The Laasgeel Institute for Policy Studies and Research Analysis (LIPS) is an independent, non-profit think tank dedicated to advancing Somaliland’s future.
Based in Hargeisa Somaliland
Joined November 2023
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📰 New Policy Brief
Explore our latest policy brief: “Somaliland–Israel Cooperation: Advancing Security in the Red Sea Corridor and Regional Stability.” A must-read for policymakers, researchers,and strategy experts.(1/3)
📥 Read the full brief now 👉 laasgeelinstitute.com/%f0%9d…
Laasgeel Institute Meets Indian Public Figure Dr. Savio Rodrigues, @PrinceArihan
We met with Dr. Savio Rodrigues to discuss strengthening India–Somaliland relations and expressed our sincere appreciation for his tireless support for Somaliland and its people.
laasgeelinstitute.com/laasge…
𝘼𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙂𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙙𝙞: 𝘼 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩 – 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚
Read the full story of Ahmed Geeddi, an inspiring example of courage, restraint, and choosing justice over revenge.👇
laasgeelinstitute.com/soldie…
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Laasgeel Institute retweeted
PRESS STATEMENT
Somaliland Ports Authority Rejects False Claim About Berbera Port Staff Training in Djibouti
The Somaliland Ports Authority strongly condemns and categorically rejects the claim published by the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority (@DPFZA) on its official X account that 11 senior staff from Berbera Port received six months of engineering and operational training in Djibouti.
The @PortsSomaliland Authority confirms that no Berbera Port staff participated in the training programme described in the post. The claim is false and misleading and must be corrected.
The Authority also rejects the inclusion of Berbera Port within the post’s account of cooperation between Djibouti and Somalia. Berbera Port is located in the Republic of #Somaliland and operates under Somaliland’s jurisdiction. It must not be represented as part of Somalia’s port institutions or cooperation arrangements.
We call on DPFZA to withdraw the inaccurate claim concerning Berbera Port and issue a public correction through the same official channel.
Public institutions have a responsibility to ensure that their communications are accurate. Publishing unsupported claims about another port authority’s personnel and activities undermines the trust necessary for constructive regional cooperation.
The Somaliland Ports Authority remains committed to professional engagement, mutual respect and cooperation grounded in accurate information and respect for Somaliland’s institutions.
Somaliland Ports Authority
The Laasgeel Institute represented Somaliland at the 2026 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, held in Gaborone, Botswana, from 7–10 October under the theme “Indigenous. Resilient. Empowering.” The forum brought together participants from over 30 countries to discuss democratic innovation, citizen participation, and democratic resilience.
Representing Somaliland, Sulekha Abdi Hassan, a member of Laasgeel inatitute Advisory Group, highlighted Somaliland’s democratic achievements, civic participation, historical background, and case for international re-recognition.
We sincerely thank Democracy International and the University of Botswana for supporting Somaliland’s participation in this historic first African edition of the forum. Read more here 👇
laasgeelinstitute.com/laasge…
Laasgeel Institute retweeted
This map says it best.
Freedom is the foundation of our strongest partnerships.
The United States and Australia stand together as free nations, where people can speak, vote, and worship as they choose. In China, those freedoms are denied.
𝑺𝙤𝒎𝙖𝒍𝙞𝒍𝙖𝒏𝙙 𝙋𝒓𝙚𝒔𝙞𝒅𝙚𝒏𝙩 𝙒𝒂𝙧𝒏𝙨 𝙏𝒉𝙖𝒕 𝑺𝙤𝒎𝙖𝒍𝙞𝒂 𝑰𝙨 𝙋𝒓𝙚𝒑𝙖𝒓𝙞𝒏𝙜 𝙖 𝙎𝒆𝙘𝒐𝙣𝒅 𝑮𝙚𝒏𝙤𝒄𝙞𝒅𝙚 𝘼𝒈𝙖𝒊𝙣𝒔𝙩 𝙩𝒉𝙚 𝙋𝒆𝙤𝒑𝙡𝒆 𝒐𝙛 𝙎𝒐𝙢𝒂𝙡𝒊𝙡𝒂𝙣𝒅
The President of the Republic of Somaliland has warned that the Somalia government is preparing a “second genocide” against the people of Somaliland. He called on the international community to take this warning seriously, accusing Somalia of misusing international donor assistance and undermines Somaliland stability instead of uses its peacebuilding and state-building.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the Somaliland Police Force, the President expressed concern over UN Security Council’s decision to lift Somalia the arms embargo, arguing that it had resulted in a significant influx of weapons into the hands of terrorist groups and clan militias in Somalia.
He also raised concerns about the security situation in the eastern Sool region of Somaliland, particularly Las Anod, which has remained under the occupation of Somalia and its proxies since late 2023.
The President further declared that Somaliland would not accept the establishment of the 26th Division of the Somali National Army in Las Anod, warning that the Somalia government would bear responsibility for any consequences arising from such a move.
