Matt Bryden
@dibjir.bsky.social
Horn of Africa 🇩🇯🇪🇷🇪🇹🇸🇴★ I don't suffer fools, autocrats or kakistocracies masquerading as governments.
https://sahan.global/
https://sahan.global/
“Alea iacta est — The die is cast.” Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu might have uttered the same words on 26 December 2025, as Israel declared its bombshell recognition of Somaliland, sending a shockwave throughout the region.
#Somaliland #Somalia
martinplaut.com/2026/01/05/a...
#Somaliland #Somalia
martinplaut.com/2026/01/05/a...
All to play for: Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
With Israel and the UAE apparently working in tandem, it may just be a matter of time before the next domino falls– even if the Emirates so far are holding their cards close. For the region, …
martinplaut.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:01 PM
“Alea iacta est — The die is cast.” Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu might have uttered the same words on 26 December 2025, as Israel declared its bombshell recognition of Somaliland, sending a shockwave throughout the region.
#Somaliland #Somalia
martinplaut.com/2026/01/05/a...
#Somaliland #Somalia
martinplaut.com/2026/01/05/a...
"Alea iacta est — The die is cast.”
All to play for: Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
#Somaliland #Somalia
martinplaut.com/2026/01/05/a...
All to play for: Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
#Somaliland #Somalia
martinplaut.com/2026/01/05/a...
All to play for: Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
With Israel and the UAE apparently working in tandem, it may just be a matter of time before the next domino falls– even if the Emirates so far are holding their cards close. For the region, …
martinplaut.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
"Alea iacta est — The die is cast.”
All to play for: Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
#Somaliland #Somalia
martinplaut.com/2026/01/05/a...
All to play for: Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
#Somaliland #Somalia
martinplaut.com/2026/01/05/a...
"What if everything the world believes about Somaliland - its history, its politics, its sovereignty - is wrong?"
#Somaliland #Somalia
slguardian.org/the-somalila...
#Somaliland #Somalia
slguardian.org/the-somalila...
The Somaliland They Don’t Want You to Remember
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in Sunday Island, Colombo, providing insight into Somaliland’s history and Israel’s recent recognition. What if the most repeated claims about Soma...
slguardian.org
January 4, 2026 at 11:05 AM
"What if everything the world believes about Somaliland - its history, its politics, its sovereignty - is wrong?"
#Somaliland #Somalia
slguardian.org/the-somalila...
#Somaliland #Somalia
slguardian.org/the-somalila...
In 2003, the South African MFA concluded: "it is undeniable that Somaliland does indeed qualify for statehood, and it is incumbent upon the international community to recognise it." Page 6 of the legal opinion is attached.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Is Israel’s recognition of Somaliland breaking the ice or breaking the region?
[[image id=3115922]]Israel’s controversial recognition of the statehood of the breakaway country of Somaliland has rocked the region, raising hopes – or fears – that other states might follo
www.dailymaverick.co.za
January 2, 2026 at 5:52 PM
In 2003, the South African MFA concluded: "it is undeniable that Somaliland does indeed qualify for statehood, and it is incumbent upon the international community to recognise it." Page 6 of the legal opinion is attached.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
"Is Israel’s recognition of Somaliland breaking the ice or breaking the region? Israel has been widely criticised for recognising Somaliland’s statehood, but others may follow suit."
#Somaliland #Somalia
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
#Somaliland #Somalia
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Is Israel’s recognition of Somaliland breaking the ice or breaking the region?
[[image id=3115922]]Israel’s controversial recognition of the statehood of the breakaway country of Somaliland has rocked the region, raising hopes – or fears – that other states might follo
www.dailymaverick.co.za
January 2, 2026 at 4:14 PM
"Is Israel’s recognition of Somaliland breaking the ice or breaking the region? Israel has been widely criticised for recognising Somaliland’s statehood, but others may follow suit."
#Somaliland #Somalia
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
#Somaliland #Somalia
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
“Djibouti needs to adjust to the reality that Somaliland is now a recognised state and is on the path towards broader international recognition. Djibouti cannot stop that momentum." - Rashid Abdi.
