fighters. The violence, which also targeted the town's main hospital, stems from long-standing political tensions and recent assassinations blamed on al-Shabab. Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi accused external enemies of instigating the violence, while local elders declared their allegiance to Somalia. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called for a political solution and cessation of hostilities. International bodies, including the UN and EU, urged a peaceful resolution.

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Somali Federal Government Somaliland Government United Nations European Union African Union Transition Mission in Somalia United States

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Alicia Alamillos is a journalist and fixer based in Madrid, Spain. Former Middle East correspondent for ABC newspaper, based in Cairo, Egypt. Former Subsaharan Africa correspondent and editor for EFE News Agency based in Nairobi, Kenya. With experience working for print, online and radio. Breaking ...

Ethiopia 'buys' its access to the sea from Somaliland, a country that still does not exist

02 Jan 2024  |  www.elconfidencial.com  |  Spanish  |  Territorial Disputes

Ethiopia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, allowing it access to the Red Sea through a leased corridor, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for both parties. The agreement, which includes commercial and military use, may lead to Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland's independence, a move that has sparked outrage in Somalia, which views it as a violation of its sovereignty. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali sees this as a strategic goal to secure maritime access, while Somaliland's de facto president Muse Bihi Abdi celebrates the historic agreement. The deal has heightened tensions in the region, with Somalia calling it a threat to regional stability.

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Government of Somalia Government of Somaliland Government of Ethiopia

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For over a decade, I've had the privilege of shaping public discourse through impactful journalism. My career began by conducting extensive research and producing data-driven analyses for publications covering African markets.

In 2016, I stepped into my first journalism role as Research Editor, ...

Traders Await Trade Deal Between Somaliland, Ethiopia To Use Berbera Port

01 Oct 2023  |  menafn.com  |  English  |  Port Operations

Traders in Ethiopia are anticipating a trade agreement with Somaliland to utilize the Berbera Port for commercial goods. Currently, the port is used for public goods and some factory imports. Talks are ongoing, with hopes for a deal this year. Ethiopia missed a chance to buy a 19% stake in the port, which is primarily owned by DP World and Somaliland. DP World aims to increase Ethiopia's use of Berbera Port to 30% over the next decade. DP World has invested significantly in the port, which is under construction.

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Ethiopian government Somaliland Port Authority Somaliland's Ministry of Finance

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Alan Boswell is an experienced Africa correspondent and analyst based in Nairobi, Kenya, currently writing a book on South Sudan.

Ethiopia's Push for Sea Access

26 Jan 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Internal Crises

Ethiopia is actively seeking its own seaport, highlighted by a recent controversial deal with Somaliland, which has sparked regional tensions, particularly with Somalia. The discussion also covers Ethiopia's internal crises under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the involvement of external actors like Gulf states. The analysis includes insights from Ethiopia expert Christopher Clapham and Alan Boswell, Project Director for the Horn of Africa.

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Somali Government Somaliland Government Ethiopian Government University of Cambridge

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Sarah Fluck is a freelance multimedia journalist - currently based in Kampala. Mainly reporting from Uganda, DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya. MSc in African Politics from SOAS, London. BA in Journalism from IAM, Winterthur. Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from MAZ, Luzern.

Djibouti: The Lord at the Crossroads of Africa Holds Elections

08 Apr 2021  |  Neue Zürcher Zeitung  |  German  |  Military Bases

Djibouti, strategically located at the Bab al-Mandab strait, is holding elections with President Ismaël Omar Guelleh seeking a fifth term against newcomer Zakaria Ismael Farah. Guelleh, in power since 1999, faces little opposition as traditional parties boycott the election. Djibouti hosts multiple foreign military bases, leveraging its geographic position for economic and security benefits. Despite its strategic importance, the country suffers from internal political repression, lack of press freedom, and harsh crackdowns on dissent. International actors remain largely silent on these issues, prioritizing stability and their interests in the region.

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Academy for Peace and Development in Somaliland Government of Djibouti Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik EU Mission Atalanta

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Mohamed Jibril is a journalist covering politics, humanitarian and security. He has been in the media for nearly a decade. He is expertise in communication. 

Mohamed has written for several national and international publications with a focus on humanitarian and development. He holds a degree in ...

DF iyo Somaliland oo ku heshiiyay 8 qodob

29 Dec 2023  |  hornlife.com  |  Somali  |  Security Cooperation

A communiqué from the Djibouti meeting between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland outlines an 8-point agreement. Key points include resuming direct talks to address critical issues, forming technical committees within 30 days, implementing previous agreements from 2012 and 2020, and continuing to acknowledge past grievances. Both sides agreed to cooperate on security and organized crime, promote peace in conflict regions through traditional Somali methods, and avoid any statements that could harm the ongoing dialogue.

