Somtuna – A Sustainable Export-driven Venture for Somaliland Economy
The Horn of Africa is poised to benefit from a surge in blue economy investments, as regional and international players turn their attention to the vast, under exploited potential of the area’s coastal waters.
Continue reading “Somtuna – A Sustainable Export-driven Venture for Somaliland Economy”
Somaliland yet to Respond to Somalia’s Entry-point Ban on Taiwan Passports
The ban, which took effect on Wednesday, was announced in a notice issued by Somalia’s civil aviation authority last week, according to a report, citing Taiwan’s foreign ministry.
Taiwan has strongly condemned Somalia for imposing a ban on travelers holding Taiwanese passports, preventing them from entering or transiting through the East African nation.
According to a BBC report, citing Taiwan’s foreign ministry, the ban, which took effect on Wednesday, was announced in a notice issued by Somalia’s civil aviation authority last week. Somali authorities have yet to publicly comment on the decision, added the report.
The move comes amid deepening unofficial ties between Taiwan and Somaliland — a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition.
In 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland established reciprocal representative offices, a step that drew condemnation from both China and Somalia.
Somalia’s civil aviation authority issued a notice to airlines saying that Taiwanese passports “will no longer be valid for entry into or transit through the Federal Republic of Somalia” from 30 April, BBC quoted Taiwan’s foreign ministry as saying in a statement late on Tuesday.
“The ministry of foreign affairs has strongly protested Somalia’s action made under the instigation of China to restrict the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals and has demanded that the Somali government immediately revoke the notice,” the ministry added.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Somalia or Somaliland for their own safety, pending a reversal of Somalia’s recent ban on Taiwanese passport holders, reported BBC, citing Taiwanese media.
Neither Somalia nor Somaliland has issued an official response to the travel ban. China, however, welcomed the move.
“We highly appreciate this legitimate measure, which reflects Somalia’s firm adherence to the one-China principle,” AFP quoted Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun as saying to reporters on Wednesday.
Taiwan operates under its own constitution, holds regular multiparty elections, and governs itself independently. However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has vowed to reclaim it by force if necessary.
Under pressure from Beijing’s diplomatic campaign, Taiwan — officially known as the Republic of China — is formally recognized by only a small number of countries.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the Siyad Barre regime, is also not internationally recognized. Like Taiwan, it holds regular elections and operates as a de facto independent state.
In contrast, much of Somalia remains under the control of the Al-Shabab militant group, an al-Qaeda affiliate. The Somali government regards Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory and has condemned a recent agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia over leasing access to a port.
Somaliland’s Centuries-old Borders won’t be Altered by Somalia’s PM Visit to Las Anod
Following Mogadishu’s official recognition of the SSC-Khatumo administration, Somaliland has accused the federal government of intentionally sabotaging regional peace and escalating instability in Somaliland. Continue reading “Somaliland’s Centuries-old Borders won’t be Altered by Somalia’s PM Visit to Las Anod”
Why the US should recognize Somaliland: A game-changer for security and strategy.
Somaliland’s Berbera port sits at the heart of a global power struggle; As China, Iran and Russia tighten their grip on vital waterways, the US risks losing a key ally in the Horn of Africa by clinging to outdated policies. Continue reading “US Risks Losing Key Ally in the Horn of Africa – Somaliland – if Continues Clinging to Outdated Policies”
Somalia Observes as the U.A.E. Deepens Its Military Ties with Somaliland
As the Gulf state increases its power in the Horn of Africa, the United Arab Emirates -UAE – and Somaliland are strengthening their military and security collaboration. This development may further exacerbate tensions between Abu Dhabi and the federal government of Somalia. Continue reading “Somalia Observes as the UAE Deepens Its Military Ties with Somaliland”
Camel Milk Prevents Developing Heart Disease and Microbial Infection
Camel milk may be a better alternative to traditional dairy from cows due to its antimicrobial and antiallergenic properties, a new study says.
Researchers at the Edith Cowan University in Australia say camel milk has more naturally occurring active short protein molecules compared to cow milk.
Although scientists have known that camel milk can be less allergenic compared to bovine milk, the new study, published in Food Chemistry, confirms that it also has a higher potential to yield molecules with antimicrobial and anti-hypertensive properties.
