Yesterday’s election of the University of Hargeisa’s President, Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Sulub, as Chair of the Board of Directors for SomaliREN—a network purportedly coordinating universities in “Somalia”—has sent shockwaves across Somaliland. The move, seen by many as a blatant contradiction to Somaliland’s steadfast commitment to sovereignty, has sparked widespread criticism from citizens, academics, and political analysts alike.
The Council also elected the Rector of SIMAD University, Dr. Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed, and the Rector of East Africa University, Dr. Abdirazak Mohamud Takar, as Deputy Chairs of the Board of Directors.
Since reclaiming its independence in 1991, Somaliland has functioned as a self-sustaining, democratic, and stable entity—unlike its erstwhile partners in the failed union of 1960-1990. While Somalia was mired in lawlessness, autocracy, and political instability, Somaliland has successfully built state institutions, held democratic elections, and maintained relative peace. Its people have consistently fought to safeguard their sovereignty, resisting any attempts to be dragged back into the chaotic orbit of Mogadishu’s administration.
Clear Contradiction
Against this backdrop, the decision by the Rector of the University of Hargeisa to engage with SomaliREN raises serious concerns. SomaliREN, by design, appears to be an initiative intended to create a centralized academic framework that aligns universities across Somalia and Somaliland under one umbrella. This move is widely perceived as a stealthy effort, backed by the Somali federal government, to erode Somaliland’s hard-won independence.
Critics argue that Dr. Sulub’s acceptance of the Chair position signals tacit approval of an agenda that undermines Somaliland’s sovereignty. Moreover, his collaboration with institutions like SIMAD University and East Africa University—both known for their anti-Somaliland stance—further exacerbates concerns that this is part of a broader scheme orchestrated by Mogadishu to blur the lines of Somaliland’s independence.
Public Backlash
The reaction to this development has been swift and fierce. Numerous Somalilanders have taken to social media to express their outrage. Some of the most striking comments include:
- “A new tactic from the weak and failed administration of Italian Somalia by introducing #SomaliREN that represents and unifies all universities in ‘Somalia.’”
- “The president of @hargeisaunivers violated Somaliland’s sovereignty in terms of this.”
- “I strongly condemn and it is very sad and surprising that the University of Hargeisa appears in the university system of the weak administration of Somalia. Therefore, we must protest and oppose this issue of bad labor.”
- “Sometimes, I find myself wondering—what percentage of the people living in #Somaliland truly believe in the Somaliland cause?”
The backlash has not been limited to online discussions. Nasir M. Ali, a respected academic, formally resigned from his position as Director of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Hargeisa, citing this development as a major factor. His resignation underscores the gravity of the situation and serves as a strong indictment of the University’s leadership for its perceived betrayal of Somaliland’s national interests.
A Stealthy Strategy
This is not the first time Somaliland-based universities have participated in Somali government-led initiatives. Just last year, several institutions took part in a curriculum forum held in Mogadishu, organized by Somalia’s Ministry of Education. These incremental steps raise red flags about a systematic effort to integrate Somaliland’s academic institutions into Somalia’s framework. The concern is that these seemingly benign collaborations are part of a broader strategy to slowly dissolve Somaliland’s independent identity, making it easier for Mogadishu to claim administrative control over its institutions.
These developments indicate that some Somaliland officials have been covertly working with the so-called SomaliREN over which the Somalia Federal Government loomed. A few of the latest SomliREN operations on Somaliland soil include:
- In 2024, the Somalia Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education successfully implemented the HEMIS (Higher Education Management Information System), a modern program designed to streamline the governance of higher education institutions. Within just one year, 125 universities registered in the system, including 15 from Somaliland, highlighting a covert integration effort.
- On February 9, a two-day training session was completed in Burao, enhancing the technical skills of staff at the University of Burao, a SomaliREN member institution. The training covered advanced network management and key SomaliREN services such as Somali Research and Education Repository (SORER), SomaliREN Identity Federation (SIF), eduroam, EduVPN, and other digital infrastructures aligned with Somalia’s academic vision.
- On January 3, a modern education methods training session was conducted at Nugaal University in Las Anod, with over 60 instructors participating. The event was led by SomaliREN’s leadership and focused on improving teaching techniques, classroom behavior, and modern pedagogical approaches.
- On January 1, another training workshop on advanced teaching and higher education strategies was launched in Las Anod, hosted by Nugaal University—a SomaliREN-affiliated institution. The training was attended by more than 60 lecturers, reinforcing SomaliREN’s deepening influence within Somaliland’s academic circles.
- On February 11, a two-day workshop was held in Borama, engaging ICT units, computing faculty members, and librarians from Amoud University. The workshop covered Network Operations and SomaliREN Services, further integrating Somaliland’s academic infrastructure into the broader Somalia-led education framework. Notably, the event was officially opened by Prof. Hamud Barkhadle, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, signaling high-level participation in this controversial initiative.
These incremental steps raise red flags about a systematic effort to integrate Somaliland’s academic institutions into Somalia’s framework. The concern is that these seemingly benign collaborations are part of a broader strategy to slowly dissolve Somaliland’s independent identity, making it easier for Mogadishu to claim administrative control over its institutions.
Observers have pointed out that SomaliREN’s leadership election was conducted in a manner that seemingly crowned Dr. Sulub to implicitly validate its authority over Somaliland’s academic institutions. This maneuvering demonstrates how Somalia’s federal government continuously seeks to reassert influence over Somaliland, despite having no legal or political legitimacy to do so.
In Defense of Sovereignty
This latest incident highlights the need for a firm response from Somaliland’s government and academic institutions. There must be clear policies prohibiting Somaliland universities from participating in any forums that threaten the republic’s sovereignty. Institutions must uphold the values of independence and self-determination that Somalilanders have fought for over the past three decades.
Moreover, public awareness and activism are critical. Somaliland’s citizens must continue to hold leaders accountable and push for greater institutional discipline in safeguarding the nation’s interests. The government must take a firm stance against any attempts—overt or covert—to integrate Somaliland’s systems into Somalia’s collapsing administration.
The University of Hargeisa’s involvement in SomaliREN represents more than just an academic collaboration—it is a political misstep that risks undermining Somaliland’s long-standing struggle for international recognition. It is a reminder that vigilance and unity are essential in the face of ongoing attempts to reverse Somaliland’s independence.
At a time when Somalia is leaving no stone unturned to completely obliterate the ‘Somaliland’ name from the surface of the earth, it is not only inopportune but utterly foolhardy for Somalilanders to assist Somalians in any way to succeed in this gross flagrancy and obsession against everything ‘Somaliland’.
The people of Somaliland have spoken, and their message is clear: the sovereignty of Somaliland is not up for negotiation, not even under the guise of academic cooperation.