Dear Savio Rodrigues, first and foremost, welcome to the Republic of Somaliland. It is a pleasure to have you here, and thank you for your kind words about our meeting.
We sincerely appreciate your longstanding and tireless support for Somaliland and its people’s aspirations for international recognition.
Somaliland and India share common values in democracy, regional stability, and strategic interests. Our people also maintain longstanding ties with India through medicine, education, trade, and business. It is time for Somaliland and India to establish diplomatic relations and open representative missions in New Delhi and Hargeisa to strengthen diplomatic and people-to-people cooperation.
The Laasgeel Institute team, led by @MohamedAbdisam, would welcome the opportunity to engage with you in meaningful discussions on Somaliland’s history, democratic journey, case for international recognition, the resilience of its people, and the strategic and economic opportunities Somaliland offers India at this critical time.
Once again, welcome with open arms. The people of Somaliland are known for their hospitality, kindness, and commitment to peace. We hope you enjoy your stay in the Republic of Somaliland.
@PrinceArihan
Today, I had one of the most humbling experiences of my visit to Somaliland.
I walked into a small barbershop in Hargeisa for a shave. A young professor named Mohammed from the Laasgeel Institute approached me and said, “You are Savio Rodrigues. It is good to have you in Somaliland.”
He then spoke to my Somaliland colleague, Khalid, and mentioned that he had been following my writings for the last three years, particularly my views and support for Somaliland.
He shook my hand and quietly left. I was genuinely touched. I asked Khalid to convey a simple message to him: I am not just a friend of Somaliland. I am more than a friend. I am a brother.
I came to Somaliland to build bridges of friendship and cooperation with the people of Somaliland. Today, in a humble barbershop, a young professor reminded me that sometimes those bridges are built long before we even realise it.
Some relationships are built through diplomacy. Others are built through the heart. Somaliland, for me, is both.
The Laasgeel Institute, welcomes the historic milestone in Somaliland–Israel relations following the presentation of credentials by H.E. Mr. Michael Lotem, the first Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republic of Somaliland.
We commend H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) for this significant diplomatic development, which opens a new chapter in bilateral relations and reflects growing opportunities for international engagement.
LIPS views this development as an important opportunity to strengthen diplomatic cooperation, promote mutual respect and advance shared strategic interests. Given Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and near the Red Sea, stronger international partnerships can contribute to regional peace, security, and economic development.
We encourage constructive engagement that advances Somaliland’s international standing and builds a future based on cooperation, stability, and shared prosperity.
#Somaliland #Israel #Diplomacy #SomalilandRecognition
I am honoured to receive the Letters of Credence of H.E. Mr. Michael Lotem, the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel @Israel to the Republic of Somaliland, marking a historic milestone in our diplomatic relations.
As the first Ambassador accredited to Somaliland by a United Nations Member State, his appointment heralds a new chapter in Israel–Somaliland relations, founded on mutual respect, friendship, and a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and partnership.
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Democracy thrives on the people's will, respect for the rule of law, and peaceful political competition. We congratulate Israel and its people on this important democratic milestone and wish them continued peace, stability, and democratic prosperity.
Democracy is founded on the will of the people, the rule of law and peaceful political competition. The Embassy of the Republic of Somaliland congratulates the State of Israel and its people on this important democratic milestone. We wish Israel continued peace, stability and democratic prosperity.
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As Somaliland civil society, we express our support for Lana Nusseibeh’s candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. We believe in the importance of inclusive leadership, effective multilateral cooperation, and a stronger United Nations that serves all nations and peoples.
@Lana_Nusseibeh
I am standing to be Secretary-General because I believe this is a moment to act with greater urgency: to act earlier, bring people together across difference, and drive the work forward until it produces concrete results. That is how we rebuild trust in the United Nations and ensure it delivers meaningful change for the people it exists to serve.
My vision: lananusseibeh.org
A Historic Moment for Somaliland
For the first time in history, a sitting U.S. President has publicly commented on Somaliland as a country separate from Somalia, bringing renewed attention to Somaliland’s unique case.
Following Somaliland President’s remarks in an exclusive Breitbart interview praising President Trump and expressing hope for U.S. recognition, President Trump responded with comments on Somaliland’s name and status.
Laasgeel Institute remains hopeful that the United States will take the historic step of formally recognizing the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state.
The journey toward recognition continues.
#Somaliland #Recognition #USSomaliland
Thank you, President Donald J. Trump. Your historic decision has finally and officially affirmed Somaliland’s sovereignty as a nation, distinguishing it from Somalia, a failed state. Somaliland stands ready to be a reliable partner for peace, security, and prosperity in the Horn of Africa
“Somaliland and Ethiopia share longstanding ties rooted in geography, history and common interests. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Abiy to deepen cooperation, advance regional peace and stability, and expand trade and development opportunities.”
