2019 in Somaliland was characterized by ongoing efforts toward international recognition, internal political debates regarding electoral processes, and significant infrastructure developments centered on the port of Berbera.
Politics and Governance
The year was marked by political tension regarding the scheduling of parliamentary and local council elections. Originally anticipated to take place in late 2019, the elections were postponed following a lack of consensus between the ruling Kulmiye party and the opposition parties, Waddani and UCID. The primary points of contention involved the composition and mandate of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). In November 2019, the House of Elders (Guurti) officially extended the term of the parliament, moving the electoral timeline further back.
Foreign Relations
Somaliland continued to seek international diplomatic engagement independently of the Federal Government of Somalia. In July 2019, President Muse Bihi Abdi conducted an official visit to Guinea. This visit prompted the Federal Government of Somalia to sever diplomatic ties with Guinea, asserting that the reception of the Somaliland delegation as a sovereign entity violated Somalia’s sovereignty.
Tensions also remained high between Somaliland and the neighboring semi-autonomous state of Puntland over the disputed regions of Sool and Sanaag. While large-scale military engagements were limited compared to previous years, the standoff at Tukaraq persisted throughout the year.
Economy and Infrastructure
Economic activity in 2019 remained focused on the development of the Berbera Port. The expansion project, managed by the Emirati logistics company DP World, aimed to position the port as a regional maritime hub and a primary gateway for landlocked Ethiopia. Construction on the Berbera Corridor—a highway connecting the port to the Ethiopian border—commenced in early 2019, funded largely by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
Human Rights and Society
International human rights organizations reported concerns regarding freedom of expression in Somaliland during 2019. Reports indicated the temporary closure of several independent television stations and the arrest of journalists and social media activists. Additionally, the region faced environmental challenges, as periodic droughts continued to impact pastoralist communities, which form the backbone of the local livestock-based economy.
