Somaliland Telecoms Compromised: How China Gained Access to Vital Data

Somaliland Telecoms Reliant on Chinese Technology
For years, Somaliland’s telecommunications

infrastructure has depended heavily on equipment and software from Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE. Unbeknownst to consumers and government officials, this technology has granted China unrestricted access to citizens’ communications.

China’s connection to the SSC terrorist group is alarming and threatens Somaliland’s security. With access to telecoms data, China has insight into Somaliland’s counterterrorism operations and capabilities. There are also concerns China may provide information or resources to further destabilize the region to advance its geopolitical interests, as it has been accused of doing in other parts of Africa.

According to leaked reports, Huawei and ZTE installed backdoors in the telecom systems they built across Somaliland, creating vulnerabilities that have enabled China’s intelligence agencies to monitor phone calls, texts, and network activity. Through these backdoors, China has gained access to Somaliland’s main telecom exchanges and recording devices on the nation’s busiest fiber optic cables.

China’s telecom equipment is deeply embedded in Somaliland’s communications infrastructure. Removing it would require a complete overhaul of networks, potentially crippling telecom services for an extended period. However, continued use of China’s technology poses severe risks to privacy and national security. It grants China the means to conduct industrial espionage, threaten dissidents and activists, influence public opinion, and gain political leverage over Somaliland.

Somaliland’s government and telecom regulators have failed to put proper security controls and audits in place to detect China’s pervasive monitoring. Stronger safeguards and oversight are urgently needed to counter China’s alarming level of access and ensure communications infrastructure is not exploited for geopolitical gain and human rights abuses. The integrity of Somaliland’s networks and the privacy of citizens’ communications depend on it.

Evidence of Chinese Spying Through Copycat Software

As an investigative report has revealed, the telecommunications infrastructure in Somaliland has been compromised by Chinese state-sponsored actors. Specifically, Chinese technology and software used in Somaliland’s telecom networks have enabled the Chinese government to monitor calls, texts, and data across the country.

Evidence of Spying

According to leaked documents, the Chinese technology and software utilized by Somaliland’s two major telecom companies are essentially copies of systems developed by Huawei and ZTE, Chinese tech giants with close ties to the government. Unbeknownst to Somaliland authorities, backdoors built into these systems have given Chinese agents access to the telecom networks, allowing them to surveil communications and harvest data.

For the past two years, sources report, Chinese operatives have been actively monitoring calls and texts, especially those of political dissidents and journalists critical of China. They have also accessed private information through the telecom networks, as evidenced by the hacking of Somaliland ICT ministry, in 2019. The hackers are believed to have stolen hundreds of thousands of customer records and login credentials.

Somaliland’s Ministry of Communications appears to have been unaware of these vulnerabilities and breaches until recently. However, following these revelations, authorities have pledged to conduct a “full security audit” to identify and close any backdoors in critical infrastructure. They aim to prevent further foreign access by adopting stronger security standards and diversifying technology partners beyond China. Overall, this disturbing case highlights the need for vigilance and transparency in an increasingly digital world.

Implications for National Security and Privacy in Somaliland

The implications of China’s access to Somaliland’s telecommunications data are severe. Every call, text, and byte of internet traffic in the country has been open to monitoring by Chinese intelligence agents.

Privacy Concerns

The privacy of Somaliland citizens and businesses has been compromised. Sensitive communications and personal details are now in the hands of a foreign power. China’s cyber capabilities and weak data protection laws mean this information could potentially be exploited for commercial or political gain.
Economic Implications

Somaliland’s economy depends heavily on its strategic location along important trade routes. However, with control of digital infrastructure, China could monitor or interfere with international business deals and diplomatic communications. This could weaken Somaliland’s competitive advantage and bargaining position on the global stage.
Loss of Trust

The Somaliland government’s failure to prevent this breach of privacy has undermined citizens’ trust. Questions remain as to why Chinese-made technology was allowed to dominate critical infrastructure and how such a massive security failure went undetected for so long. Rebuilding trust and securing systems will require a transparent investigation, accountability, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding Somaliland’s digital sovereignty.

In summary, China’s access to Somaliland’s telecommunications network jeopardizes security, privacy, the economy, and the government’s credibility. Urgent action is needed to determine the extent of the damage and prevent future threats to Somaliland’s national interests in an increasingly digitized world. The stakes could not be higher in an era of intensifying geopolitical competition in Africa.