Really appreciate being welcomed by Minster of
@somalilandmfa
as the new Head of the British Office Hargeisa. Taking over from
@StuartBrownFCDO
, I look forward to working with
@Morgan_FCDO
and the team to continue to build on the close partnership between the UK and
#Somaliland
Devastating scenes emerging here in
#Hargeisa
, we’re continuing to work closely with the government to establish the specific needs & how we can support. It is clear that despite extraordinary efforts by Sawahili
@SLfireservice
to tackle the fire many livelihoods have been lost
A great first week in Hargeisa. Such a warm and friendly welcome from everyone. One of the highlights has to be my first taste of 🐪 steak and Somali tea!
I met with the Mayor
@AbdikarimMoge
and councillors at the scene of the
#HargeisaMarketFire
. Absolutely heartbreaking destruction all around. But the spirit of resilience which is at the heart of
#Somaliland
is shining through 🇬🇧 stands ready to support the efforts to rebuild
Incredibly brave of
@Mo_Farah
to share his story. Already a hero in the UK and
#Somaliland
it’s incredible what he overcame as a child. He’s shining an important spotlight on trafficking and slavery which are still all too common globally
On behalf of the British Office Hargeisa, I wish a blessed Ramadan for all Muslims observing Ramadan in Somaliland and around the world. A difficult start to Ramadan in
#somaliland
but an important time for prayer, reflection and community
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the people of
#Somaliland
and to all
#Somalis
for the loss of Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame "Hadrawi", an iconic poet and one of the most eminent and beloved Somali poets of all time
My first trip in
#Somaliland
out of Hargeisa took me down to Tog-Wajaale to see the border with Ethiopia. So much potential for trade and economic development along the Berbera Corridor. Saw the fantastic 🇬🇧 funded Women’s market, and lots of 🐪 on the journey!
On behalf of the British Office Hargeisa, I wish a blessed and peaceful Ramadan for all those in
#Somaliland
and around the world observing Ramadan
Ramadaan Wanaagsan
The
#Somaliland
2022
#Chevening
scholars are on their way to 🇬🇧! Wishing them all the best in their journey and hoping they make the most out of their time in the UK and return home with the skills, knowledge and experience to make a positive impact!
Aniga oo ka wakiil ah Xafiiska Ingiriiska Hargeysa, waxa aan dhammaantiin idiin rejaynayaa Ciidul-fidri wanaagsan.
On behalf of the British Office Hargeisa, I wish a happy and blessed Eid al-Fitr to you all.
#EidMubarak
The Berbera Corridor presents fantastic prospects for
#Somaliland
. I got to see progress of 🇬🇧 funded Hargeisa bypass and to hear about what needs to happen to get the corridor up and running as a catalyst for economic growth. Lots of work to do but fantastic opportunities ahead!
It’s
#WorldWaterDay
. 💦 is a precious resource in
#Somaliland
🇬🇧 is supporting some fantastic
@SDFSomaliland
projects on water resource development which will expand urban water supply to over 90,000 Borama residents and 200,000 Hargeisa residents
I joined EU and UN delegations in
#Hargeisa
today, we received information on emerging needs from the
#HargeisaMarketFire
. It’s clear immediate support is needed for small traders & temporary markets, plus planning for rebuilding. Transparency and coordination will be key (1/2)
My arrival coincides
#InternationalDayofEducation
.
Through our Girls Education programme, we’re supporting 119 (primary and secondary) schools across
#Somaliland
to provide quality education for girls and secure the future for all Somalilanders.
#ukaid
Through
@SDFSomaliland
, 🇬🇧 (with 🇧🇻🇩🇰🇳🇱) supported the conservation of 7,911 hectares of land in
#Somaliland
through the construction of soil bunds and stone-faced semicircular bunds.
631 farms benefited from the activities.
#WorldEnvironmentDay2023
This weekend marks the
#PlatinumJubilee
of Her Majesty The Queen. 70 years of extraordinary service. I found this video of a 🇬🇧 royal visit to
#Somaliland
by Duke & Duchess of Gloucester in 1958. They brought a special message of greetings from the Queen!
4 additional journalists have been arrested in Hargeisa, bringing to nine the number of Journalists detained today in connection with the incident in Hargeisa's main jail.