These active compounds can selectively inhibit certain pathogens, researchers say.
As a result, camel milk creates a healthy gut environment and likely helps decrease the risk of developing heart disease in future.
The individual potency of these active molecules in camel milk needs further testing, however.
The study also confirms previous findings that camel milk lacks the major cow milk allergen β-lactoglobulin and, thus, provides dairy users who have a β-Lg allergy a viable alternative to cow milk. “The unique study of allergenic protein characterization in camel and cow milk suggested camel milk’s potential to be less allergenic due to the absence of β-Lg,” the study notes.
The level of lactose in camel milk is also lower than in cow milk
Cow milk generally contains around 85-87 per cent water, 3.8-5.5 per cent fat, 2.9-3.5 per cent protein, and 4.6 per cent lactose. Camel milk has slightly more water at 87-90 per cent, a protein content that varies from 2.15 to 4.90 per cent, 1.2 to 4.5 per cent fat, and 3.5-4.5 per cent lactose.
The researchers say the latest findings could lead to the development of “nutrient-enriched” dairy products.
Currently, 81 per cent of the milk consumed worldwide comes from cows. Camels are the fifth largest source behind buffaloes, goats and sheep. Camels account for only about 0.4 per cent of the global milk production, concentrated mostly in arid parts of the world like the Middle East.
However, some semiarid regions such as Australia, which have an existing camel population, can increase production as well as consumption. These areas, which can be challenging for traditional cattle farming, are “perfect for camels”, researchers say.
President Irro’s Response to Somaliland Women’s Concerns Regarding the Composition of His Cabinet
President Abdirahman Abdullahi Cirro, speaking to the media in Hargeisa yesterday, noted that when it comes to the criticisms raised by some women, he will take them into consideration.The President, when asked what he was doing about the concerns of women, stressed that he would review them.
Baahi-koob: A Refuge for Somaliland’s Victims of Violence
In Somaliland, cultural and societal stigmas have long posed significant barriers to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in accessing justice and healing services. In 2008, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) supported the establishment of the first Sexual Assault Referral Center, locally known as the Baahi-koob Center, at Hargeisa Group Hospital. The success of this model led to its expansion to other regions in Somaliland in Burao and Borama, where similar centers were established under regional hospitals jurisdiction. These efforts supported through various phases of the Rule of Law Program. Under the current EU funded UN Joint Rule of Law Program, Baahi-koob Centers remain strategic partners, playing a critical role in addressing SGBV and supporting survivors across Somaliland. Continue reading “Baahi-koob: A Refuge for Somaliland’s Victims of Violence”
Berbera: A Strategic Gateway for India’s Trade and Security in the Horn of Africa
The Port of Berbera, situated in Somaliland along the Gulf of Aden, is fast emerging as a vital hub in the Horn of Africa, offering strategic and economic opportunities for countries seeking to secure their trade routes and expand geopolitical influence. With its 500-mile coastline and proximity to key global shipping lanes, Berbera provides a stable and secure alternative to the high-risk zones near Yemen. For India, Berbera represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen its trade ties with Africa, enhance maritime security, and counter destabilizing forces in the region, particularly as the global trade environment grows increasingly volatile. Continue reading “Berbera: A Strategic Gateway for India’s Trade and Security in the Horn of Africa”
Somaliland Promotes Protection of Freedom of Expression
According to the Somaliland administration, the right to freedom of expression will be strengthened, and journalists and citizens will not face jail time for voicing opinions that the government finds objectionable.
The Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sh. Ali Ayaanle, has emphasized that they will defend freedom of expression in response to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro’s recent promise to the media and civil society organizations.
“We are committed to ensuring that no one is imprisoned for their opinions, as long as they do not violate the law, or report unpopular facts, then we will become a nation governed by the law and free,” added the minister.
According to American Freedom House’s annual surveys, Somaliland ranks first in East Africa and frequently outperforms Kenya in terms of civil and political rights protection.
In the past administrations, the widespread incarceration of the media and others who voice opinions that differ from those of the government in power, however, hinders Somaliland’s advancement in political and civil freedoms.
During the election campaign, the current president – Cirro – and his Waddani party promised to improve the defense of these essential rights.
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