Somaliland Archives

NIMD supports the establishment of the first ever Gender Department in Somaliland Parliament

Published on 11-12-2025

Reading time 1 mins

In a historic milestone for gender equality and inclusive governance in Somaliland, NIMD has supported the House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland in establishing its first ever Gender Department. Launched in Hargeisa on 17 September 2025, the Gender Advisory Office represents a major step towards ensuring that the legislative processes and decisions of the Parliament meaningfully reflect women’s voices and perspectives. Between now and 2027, the Gender Advisory Office will work on four key priorities: Enhancing women’s participation in political leadership. Strengthening accountability and transparency within legislative institutions. Passing laws that safeguard women’s constitutional rights. Fostering collaboration among…

Aan wadahadalno waa aan heshiino – Let’s talk

Published on 05-02-2025

Reading time 3 mins

Facilitating Dialogue in Somaliland "Somaliland or generally Somalis have a culture of dialogue. There is a Somali proverb, Aan wadahadalno waa aan heshiino, literally meaning, let us talk, means let us reconcile our differences. "So, it is part of the Somali culture to talk to each other and have dialogue." Abdijalil Tahir NIMD Somalia Country Director - shares, "dialogue is not something new in the Somali culture, so as NIMD we play a facilitating role." We bring together politicians across the political spectrum. We work on democratic culture, promoting democratic values through outreach and public engagement. Somaliland, however, is steeped…

African elections show democracy should not be taken for granted

Published on 10-08-2024

Reading time 4 mins

This article is reposted from Al Jazeera where NIMD's Tayuh Ngenge, Theme Lead Strengthening Democratic Infrastructure shares his analysis on the 2024 African Elections, where some polls are giving hope, and others raise alarm. Rwanda’s Paul Kagame has won a landslide victory in the presidential elections held on July 15. His Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) party also emerged victorious in the legislative vote, retaining its parliamentary majority. With more than 99 percent of the vote in Kagame’s favour, this presidential election appears to be a repeat of the previous three, where the incumbent secured expected victories. Kagame’s re-election unfolds against a…

Africa’s 2024 elections landscape: A mid-year stocktake

Published on 06-06-2024

Reading time 4 mins

By Tayuh Ngenge, NIMD's Strengthening Democratic Infrastructure theme lead Announced as a super elections year (IPU), 2024 is a year of major electoral events, including in at least 17 countries in Africa. Halfway through the year, presidential elections have taken place in the Comoros (January), Senegal (March), Chad and South Africa (May). At least 13 more countries are expected to organise presidential elections between June and December where incumbents will either retain or cede power to newcomers. The Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani and Chad’s President Mahamat Deby, both characters with a military pedigree, were re-elected amidst widespread and sometimes…