A former explorer and heritage site investigator has raised alarm over the accelerating decay of the Republic of Somaliland’s ancient archaeological and tourism sites, accusing successive administrations of mismanagement and neglect.
Mohamed Abdi Ali, the Hargeisa-based ex-exploration officer, was the first person to discover the ancient rock art site of Laas Geel and more than 250 other heritage locations scattered across various regions of Somaliland.
Unfortunately, the individual who possessed the deepest expertise on the country’s archaeological sites and their locations was not appointed as the primary official responsible for heritage protection and as the leading expert in the field. Instead, he was forcibly retired from the position he held some time back and replaced by people who have no knowledge whatsoever of the heritage sites or any experience regarding the locations where they are situated.
In a public statement addressed to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the Hargeisa-based cultural headquarters, and the House of Representatives, Mohamed Abdi Ali claims Somaliland possesses more than 250 significant heritage and tourism locations. These include rare archaeological remains, extinct bird species that survive only in Somaliland, unique plant life unknown elsewhere in the world, pristine white-sand beaches, mountainous landscapes, and healthy natural environments.
According to Ali, during the presidency of Dahir Riyale Kahin (2003–2010), approximately 60 key sites across the country were assigned dedicated guards. Over the intervening years, however, many of those personnel have either passed away or reached advanced age, and replacements have been inadequate, he alleges.
The former official further states that more than 20 guards have recently been retired under the current administration, He describes the affected workers as now “wandering in confusion,” warning that the unprotected sites will soon suffer irreversible damage.
Ali holds Civil Service Commission—accountable for what he calls a “crime” against Somaliland’s cultural and natural patrimony. He asserts that the past 32 years of independence have seen repeated warnings ignored, and that serious loss of heritage and tourism assets could occur within a very short time if urgent protective measures are not taken.
The statement concludes with an appeal to relevant ministries and parliament to intervene immediately to safeguard the country’s irreplaceable historical and ecological assets.
No immediate official response from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism or the Somaliland government had been issued at the time of publication.