A recent decision by Hargeisa University to join a network of government universities under Somalia has sparked debate, as Somaliland continues to assert its independence from Mogadishu.
The network, based in Somalia’s capital, announced that the President of Hargeisa University has been elected as its new leader, a move that some see as a practical step for securing funding and training opportunities. However, for many in Somaliland, it raises concerns about sovereignty and national identity.
“This decision contradicts Somaliland’s position as an independent nation,” said a university professor who requested anonymity. “We have no political or institutional ties with Somalia, so why should our national university be part of a Somali government-led network?”
Despite the controversy, Somaliland’s government has yet to release an official statement. Sources close to The Africa Plus+ indicate that the university president saw the move as a way to access financial support and academic programs that could benefit students and faculty.
As reactions unfold, the decision highlights ongoing complexities in Somaliland-Somalia relations, where political, economic, and educational interests often intersect in unexpected ways.