SOLJA is deeply saddened by the arbitrary detentions of journalists. we call for their release.
Some good team work to
#CleanHargeisa
near the British Office this morning with all of us pitching in to clear up plastic, glass and other rubbish from the streets.
#NadiifiHargeysa
is such a great initiative from
@AbdikarimMoge
to help to transform Hargeisa
The 🇬🇧 believes in and stands for democracy & human rights. It's deeply concerning that at least 38 journalists have been arrested in
#Somaliland
this year. We oppose all attempts to restrict media freedom & believe that people must be able to discuss issues freely
#Endimpunity
Great to meet
@HK96126360
and learn about the challenges the deaf community in
#Somaliland
face. The importance of educational inclusivity is clear, more interpreters are needed and teacher training is key. Hawa gave me a quick lesson in BSL, some more practice needed!
Aniga oo ka wakiil ah Xafiiska Ingiriiska Hargeysa, waxa aan dhammaantiin idiin rejaynayaa Ciid al-Adxa wanaagsan.
On behalf of the British Office Hargeisa, I wish a happy and blessed Eid al-Adha to you all.
#EidMubarak
We're delighted to announce a new partnership with
@premierbankso1
on
@CheveningFCDO
Scholarships. This partnership will partially sponsor one scholar from
#Somaliland
to study in 🇬🇧 in the 2022/23 academic year. They will study a Master’s degree and bring their experience back.
International partners following Somaliland’s democratisation process are very concerned by the violent incidents that occurred during the political protests in Hargeisa today. We urge restraint from all sides in order to de-escalate the situation and prevent harm & injury. (1/3)
BREAKING:
@EdnaAdan
, a nurse-midwife and healthcare advocate who has worked courageously to change cultural, religious, and medical norms surrounding women’s health in East Africa, was announced today as the winner of the 2023
#TempletonPrize
.
The time has come for me to leave
#Somaliland
I’ve been so inspired by the incredible work, particularly by women and young people, pushing for change.
Such amazing potential. I hope elections can move ahead as agreed, human rights can be protected and peace can prevail.
🙏
🇬🇧 joins international partners in strongly condemning continued violence in Laascaanood. Attacks against civilians must stop immediately.
All sides should adhere to the ceasefire and engage in dialogue to find a political solution. Unhindered humanitarian access is essential👇
A good discussion on at
#somaliland
the high level development forum this morning. The drought situation is alarming. 🇬🇧 is funding immediate response across the Horn of Africa. Emphasis also on the need to invest in resilience and adaptation to climate change to break the cycle
🇬🇧 joins international partners in continuing to call for immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, and separation of forces to agreed locations in
#Laascaanood
. A roadmap for the elections in
#Somaliland
is also urgently needed 👇
Great to see the fishing jetty in Maydh complete. 🇬🇧 support through the
#Somaliland
Development Fund is delivering support through locally led infrastructure projects which support resilience and livelihoods
The construction of Maydh fishing jetty, part of
#Somaliland
Development Fund SDF phase two, funded by UK, Denmark and Netherlands is now completed. It will impact the livelihood of 600k people in Sanaag region.
A moment of silence and reflection at the Hargeisa Commonwealth war cemetery this morning. Remembering those of many faiths and nationalities who lost their lives in service.
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today’”
#LestWeForget
We are concerned by the court’s decision to sentence
@MohamedIlig
and Andijibar Mohamed to 1 year and 4 months in prison each. Journalism isn’t a crime. The draft media law is essential to protect journalists, uphold standards and guarantee media freedom in
#somaliland
A good meeting with
@DrEssaKayd
@hargeisafire1
& donors in Nairobi on the
#HargeisaFire
. Needs are becoming clearer. 🇬🇧 committed immediate technical support & longer term assistance to Hargeisa. A commitment from all to inclusion, coordination and transparency
We had a wonderful evening yesterday celebrating young female entrepreneurs in
#Somaliland
. Brilliant businesses and inspiring stories of starting and growing their businesses - from e-commerce to events, cookies to clothing!