#Djibouti #Somaliland #Somalia
www.horndiplomat.com/somaliland-r...
#Djibouti #Somaliland #Somalia
www.horndiplomat.com/somaliland-r...
Somaliland Recalls Envoy from Djibouti for Diplomatic Engagement
Somaliland has recalled its representative to Djibouti to Hargeisa for consultations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
www.horndiplomat.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:57 AM
“Djibouti needs to adjust to the reality that Somaliland is now a recognised state and is on the path towards broader international recognition. Djibouti cannot stop that momentum." - Rashid Abdi.
#Djibouti #Somaliland #Somalia
www.horndiplomat.com/somaliland-r...
#Djibouti #Somaliland #Somalia
www.horndiplomat.com/somaliland-r...
More on Israel's recognition of Somaliland, from the NYT. The African Union Commission Chairman's reaction is out of step with previous AU findings on Somaliland and contradicts the AU's own Constitutive Act. #Somaliland #Somalia
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/26/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/26/w...
Israel Becomes the First Nation to Recognize Somaliland
www.nytimes.com
December 27, 2025 at 5:54 AM
More on Israel's recognition of Somaliland, from the NYT. The African Union Commission Chairman's reaction is out of step with previous AU findings on Somaliland and contradicts the AU's own Constitutive Act. #Somaliland #Somalia
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/26/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/26/w...
Reposted by Matt Bryden
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland
www.independent.co.uk
December 26, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland
Israel has recognised the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, with the tacit support of the United States. Several African and Arab countries are expected to follow suit in the near future. #Somaliland #Somalia
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Israel becomes first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent state
Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday -- a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and te...
www.reuters.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Israel has recognised the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, with the tacit support of the United States. Several African and Arab countries are expected to follow suit in the near future. #Somaliland #Somalia
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
A sobering, timely warning from Dr Afyare Elmi on the danger of #Somalia's fragile political settlement unravelling: "The federal government’s unilateral pursuit of power, cloaked in the language of democratic reform, threatens to trigger a legitimacy crisis..."
www.aljazeera.com/opinions/202...
www.aljazeera.com/opinions/202...
Somalia’s 2026 election risks a legitimacy crisis
Unilateral reforms and elite deadlock threaten the country’s fragile settlement.
www.aljazeera.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:54 AM
A sobering, timely warning from Dr Afyare Elmi on the danger of #Somalia's fragile political settlement unravelling: "The federal government’s unilateral pursuit of power, cloaked in the language of democratic reform, threatens to trigger a legitimacy crisis..."
www.aljazeera.com/opinions/202...
www.aljazeera.com/opinions/202...
"The Somali government wants to expand its armed forces to 100,000 Soldiers to stop the terrorist group al-Shabaab." That's double the number of troops in neighbouring Kenya and would cost over US$250 million per year, on payroll alone. Magical thinking. #Somalia
adf-magazine.com/2025/12/soma...
adf-magazine.com/2025/12/soma...
Somalia Seeks Recruits to Stop al-Shabaab - Africa Defense Forum
The Somali government wants to expand its armed forces to 100,000 Soldiers to stop the terrorist group al-Shabaab, which controls parts of the Horn of Africa country. One researcher called the current...
adf-magazine.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:12 PM
"The Somali government wants to expand its armed forces to 100,000 Soldiers to stop the terrorist group al-Shabaab." That's double the number of troops in neighbouring Kenya and would cost over US$250 million per year, on payroll alone. Magical thinking. #Somalia
adf-magazine.com/2025/12/soma...
adf-magazine.com/2025/12/soma...
Solid, atmospheric reporting from the frontlines of #Somalia's faltering war against the jihadist insurgent group, Al-Shabaab.
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
‘The guerillas are everywhere’: Mogadishu prepares to fall to Islamist insurgents | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Solid, atmospheric reporting from the frontlines of #Somalia's faltering war against the jihadist insurgent group, Al-Shabaab.
