The Republic of Somaliland has once again turned the spotlight on one of its greatest national strengths—its global diaspora. With the official launch of the 7th Somaliland Diaspora Week in Hargeisa, the government reaffirmed that Somalilanders living abroad are not merely supporters from afar but indispensable partners in the country’s democratic journey, economic transformation, and international aspirations.
The five-day national conference, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, opened with a powerful message: Somaliland’s future will be built through stronger collaboration between the government and its citizens across the world.
A National Gathering of Leaders and the Diaspora
The opening ceremony brought together President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), Speaker of the House of Representatives Yasin Haji Mohamoud, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Aden, Hargeisa Mayor Eng. Abdikarim Mohamed Farah (Wiiwaa), WADDANI Party Chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, cabinet ministers, the Ambassador of Taiwan, business leaders, members of the Somaliland diaspora, and numerous distinguished guests.
Their attendance reflected the importance the Somaliland government places on strengthening ties with its citizens abroad and integrating their expertise into the country’s development agenda.
A Conference with a New Vision
Welcoming participants, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan explained that this year’s conference marks a significant departure from previous editions.
Rather than being confined to one city, the 2026 Diaspora Week will be held across Hargeisa, Borama, and Burao over five days, creating broader opportunities for engagement between diaspora communities, government institutions, local businesses, and regional administrations.
He emphasized that the conference is designed to generate practical ideas for enhancing cooperation between Somaliland and its diaspora while creating an environment that encourages investment and long-term partnerships.
Importantly, he noted that diaspora affairs should never be viewed as the responsibility of a single ministry.
“Many government institutions are participating in this Diaspora Week Conference. The objective is to demonstrate that diaspora affairs are not the responsibility of one ministry or one department alone. Rather, they are a national priority requiring coordination and cooperation at both national and local levels.”
Recognizing a Historic Contribution
The Director General praised the Somaliland diaspora for its unwavering commitment throughout every stage of the nation’s modern history.
Whether during the liberation struggle, the peacebuilding process, post-war reconstruction, state-building, or the establishment of Somaliland’s democratic institutions, Somalilanders abroad have consistently stood alongside their homeland.
He described the diaspora as a community that has never lost its connection to the country, regardless of where its members now live.
President Irro: “You Are Not Guests”
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) delivered one of the day’s most memorable messages by reminding participants that the diaspora remains an inseparable part of Somaliland.
Expressing his appreciation to everyone who attended the conference, he thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and particularly its Diaspora Department for organizing the event.
Addressing Somalilanders living abroad directly, the President declared:
“I thank all members of the diaspora who have attended this conference. It gives me great pleasure to participate in this important gathering organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially the Diaspora Department. To our diaspora, I say: You are not guests.”
The statement drew attention to the government’s intention to treat diaspora engagement as an enduring partnership rather than an occasional consultation.
The Diaspora’s Golden Chapter
President Irro stressed that Somaliland’s modern history cannot be written without acknowledging the extraordinary sacrifices and support provided by its diaspora.
He recalled that during the liberation struggle they served as the nation’s primary source of assistance, and after Somaliland restored its independence, they became a lifeline for displaced families and communities rebuilding their lives.
“The Somaliland diaspora occupies a golden chapter in the modern history of our nation. During the liberation struggle, they were our primary source of every kind of support. After we regained our freedom, when many people were displaced, it was their assistance and solidarity that helped sustain the nation.”
The President also encouraged Somalilanders abroad to expand their investments at home, emphasizing that economic participation remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen national development.
Foreign Minister Highlights the Diaspora’s Strategic Role
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Aden praised the Ministry’s Diaspora Department for successfully organizing the conference and expressed gratitude to President Irro for his steadfast support in ensuring its success.
He described the Somaliland diaspora as one of the country’s greatest strategic assets.
According to the Minister, Somalilanders abroad contribute far beyond family remittances. They play a vital role in financing infrastructure, stimulating economic growth, promoting investment, advocating internationally for Somaliland’s recognition, and defending the country’s national interests on the global stage.
From Remittances to Investment
Unlike many conferences focused primarily on ceremonial speeches, the first day of the event placed significant emphasis on practical policy discussions.
Participants took part in two major panel discussions addressing key development challenges:
- How diaspora contributions can be transformed into a long-term strategic framework for sustainable national development.
- How remittances sent by Somalilanders abroad can increasingly become productive investments that create businesses, jobs, and economic growth within Somaliland.
The discussions encouraged participants to apply the professional expertise, education, innovation, and international experience they have gained abroad toward transforming Somaliland’s economy and society.
Building the Next Chapter Together
The first day concluded in an atmosphere of optimism and constructive dialogue, setting the stage for further discussions during the remaining days of the conference in Hargeisa, Borama, and Burao.
As Somaliland continues pursuing economic development and greater international engagement, the 7th Somaliland Diaspora Week reflects a broader national vision—one in which the diaspora is recognized not only for its past sacrifices but also as a central partner in shaping the country’s future.
The conference sends a clear message that Somaliland views its global citizens as an enduring pillar of nation-building, whose investment, advocacy, expertise, and commitment remain essential to the Republic’s continued progress.