#IWD2023
#RightsFreedomPotential
The
#SRCS
provided fantastic front line medical care for individuals and welfare support for front line responders in the aftermath of the
#HargeisaFire
. 🇬🇧 is proud to support their efforts through ICRC
Great to see 🇬🇧 investment via
@BritishIntInv
in Berbera Port making strides forward in ramping up trade and economic development in
#Somaliland
and the
#HornofAfrica
. Stability is vital to the success of the Berbera Corridor and must be a priority.
This week, we were proud to be part of an important milestone to inaugurate the Berbera Economic Zone, joining
@DP_World
and the Somaliland Government. It will provide a vital economic boost to Somaliland and support growth in the broader Horn of Africa region.
A good meeting with the
@hargeisafire1
committee earlier. The UN assessment team of experts are now working with them to support detailed assessments of needs. Plans are already being made for temporary markets, urgent livelihoods support and site clearance
#HargeisaMarketFire
An inspiring meeting with
@BarkhadBatuun
MP. Really good to discuss minority rights in
#Somaliland
and to hear about his focus on equality, inclusion and justice.
I made it to the other end of the corridor today
#Berbera
. Great to see the fantastic progress on the road, the port in operation and to sample some locally caught 🐟 for lunch! So much potential here, recognised by the recent 🇬🇧
@CDCgroup
investment in the port
My first trip in
#Somaliland
out of Hargeisa took me down to Tog-Wajaale to see the border with Ethiopia. So much potential for trade and economic development along the Berbera Corridor. Saw the fantastic 🇬🇧 funded Women’s market, and lots of 🐪 on the journey!
Great to meet some fantastic advocates for zero tolerance for FGM and hear about the strong
#Somaliland
movement against FGM/C. They spoke of the importance of the Somaliland FGM policy being approved and of local movements being supported by political leadership to
#endFGM
Good discussions last week about upcoming elections in
#Somaliland
. A clear electoral timeline and roadmap is needed. A key test will be the inclusion of women, youth and minority groups throughout. Here’s a statement from international partners👇
An excellent introductory meeting with the new
#Somaliland
National Electoral Commission. Great to hear how they have come together to establish themselves as an independent body, and good to hear that the technical preparations for elections are underway
@KFosterFCDO
Following the Guurti’s announcement on mandate extensions in
#Somaliland
, 🇬🇧 has joined international partners in restating the importance of a consensus driven process to protect Somaliland‘s democratic credibility and stability👇
On
#DayOfTheGirl
, my message to my 13-year-old self would be: don’t doubt yourself so much, and stop comparing yourself to everyone else, you can carve your own path
#SheLeads
A wonderful way to spend
#IWD2023
hearing how brilliant young men & women in
#Somaliland
are championing change, working to push for progress & to
#EndFGM
. They spoke of the need to address culture, to support education and to secure legislation.
#RightsFreedomPotential
Very excited to be at the launch of the Hargeisa International Book Fair
#HIBF2022
. Already in its 15th year, this year’s theme is solidarity - reflecting a spirit of togetherness. It’s my first one so looking forward to listening, learning and taking away lots of reading!
My first meeting with a ´A Woman of Firsts’, what an inspiration. Fantastic to see the
@EdnaAdan
Hospital and University, including some of the original 🇬🇧 funded beds. I also got to pop in to see some of the brilliant
@NottFoundation
training for doctors from across
#somaliland
It’s well underway - does anyone know if the bridge we’re building on the new Hargeisa bypass, as part of the Berbera Corridor, is the longest in
#Somaliland
? 210m seems pretty impressive!
A lovely event yesterday to congratulate the
#Somaliland
@CheveningFCDO
scholars heading to 🇬🇧. Such an impressive group who will return with skills support development here.
What top tips do you have for them for their year in 🇬🇧?
Lovely to see some live painting and dancing at the
@HargeysaCC
artists networking event. Some fantastic art on display from brilliant
#Somaliland
artists too!
We are deeply concerned about the executions that took place this morning in
#Somaliland
. 🇬🇧 position is well known: We oppose capital punishment at all times and under all circumstances. The death penalty is incompatible with human dignity. It has no deterrent effect on crime.
The British Office Hargeisa is growing! We’re looking for someone to join our economic development team in
#Somaliland
as a Senior Programme Officer.