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Many thanks to the editorial team at Hiiraan Online for this faithful and balanced review of my recent article on #Somalia for @africacenter.bsky.social.
www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/N...
www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/N...
ACSS: Al Shabaab advances threaten Mogadishu as Somalia’s federal system weaken
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia faces a realistic risk that al Shabaab could seize Mogadishu and turn the country into a jihadist-ruled state, as the federal government loses control outside the capital, th...
www.hiiraan.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Many thanks to the editorial team at Hiiraan Online for this faithful and balanced review of my recent article on #Somalia for @africacenter.bsky.social.
www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/N...
www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/N...
Sahan Research analyses the evolving nature of maritime insecurity in the Red Sea in the latest #SomaliWire - exploring the resurgence of Somali piracy and Houthi attacks, and the complex geopolitical and economic motivations behind them.
#Somalia #piracy #terrorism
Read here: t.co/707zyxTBwe
#Somalia #piracy #terrorism
Read here: t.co/707zyxTBwe
https://sahan.global/issues/the-somali-wire/sw-issue-898
t.co
November 21, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Sahan Research analyses the evolving nature of maritime insecurity in the Red Sea in the latest #SomaliWire - exploring the resurgence of Somali piracy and Houthi attacks, and the complex geopolitical and economic motivations behind them.
#Somalia #piracy #terrorism
Read here: t.co/707zyxTBwe
#Somalia #piracy #terrorism
Read here: t.co/707zyxTBwe
My gratitude to @AfricaACSS for publishing my latest piece on the growing risk of a jihadist takeover in Somalia - and what it would take to prevent it.
hashtag#Somalia hashtag#AlShabaab hashtag#HornofAfrica hashtag#HoA hashtag#Security
africacenter.org/publication/...
hashtag#Somalia hashtag#AlShabaab hashtag#HornofAfrica hashtag#HoA hashtag#Security
africacenter.org/publication/...
Somalia at Risk of Becoming a Jihadist State – Africa Center
Unregulated logging of the Congo Basin rainforests threatens to undercut the livelihoods of millions of households in the region.
africacenter.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:25 AM
My gratitude to @AfricaACSS for publishing my latest piece on the growing risk of a jihadist takeover in Somalia - and what it would take to prevent it.
hashtag#Somalia hashtag#AlShabaab hashtag#HornofAfrica hashtag#HoA hashtag#Security
africacenter.org/publication/...
hashtag#Somalia hashtag#AlShabaab hashtag#HornofAfrica hashtag#HoA hashtag#Security
africacenter.org/publication/...
"Leaders facing internal decay often externalize crisis..." #Ethiopia #Eritrea newlinesmag.com/argument/eri...
Eritrea, Ethiopia and the Missteps That Could Lead to War
Abiy Ahmed’s naval ambitions and Isaias Afwerki’s proxy tactics are testing a fragile peace, which is one miscalculation away from unraveling
newlinesmag.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:36 PM
"Leaders facing internal decay often externalize crisis..." #Ethiopia #Eritrea newlinesmag.com/argument/eri...
Tough but fair. The Economist's new podcast about Erik Prince and the future of PMCs. Worth a listen. #Iraq #Somalia #DRC #Haiti #Ukraine #
www.economist.com/podcasts/202...
www.economist.com/podcasts/202...
The return of Erik Prince
The comeback of America’s most infamous mercenary
www.economist.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Reposted by Matt Bryden
Reposted by Matt Bryden
🚨 BREAKING
#Ethiopian PM Abiy received #Somalia President Hassan in Addis Ababa. Sources say the visit aims to block #Somaliland President Cirro's planned trip to Addis and seek Ethiopian backing for #Mogadishu’s plan to detach Gedo region from #Jubaland administration led by Madoobe.
#Ethiopian PM Abiy received #Somalia President Hassan in Addis Ababa. Sources say the visit aims to block #Somaliland President Cirro's planned trip to Addis and seek Ethiopian backing for #Mogadishu’s plan to detach Gedo region from #Jubaland administration led by Madoobe.