— H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), President of Somaliland
I extend my sincere congratulations to H.E. Dr. @AbiyAhmedAli on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Somaliland and Ethiopia share longstanding ties rooted in geography, history and common interests. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Abiy to deepen our cooperation, promote peace and stability across the region, and expand opportunities for trade and development.
I wish Prime Minister Abiy every success in his renewed mandate, and the people of Ethiopia continued peace, prosperity and progress.
Laasgeel Institute warmly welcomes and appreciates the Somaliland Parliament for completely rejecting the proposed amendments to the Somaliland Citizenship Law, which had generated significant controversy within Somaliland society and among members of the House of Representatives.
We also extend our congratulations to the people of Somaliland, who clearly expressed their opposition to the proposed amendments and additions to the law.
Finally, Laasgeel Institute calls on the people of Somaliland to remain vigilant and not accept laws of this nature that could affect the existence, national identity, and sovereignty of Somaliland. This is particularly important at a time when we face a significant threat from Somalia’s continued illegal claim over Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Laasgeel Institute for Policy Studies & Research Analysis (LIPS)
Hargeisa, Somaliland
@MustafeKhayreye
@Qasimsuleiman
@MohamedRaambo
@SLForeignHouse
@mp_indho_Indho
@AbdilahiGacma
@DrEssaKayd
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Calls for International Recognition
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi emphasized that Somaliland’s lack of international recognition has constrained its development and access to international banking, arguing that Somaliland could become “a useful member” of the global trading system.
He described Somaliland as a “very rich country,” particularly in terms of its mineral resources. While noting that some countries may be awaiting a signal from the United States before recognizing Somaliland, he stated that Somaliland remains “very satisfied” with its engagement with the United States.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi joined @CFR_org for a conversation during #UNGA81 as part of a series featuring President @JDMahama 🇬🇭, @NamPresidency 🇳🇦, Prime Minister @miaamormottley 🇧🇧 and other global leaders from 🇲🇽 🇵🇱 🇷🇴 🇵🇭 🇿🇦 🇭🇺 🇨🇴.
Our thanks to Ebenezer Obadare for leading an engaging conversation on Somaliland’s future and its growing role in the international community.
cfr.org/articles/world-leade…
The Horn of Africa at a Critical Crossroads
The world must pay greater attention to the Horn of Africa in the coming months and work to prevent another crisis from unfolding in this critical region.
The civil war in Sudan, tensions in Yemen, political instability and fragile peace in Somalia, and signs of renewed conflict involving the TPLF in Ethiopia, alongside forecasts of El Niño, could lead to significant humanitarian costs.
Somaliland and Djibouti are preparing to receive and manage potential refugee flows from Yemen. However, a critical question remains: Do Somaliland and Djibouti have sufficient capacity to manage a major influx of refugees without external support?
The international community should act early to prevent another catastrophe in the Horn of Africa. The region cannot afford another devastating cycle of conflict, displacement, and humanitarian suffering.
Laasgeel Institute View
Hargeisa, Somaliland.
Laasgeel Institute retweeted
At the Council on Foreign Relations @CFR_org in New York, I presented Somaliland’s case and its 35-year record of peace, democracy and effective governance.
Recognition is Somaliland’s historical and legal right and a strategic investment in security, trade and stability across the Horn of Africa.
H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi discussed Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition and its role in regional security at the @CFR_org Council on Foreign Relations in New York tonight.
He delivered a powerful message: Somaliland’s sovereignty was never extinguished—it was only ignored by the United Nation.Its case rests on history, international law, democratic governance, and strategic realities.
The President highlighted how non-recognition affects more than 6.2 million people, including restricted access to international travel, global finance, trade and investment, scholarships, and a full seat at the international table.
He also emphasized Somaliland’s strategic role in regional stability, situated at the heart of the Horn of Africa and Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
As the President noted, Somaliland become independent state dejure state on june 26,1960, and never transfered its juriduction since the anticipated union with Somalia did not hapen and never ratified by both parties.
Dear @CFR_org, Somaliland’s case deserves to be examined through the evidence of history, international law to correct the @UN’s errors to registered Somaliland seat to Somalia.
@Abdirahmanirro
This quoted post is unavailable.
Somaliland has made a clear strategic choice to deepen partnership with the U.S. while maintaining its ties with Taiwan and Isreal despite pressure from China. Hargeisa’s approach reflects its own national interests—and offers Washington an opportunity to demonstrate the value of principled partnership in the horn of Africa. @RepJohnRose
@JMeservey @SenTedCruz
@DeptofWar @StateDept
@JasonMccue @realDonaldTrump @jaredkushner
@marcorubio @SecPompeo
@PressSec @SecRubio @OliTroen @SenateForeign
@RepScottPerry
Washington treats Somaliland as if it were a part of the rest of the country—yet it's been functionally independent for 30 years
By ignoring this reality, the US undercuts its own effectiveness in an important part of the world @JMeservey @RealClearWorld bit.ly/3FI76Bq
