Tag: Horn of Africa

Leveraging Somaliland’s Blue Economy

Leveraging Somaliland’s Blue Economy

Q1 2021 Op-Ed of Somaliland Professionals Association (SLPA Quarterly Op-Ed)

The blue economy is one of the least exploited sectors in Somaliland contributing 0.3% to GDP despite the fact that the Horn of Africa has the largest coast in mainland Africa. Somaliland has an 850 km long coastline that borders the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Currently there are more than 600 species present in Somaliland’s marine fisheries of which 400 could be leveraged commercially. However, less than 10% of these fish stocks are exploited leaving the blue economy completely untapped.  Continue reading “Leveraging Somaliland’s Blue Economy”

Suez Canal Blockage Highlights Importance of the Red Sea

Suez Canal Blockage Highlights Importance of the Red Sea

The grounding of the cargo ship Ever Given in the Suez Canal last week serves as a good opportunity to focus our minds on the future of the waterway and the wider Red Sea region. Continue reading “Suez Canal Blockage Highlights Importance of the Red Sea”

Bracing for the Second Wave of Covid-19 in Africa

Bracing for the Second Wave of Covid-19 in Africa

The synchronized, sudden stop in the global economy, together with radically reduced income sources fundamental to African countries (remittances, tourism, transport, trade and natural resources, among others), have had a severe negative impact on Africa. Continue reading “Bracing for the Second Wave of Covid-19 in Africa”

Somaliland: Invasion of Aqil’s Influence into Party Politics

Somaliland: Invasion of Aqil’s Influence into Party Politics

The behavior of Somaliland’s political parties has led to the development of contentious issues that usually disrupt social cohesion. Continue reading “Somaliland: Invasion of Aqil’s Influence into Party Politics”

Mechanics of Winning Electoral Seats in Somaliland Elections

Mechanics of Winning Electoral Seats in Somaliland Elections

There are six electoral regions with 23 electoral districts  and 22 municipalities (Grade A, B, & C) with enormous municipal districts in the Republic of Somaliland. 236 municipal councilor and 82 parliamentary seats are due for grab in the last week of May of this year throughout the country.

Before the elections, each political party provides a list of candidates for each region for the House of Representatives (HoR) and another list for each municipal district. Somaliland citizens vote for a candidate of their choice from one of those lists depending on their political party affiliation. Candidates in the parties’ lists get seats in order of votes received. Multiple winners from each region for the House of Representatives and for each municipal district could be possible. Continue reading “Mechanics of Winning Electoral Seats in Somaliland Elections”

Djibouti Oppositions Dodge Elections & Discredit Afterwards

Djibouti Oppositions Dodge Elections & Discredit Afterwards

The public of the Republic of Djibouti are preparing to line up in front of the polling stations soon in April 2021 to cast their votes for their presidential candidates of choice. Continue reading “Djibouti Oppositions Dodge Elections & Discredit Afterwards”

“SLPA KULAN” in Hargeisa on Jan 2021

SLPA is off to a strong start for the new year as our first event was a success! We wanted to share with you an innovative event SLPA held in Hargeisa, Somaliland a few weeks ago. The event was hosted and organized by SLPA committee member, Faiza Ali, who brilliantly guided the conversation of the 15 SLPA attendees. The SLPA members were from a vast variety of backgrounds, visiting Somaliland either for work, vacation, or potential relocation Continue reading ““SLPA KULAN” in Hargeisa on Jan 2021″

The Government of Somalia’s Failed State Vanished Overnight in 2021

The Government of Somalia's Failed State Vanished Overnight in 2021

After former Somalia’s president – Mohammed Farmajo – four year term concluded last night local time, a heavily armed convoy of 50 armored vehicles escorting presidential candidates including Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Abdirahman Abdishakur and Sharif Hassan Sh. Adan passed the first checkpoint at the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu heading towards the residence of speaker of the parliament, Mr. Mohamed Mursal. Their meeting is seen as part of efforts by key political stakeholders to seek solution as Somalia heads towards uncertainty, once Farmaajo’s term expires on Monday. Continue reading “The Government of Somalia’s Failed State Vanished Overnight in 2021”

Pilot Project by Taiwan to Boost Agricultural Production in Somaliland

Pilot Project by Taiwan to Boost Agricultural Production in Somaliland

Taiwan is launching a program to help the Republic of Somaliland boost agricultural production.  Continue reading “Pilot Project by Taiwan to Boost Agricultural Production in Somaliland”

Why Somaliland Chose Taiwan Ties Over China’s?

Why Somaliland Chose Taiwan Ties Over China's?

Was Somaliland’s intention for having relationship with Taiwan solely for photo opportunity and publicity to impress the world for few days? Or was it to seek sovereign recognition from her?   Continue reading “Why Somaliland Chose Taiwan Ties Over China’s?”