Nassir Hussein Kahin, at The Blogs

Oct 16, 2026, 7:28 PM

President Irro Came Home. Somaliland Heard His Case.

President Irro’s homecoming message connects Somaliland’s international recognition campaign with unity and national resolve. Original HOASR Infographic.

His speech connected the recognition campaign abroad with the concerns of the people waiting at home. For weeks, Somalilanders watched President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro move between foreign engagements while questions grew at home. What was the long absence achieving?...

Oct 14, 2026, 9:53 PM

Somaliland Leaders Built A Democracy. The World Keeps It Waiting

From dictatorship and destruction to reconciliation and constitutional government, Somaliland’s journey spans thirty-five years of self-government. Egal and the six presidents represent that institutional history, while the diplomatic metaphor challenges praise without recognition and reunion without consent. Credit: HOASR Original Infographics.

Egal’s legacy and the cost of praising self-government while withholding political standing Somaliland has spent thirty-five years building the institutions international diplomacy says it wants Africans to build. Its people negotiated peace, restored public administration and developed competitive elections. Governing...

Oct 13, 2026, 8:06 PM

Words Matter: Trump Opens the Somaliland Recognition Door

Trump’s public distinction gives Somaliland’s recognition campaign a new political opening. Credit: HOASR original infographics.

Trump’s distinction between Somaliland and Somalia—and his advice to change the name—give recognition advocates a sharper argument as Washington’s confidence in Mogadishu weakens. Donald Trump has given Somaliland’s recognition campaign more than a memorable rally quotation. By calling Somaliland “a...

Oct 12, 2026, 3:46 AM

Somaliland and the New Regional Containment Battle

An editorial illustration showing opposing strategy volumes, with regional containment facing Somaliland’s plans for recognition, security cooperation, banking, airspace and the Berbera corridor. Credit: HOASR original infographics.

Somalia: The Second Strategy For more than three decades, Mogadishu's main answer to Somaliland was legal and diplomatic. It invoked Somalia's internationally recognized borders, persuaded governments to avoid formal recognition and relied on the African Union, Arab League, Organization of...

Oct 11, 2026, 12:56 AM

Berbera Offers a Way Out of the Horn and Red Sea Confrontation

An infographic artwork placing Berbera at the center of a peaceful strategic response to maritime rivalry. The harbor, commercial shipping, open hands and olive-branch dove illustrate negotiated access, respect and cooperation across the Horn and Red Sea region. Credit: original HOASR infographic

A negotiated Ethiopian maritime outlet through Somaliland could reduce the danger of a wider regional war and turn Berbera into a foundation for cooperation and reciprocal recognition Berbera offers the Horn of Africa a practical way to reduce the danger...

Oct 10, 2026, 1:33 AM

From Peace Prize to Proxy War: How Ethiopia’s Old Enemies Changed Sides

A geopolitical infographic illustrating Ethiopia’s changing alliances, the aftermath of the Tigray War, Eritrea’s renewed role and the strategic importance of Assab, Berbera and Somaliland. Credit: Original HOASR Infographics

The political map of the Horn of Africa has not changed. The alliances on that map have. In 2020, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Amhara forces fought together against the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Today,...

Oct 8, 2026, 9:10 PM

After Alamein: Ethiopia Pushes Back as the Horn’s Rivalries Harden

Ethiopia faces growing pressure from the Alamein alignment as conflict in the north, Red Sea access and Berbera reshape the regional strategic map. Credit: HOASR original infographic illustration.

The October 4 summit at New Alamein was presented as regional consultation, but from Addis Ababa it looked like something more consequential. Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia placed three disputes that normally move on separate diplomatic tracks—the Nile, Red...

Oct 7, 2026, 6:58 PM

Berbera: Turning Red Sea Rivalry into Somaliland’s Strategic Power

Berbera’s port and Ethiopian corridor place Somaliland at the intersection of trade, maritime security and regional competition. Credit: HOASR Original Infographic.

As the Horn of Africa and West Asia become increasingly interconnected, Berbera gives Somaliland greater bargaining power. Its port, Ethiopian corridor and potential security partnerships offer an opportunity to turn competing foreign interests into lasting investment, diplomatic support and...

Oct 7, 2026, 2:54 AM

October 7: My Heart Stands with the People of Israel

Candles, white flowers and a yellow ribbon honour the victims of October 7 and express solidarity with survivors, their families and the people of Israel. Credit: Author original infographic artwork

Am Yisrael Chai — The People of Israel Live On this October 7, I offer my personal tribute to the people of Israel: to those mourning someone they loved, to survivors carrying memories they never chose, and to families whose...

Oct 6, 2026, 3:42 PM

El-Alamein’s Gamble: Ethiopia, Somaliland and the Berbera Option

Alamein’s Gamble: regional pressure and the prospects for closer Ethiopia–Somaliland cooperation. Credit: Original HOASR Infographic illustration.

The El Alamein summit may push Ethiopia and Somaliland closer together. Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan have joined their opposition to Somaliland’s recognition with demands over Nile waters and control of Red Sea affairs. Their declaration increases pressure on...

About Me

Nassir Hussein Kahin is a Hargeisa-based geopolitical analyst, educator, journalist, researcher and founder, managing editor and publisher of the independent Horn of Africa Strategic Review (HOASR). A former editor-in-chief of Somaliland Times and senior editor at African Times, he writes on Israel–Somaliland relations, Red Sea security, recognition diplomacy and strategic competition in the Horn of Africa. His articles examine diplomacy, security, regional integration, maritime strategy, international law, energy security, democracy, governance, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.

Contact Me