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Somaliland Federal Government of Somalia

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Abdulkadir Khalif is a journalist based in Muqdisho, Somalia.

What Somaliland’s presidential election means for Somalia

25 Oct 2023  |  www.theeastafrican.co.ke  |  English  |  International Recognition

Somaliland is holding its sixth presidential election, showcasing its ability to conduct civilian-led elections despite not being recognized as an independent state. The election involves three main candidates: incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye party, Abdurahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of the Wadani party, and Faysal Ali Warabe of the UCID party. The election is a combined one, with voters choosing both a president and a political association. The election process has been complex, leading to an extension of Bihi's term. The region's political dynamics are influenced by clan politics and the quest for international recognition, with a recent MoU with Ethiopia being a focal point. The election is expected to be fair, with over 1.2 million registered voters.

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Federal Government of Somalia Somaliland Non-State Actors Forum Somaliland National Electoral Commission Kulmiye Party Wadani Party UCID Party

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I'm a Mogadishu based freelance multimedia journalist covering Somalia for the NYTimes. MA in Journalism and communications at Mogadishu university.

Abiy’s port in a storm

23 Jan 2024  |  mg.co.za  |  English  |  Regional Conflict

Somaliland's President Muse Bihi, after a failed attempt to gain recognition in Djibouti, struck a deal with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to grant Ethiopia access to Somaliland's coastline in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland's independence. This move aims to bolster Bihi's political standing amid internal challenges and delayed elections. Ethiopia, facing its own internal and regional pressures, sees the deal as a strategic win for access to the sea. However, the deal faces significant international opposition, particularly from Somalia, and has yet to be finalized, leaving the region in a state of diplomatic tension.

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United States Government Somali Government Ethiopian Government Somaliland Government African Union Arab League Organisation of Islamic Cooperation European Union Al-Shabaab

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Afolake Oyinloye is a journalist based in Limoges, France.
Journalist/Travel & Business enthusiast/Moderator

Ethiopia-Somaliland: A Crucial and Controversial Agreement

11 Jan 2024  |  fr.africanews.com  |  French  |  Trade

Ethiopia has secured access to the strategic Red Sea coast by signing an agreement with Somaliland, leasing a 20 km portion of its coastline. This move allows Ethiopia to diversify its maritime access beyond Djibouti, which currently handles 95% of its imports and exports. The agreement raises questions about its potential impact. Ali Hojeij, a legal and economic expert, provides insights into the situation.

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Somaliland Government Ethiopian Government

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Mohamed Sheikh Nor

I am Mohamed Sheikh Nor, a Somali-born multimedia journalist based in Mogadishu, the nation's capital, where I work as a journalist.

Over the course of my career, I have worked with a wide variety of international media outlets, including the Associated Press, CNN, ...

UN Security Council Lifts Ban on Somalia Arms Deliveries

06 Oct 2023  |  www.bnnbloomberg.ca  |  English  |  Arms Embargo

The United Nations Security Council unanimously lifted the 30-year-old arms embargo on Somalia, a move praised by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre as transformative for the nation's security. Mohamud also hinted at forthcoming debt relief, which would enable Somalia to secure loans and investment deals. However, the breakaway Republic of Somaliland opposed the decision, citing concerns over inadequate weapons tracing and oversight mechanisms, which could lead to arms diversion to terrorist groups.

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Republic of Somaliland Somalia Government United Nations Security Council

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Experienced reporter, writer, broadcaster and photographer with bylines at The New Yorker, Harper's, Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, Outside, The Guardian, WIRED, The Atavist, Sports Illustrated and many more. A selection of my work is available to view at ****

I also co-host a podcast about global ...

The Glue-Sniffing Street Kids of Somaliland

21 Jan 2014  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Migration

In Hargeisa, Somaliland, street children, many of whom are Oromo migrants from Ethiopia, face dire living conditions, often resorting to glue-sniffing as an escape. Despite Somaliland's relative prosperity and stability, these children remain marginalized, with limited access to education and social services. The government and local authorities are criticized for their inadequate response to the growing number of homeless youth, who are often stigmatized and seen as a security threat. Efforts by individuals like Shafi, a Somali American, provide some relief, but the systemic issues persist, leaving many children trapped in a cycle of poverty and neglect.

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Somaliland Government Hargeisa Child Protection Network Save the Children

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