The 11th Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Hansard Editors Association – Africa Region (CHEA-AR) opened in Accra, bringing together parliamentary delegates from 15 African nations, including a prominent delegation from the Republic of Somaliland. Led by Lawyer Abdirisaq Said Ayanle, Secretary-General of the Somaliland House of Representatives, the team included Awad Ali Mohamed (Director of Publicity), Abdinasir Osman Mohamud (Director of Drafting), and Hamse Mohamud Haji Muse (Director of the Budget Office).
The five-day event focuses on fostering collaboration among African parliaments and sharing best practices in legislative and parliamentary administration. Representatives from Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and host nation Ghana are in attendance, engaging in discussions to enhance parliamentary processes across the continent.
Somaliland’s participation marks a significant milestone in its ongoing pursuit of international recognition. Since reclaiming independence in 1991, Somaliland has made remarkable strides in peace building, governance, and democratic development. The CHEA-AR conference provides a vital platform for Somaliland to showcase these achievements and engage with global parliamentary leaders, reinforcing its diplomatic outreach.
Local Somaliland leaders and citizens expressed enthusiasm for the delegation’s attendance, viewing it as a critical step toward greater global acceptance. The warm reception from fellow delegates and opportunities to network with African and Commonwealth counterparts highlight Somaliland’s growing influence and potential as a stable partner in regional and international affairs.
As Somaliland continues its journey toward full international recognition, its active participation in events like the CHEA-AR conference strengthens parliamentary cooperation, promotes dialogue, and contributes to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. This engagement underscores Somaliland’s commitment to building a promising future on the global stage.