More details of the role and how to apply here👇
At the site I was able to thank the commander of the
@SLfireservice
for the heroic efforts of his team which, alongside the police and military, prevented even more extensive damage. Their efforts continue even now (2/2)
A great trip with
@KFosterFCDO
up to Berbera. The 🇬🇧 funded women’s fish market is nearly complete. It will provide stalls for 64 female traders - selling fish locally and across
#Somaliland
. Exciting opportunities for businesses to grow and supply chains to develop.
Back in the freezing 🥶UK for a break after a wonderful year in
#Somaliland
. My highlights all include inspiring people from hardworking humanitarians and development workers, to disability, gender, media and minority rights activists. All working to push for continued progress!
I had a great visit to the
@HargeysaCC
yesterday. Some brilliant UK supported museum management training going on. What a fantastic space to preserve and understand Somaliland’s history and culture. I can’t wait for the book fair!
I had the chance to discuss the
#HargeisaFire
with
#somaliland
diaspora reps from across 🇬🇧. Resilience shines through as ever with brilliant fundraising efforts going on and a focus on quick action, inclusion, coordination and building back better and safer
Brilliant to be able to host
@nujuumarts
for an exhibition to celebrate talented women of
#somaliland
. Fantastic artwork, including powerful pieces reflecting on the current turmoil in the world. The room was bursting with energy and talent to drive positive change
#FCDOgender
Chevening Scholarships applications open today. Over 40 scholars from
#Somaliland
, including 7 this year, have benefited from the award so far.
So calling all future leaders - a fully funded MA in the UK, a global network, and skills to bring back with you!
Spread the word!
🔴 Applications for
#Chevening
are now open! 💥
Study at a top UK university, embark on a tailored scholarship experience, and join a global leadership network for life.
Apply by 7 November:
#ChooseChevening
It’s
#WorldWildlifeDay
. CCF’s work to protect cheetahs in
#Somaliland
is incredible. Great to see them starting to move to their new home, and very pleased 🇬🇧 support is able to help tackle trafficking and poaching & to promote conservation in the region
We moved another 12 rescued
#cheetahs
from our
#Somaliland
safehouses to their shiny new closer-to-nature enclosures yesterday! Scroll for some very happy CCF staff, and even happier cheetahs 😁 ➡️
A wonderful iftar last night with
@KFosterFCDO
and some brilliant
#Somaliland
women. I’ve been so inspired by all of the women I’ve met in my first few months here - experienced, ambitious and positive citizens who are fighting for fairness
.
@KFosterFCDO
and I met with
@solja_org
and other journalists today. Really important that media freedom in
#Somaliland
is protected and that journalism standards are upheld. The Media law is essential to these standards and protections.
So good to be able to experience some poetry and music at
#HIBF2022
tonight. Great to see so many young people at a packed
@HargeysaCC
. The cuud music was very cool. Anyone got any recommendations for artists/music from Somaliland that I should listen to?
A wonderful night celebrating the
#PlatinumJubilee
at our first
#QBP
in Hargeisa last night.
A brilliant celebration of Her Majesty The Queen and the connections between 🇬🇧 and
#Somaliland
which date back to the 19th century and continue to thrive today.
Great to meet some of our
@CheveningFCDO
alumni this afternoon. Good to hear about their experiences of studying in the UK, and to chat about
#somaliland
elections, the importance of women’s political participation and representation, climate change and much more
Media freedom is essential to democracy. I’m really proud of 🇬🇧support which helped to establish the Hargeisa Uni journalism faculty and with the drafting of the media law. Keen it now proceeds through parliament to protect journalists and uphold standards
#WorldPressFreedomDay
Aniga oo ka wakiil ah Xafiiska Ingiriiska Hargeysa, waxa aan dhammaantiin idiin rejaynayaa Ciidul-adha wanaagsan.
On behalf of the British Office Hargeisa, I wish a happy and blessed Eid al-Adha to you all.
#EidMubarak
It’s
#WorldEnvironmentDay
today.
#Somaliland
is already feeling the effects of climate change. 🇬🇧 is supporting emergency humanitarian response. Focus also needed on investing in adaptation to break the cycle of drought. ☀️ and 🌬 power potential is huge like these in Berbera 👇
Lovely to meet with
@AliAbdi_
to hear about the planning for the
@walesandafrica
International Learning Opportunities (ILO) programme. Such a great opportunity to build on the strong, historic links between communities in 🏴 and
#Somaliland
!
