By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Head of the Diaspora Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Ms. Ugbaad Nasir Cumar, who is currently on an official visit to European countries, held a meeting tonight, April 26, 2025, with members of the Somaliland diaspora community organizations and intellectuals residing in Germany and Belgium.
The meeting, which focused on awareness-raising, collaboration, and information exchange, took place in the city of Neuss in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany. It was attended by selected representatives from Somaliland community organizations and intellectuals in Germany and Belgium, who warmly welcomed the visit of the Head of the Diaspora Affairs Department.
Ms. Ugbaad first expressed her gratitude to the diaspora for welcoming her in Germany and commended the visible cooperation and unity between the two communities. She emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among the diaspora in strengthening their internal cohesion and contributing to the development of Somaliland, their homeland. Therefore, she stressed the need to reinforce community cohesion, avoid tribalism and anything that divides society, and remain vigilant against the schemes of enemies.
She provided updates on the new efforts and accelerated work being undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation regarding diaspora affairs and strengthening ties with Somaliland communities abroad. These efforts align with the “Partnership & Action”policy of the Somaliland government, championed by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro). She highlighted that the diaspora will play a significant role in the ministry’s upcoming programs, including:
– The National Diaspora Policy of Somaliland , which will soon be unveiled.
– The establishment of the Somaliland Diaspora Trust Fund, which will be announced shortly.
– The formation of the Diaspora Advisory Council, expected in the medium-term plan.
– The Diaspora Welcome Desk at Egal Airport, ensuring smooth services for returning diaspora members.
She added that the Diaspora Affairs Department office at the ministry will serve as a hub for efficiently supporting Somaliland’s diaspora.
The Head of the Department called on the Somaliland communities in Germany and the broader global diaspora to formally register their associations with the governments of their host countries. This initiative, known as the formation & Reorganization of Associations Initiative,” is currently being strongly encouraged by the Diaspora Affairs Department. It is the best way to enhance the organization, unity, and effectiveness of diaspora communities, as well as to establish structured collaboration between the department and the communities. She also noted that Germany is a key country with strong cooperation ties to Somaliland and hosts a significant Somaliland diaspora population.
Among the most important messages shared by the Head of the Diaspora Department was encouraging the diaspora to ensure that celebrations of restoration of Somaliland Independence Day (May 18) include events that motivate the participation of diaspora-born children, fostering a connection to their homeland’s historical legacy.
On the other hand, members of the active youth, intellectuals, and elders of the Somaliland communities in Germany and Belgium also spoke at the meeting. These included Farhaan Abdullahi, Hamse Baashe, Zakariye Ali Hashi, Abdinasir Ali Farah, Mahmoud Sayid, and the leadership of the Somaliland community in Belgium, particularly Omar Jama Warsame, Ahmed Gaaxnuug Xandulle, Muse Abdi Meecaad, and Mustafe AbdiKarin Ali (Mustafe Future), who effectively facilitated the meeting’s program.
The community leaders and representatives from both communities welcomed the accelerated efforts of the Diaspora Affairs Department at the ministry, as well as the historic appointment of a diaspora woman to this leadership role for the first time. They unanimously spoke on the value of unity and collaboration for the community. They also praised and expressed enthusiasm for the plan to establish the Diaspora Trust Fund, stating that there is a great need for a secure and trusted system through which they can contribute their expertise and resources to the nation’s development.
In particular, the Somaliland Community Committee in Belgium advised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland to strengthen the Somaliland Office in Brussels, Belgium, which serves as the headquarters of the European Union.
“Together we achieve success.”