October 12, 2025 at 2:10 PM
🚨 BREAKING
#Ethiopian PM Abiy received #Somalia President Hassan in Addis Ababa. Sources say the visit aims to block #Somaliland President Cirro's planned trip to Addis and seek Ethiopian backing for #Mogadishu’s plan to detach Gedo region from #Jubaland administration led by Madoobe.
#Ethiopian PM Abiy received #Somalia President Hassan in Addis Ababa. Sources say the visit aims to block #Somaliland President Cirro's planned trip to Addis and seek Ethiopian backing for #Mogadishu’s plan to detach Gedo region from #Jubaland administration led by Madoobe.
Reposted by Matt Bryden
#Ethiopia accuses #Eritrea of preparing for war as Red Sea tensions rise in a letter its Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos sent to the UN chief Antonio Guterres.
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of preparing for war as Red Sea tensions rise
Ethiopia has written to the UN, accusing Eritrea of "funding, mobilizing and directing armed groups" on its soil.
www.bbc.com
October 9, 2025 at 11:30 AM
#Somaliland’s Electoral Commission Wins Global Transparency Award in Botswana
"The award also underscores Somaliland’s growing reputation as a model of democratic governance in the Horn of Africa."
#elections #democracy
horndiplomat.com/2025/10/soma...
"The award also underscores Somaliland’s growing reputation as a model of democratic governance in the Horn of Africa."
#elections #democracy
horndiplomat.com/2025/10/soma...
Somaliland’s Electoral Commission Wins Global Transparency Award in Botswana
By: Mohamed Duale Gaborone, Botswana – Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) has received the Transparent Election Award in recognition of its credible and transparent management of the cou...
horndiplomat.com
October 6, 2025 at 11:46 AM
#Somaliland’s Electoral Commission Wins Global Transparency Award in Botswana
"The award also underscores Somaliland’s growing reputation as a model of democratic governance in the Horn of Africa."
#elections #democracy
horndiplomat.com/2025/10/soma...
"The award also underscores Somaliland’s growing reputation as a model of democratic governance in the Horn of Africa."
#elections #democracy
horndiplomat.com/2025/10/soma...
Reposted by Matt Bryden
Somalia’s opposition Salvation Forum, together with #Puntland & #Jubaland state leaders form the "Council for Somalia's Future", following talks in Nairobi.
They called for a national summit inside #Somalia to finalize the council & urged unity against threats to stability.
They called for a national summit inside #Somalia to finalize the council & urged unity against threats to stability.
October 2, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Reposted by Matt Bryden
Crisis Group warns looming electoral showdown could plunge #Somalia into fresh turmoil, calling urgent inclusive talks between stakeholders on 2026 vote rules — or risk a repeat of past violence and paralysis.
@comfortero.crisisgroup.org @crisisgroup.org
@comfortero.crisisgroup.org @crisisgroup.org
Electoral Showdown in Somalia: Averting Another Round of Turmoil | International Crisis Group
Political tensions are rising in Somalia. With elections due in 2026, politicians are arguing over the terms for the polls. The government and its opponents urgently need to compromise in order to sta...
www.crisisgroup.org
September 27, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Crisis Group warns looming electoral showdown could plunge #Somalia into fresh turmoil, calling urgent inclusive talks between stakeholders on 2026 vote rules — or risk a repeat of past violence and paralysis.
@comfortero.crisisgroup.org @crisisgroup.org
@comfortero.crisisgroup.org @crisisgroup.org
As President Hassan Sheikh attends UNGA this week without a much-needed Jubaland deal, and amid mounting AUSSOM debt and Al-Shabaab advances, Villa Somalia’s diplomacy looks adrift nine months into its UNSC tenure. Read more in our latest #Somalia #SomaliWire: sahan.global/issues/the-som
September 22, 2025 at 1:33 PM
As President Hassan Sheikh attends UNGA this week without a much-needed Jubaland deal, and amid mounting AUSSOM debt and Al-Shabaab advances, Villa Somalia’s diplomacy looks adrift nine months into its UNSC tenure. Read more in our latest #Somalia #SomaliWire: sahan.global/issues/the-som