Investigative Reports

Major Corruption Allegations Rock Somaliland Finance Ministry’s Recruitment for World Bank’s Public Resource Management Project

According to documents examined by Somaliland Chronicle, serious allegations...

Financial Turmoil and a New Questionable Venture Cast Shadows over Boodhari Mills’ Future

In our previous coverage, we explored Boodheri Mills, a...

Somaliland Office in Taiwan Rejects Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan has...

United States Navy Seized Illicit Weapons Off the Coast of Somalia

United States Defense Department announced that the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill have intercepted and seized a large shipment of weapons aboard two dhows during maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia on February 12th.

According to news published by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, the seized weapons consist of consisted of thousands of AK-47 assault rifles, light machine guns, heavy sniper rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and crew-served weapons. Other weapon components included barrels, stocks, optical scopes, and other weapon systems.

“We are proud of the combined efforts of the AIT and Churchill crew members for executing dynamic and demanding boardings,” said Lt. Travis Dopp, Assistant Advanced Interdiction Team Leader aboard Churchill, and added, “We are proud to have a positive impact on the safety and security of coalition forces by interdicting shipments of lethal aid.”. According to the US military, the source of the weapons and their intended recipients is currently unknown.

Somalia is in a tense political period where the incumbent President, Mr. Mohamed Abdillahi Farmajo’s term has ended in February and so far no date has been set for elections due to disagreement between the Federal Government and member states. Jubbaland, Puntland member states and the opposition candidates have stated that they no longer recognize Mr. Farmajo as President.

Somali President Mohamed Abdillahi Farmajo with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President of Eritrea Mr. Asias Afwerki

Efforts by the international community to broker a deal between the parties have failed. So far, the Federal Government has insisted through various spokesmen that it is still legitimate despite its mandate ending on February 8th.

It is unclear if the seized weapons belong to various factions facing off in Somalia or possibly the Al-Shabaab terror network which has been resurgent due to the political turmoil in Somalia.

Latest

U.S. Ambassador to Somalia and CJTF-HOA Commander to Visit Somaliland Ahead of Presidential Inauguration

HARGEISA, Republic of Somaliland — U.S. Ambassador to Somalia...

The Politics of No Return: Why President Cirro Cannot Appease His Way to Reform

Somaliland's Democratic Triumph Faces Its Greatest Test President-Elect Dr. Abdirahman...

Innovative Partnership: The Contribution of Taiwan and Somaliland in Formulating a New Development Discourse in the Horn of Africa

Introduction The formal establishment of Somaliland-Taiwan relationship in 2020 is...

Taiwan’s Landmark $22 Million Investment Promises to Transform Hargeisa Group Hospital

In a landmark development that marks the most significant...

Stay Connected

Don't miss

U.S. Ambassador to Somalia and CJTF-HOA Commander to Visit Somaliland Ahead of Presidential Inauguration

HARGEISA, Republic of Somaliland — U.S. Ambassador to Somalia...

The Politics of No Return: Why President Cirro Cannot Appease His Way to Reform

Somaliland's Democratic Triumph Faces Its Greatest Test President-Elect Dr. Abdirahman...

Innovative Partnership: The Contribution of Taiwan and Somaliland in Formulating a New Development Discourse in the Horn of Africa

Introduction The formal establishment of Somaliland-Taiwan relationship in 2020 is...

Taiwan’s Landmark $22 Million Investment Promises to Transform Hargeisa Group Hospital

In a landmark development that marks the most significant...

The Last Will and Testament of a Dictator: Djibouti’s Precarious Transition from Guelleh and Its Global Reverberations

As Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s once-iron grip on Djibouti loosens,...

U.S. Ambassador to Somalia and CJTF-HOA Commander to Visit Somaliland Ahead of Presidential Inauguration

HARGEISA, Republic of Somaliland — U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley and Major General Brian Cashman, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force...

The Politics of No Return: Why President Cirro Cannot Appease His Way to Reform

Somaliland's Democratic Triumph Faces Its Greatest Test President-Elect Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi "Cirro"’s sweeping electoral victory, securing over 60% of Somaliland's presidential vote, represents more...

Innovative Partnership: The Contribution of Taiwan and Somaliland in Formulating a New Development Discourse in the Horn of Africa

Introduction The formal establishment of Somaliland-Taiwan relationship in 2020 is a watershed moment that demonstrates the countries' innovative and pragmatic approaches to international cooperation. Both...