Very pleased that 🇬🇧 supported
@StartNetwork
has released funding to allow Oxfam to respond to urgent humanitarian needs of those recently displaced from
#Lascanood
Oxfam has started registering 1,253 conflict-displaced households in 7 villages of Sool region. These families will receive 2 months of food assistance & 2,330 households will get emergency water supply with cash or voucher 💰💧 Thanks to
@StartNetwork
for the support .
Brilliant to see so many people interested in applying for
#Somaliland
@CheveningFCDO
If you meet the requirements (undergrad degree and 2yrs experience) get applying for a fully funded MA/MSc in 🇬🇧
Background doesn’t matter, future potential does - so don’t count yourself out!
Really great to meet journalists including
@solja_org
to discuss the importance of
#mediafreedom
in
#somaliland
. Great that previous 🇬🇧 support to establish a journalism faculty at the Uni of Hargeisa is delivering results. Passing the media law is vital to protect press freedom
Continued indiscriminate violence & shelling in Las Anod has led to hospitals being hit & MSF suspending operations. Humanitarian actors are working to provide lifesaving assistance. All sides must ensure they are able to do so with unfettered access & safe space to operate
Yesterday morning the hospital
@MSF
supports in Las Anod was hit for the fourth time in 3 weeks, damaging the structure & halting activities in the pediatrics ward & blood bank.
The hospital emergency room continues to receive an influx of wounded.
(1/2)
A good meeting this morning with
@MikeNith1
and the
@SLNECHQ
. Very positive to hear that voter ID card printing is about to start. Political consensus is needed on an elections roadmap to make sure elections can take place without further delay.
We re-emphasise the importance of Somaliland’s leaders engaging in constructive dialogue to reach consensus on a roadmap for elections to protect Somaliland’s peace, stability and democracy. (2/2)
Good news from
@SLNECHQ
and the political parties on the announcement of the timeline and process for voter registration for upcoming
#Somaliland
elections. An important step. Looking forward to seeing details of the broader electoral timeline and roadmap soon.
We had a brilliant event this week with women and people from minority communities in
#Somaliland
about 🇬🇧
#Chevening
Scholarships. Key message - don’t count yourself out, there is power in diversity! Why not apply?
Loads of info here👇
#MyCheveningJourney
Getting ready for
#IWD2022
by discussing how to
#BreakTheBias
and secure a step-change in women’s political empowerment in
#somaliland
. With no female MPs elected last year, the system isn’t working. I’m encouraged by the energy and ideas from these brilliant advocates for change
Looking forward to discussing women, peace, and security in
#Somaliland
later, focussing on the important role of civil society and the importance of gender inclusion. You can register here: .
At a
#WorldHumanitarianDay
event in Hargeisa I met some of the the heroic humanitarians responding to the severe drought in
#Somaliland
- the worst in 40 years. Very proud of 🇬🇧 support for over 80 health facilities here - treating malnutrition & diseases and providing vaccines
Very excited to announce that we’ve just opened a call for proposals from the 🇬🇧 International Programme Fund. We’re looking to support work focussed on women and girls and media freedom in
#Somaliland
this year. Deadline is 8th August. Full details 👇
Lovely to see schools in the UK celebrating
#WorldBookDay
today. Over 70% of children in
#Somaliland
are out of school, many of them from pastoralist communities. In 2021, with support from 🇬🇧, almost 6,400 boys and girls in Somaliland went to school for the first time
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
We are mourning the passing of Khadra Dahir Cige – one of the greatest Somali singers of all time. Her contribution to Somali music and art is something we will all remember. Our deepest condolences to family and loved ones.
Happy
#StDavidsDay
- there are deep historical links between Wales and
#Somaliland
, and lots of fantastic work to continue to develop these connections between people and communities today
#DyddGwylDewi
Inspiring speeches from
@EdnaAdan
, President Bihi and others at the launch of
@Nagaad_Network
Women’s Situation Room and GBV Call Centre. A clear message: ‘GBV is not in our culture, not in our religion’. An important step in providing practical support, but broader support (1/2)
It was lovely to hear memories from Dr Ahmed Hashi, whose father received an award from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Aden, and Abdiqadir Jirde’s father who attended her coronation as a representative of the British Protectorate (3/3)