The Advocate Post: In an engagement, H.E. Mohamed Hassan Daoud (Galool), Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Russian Federation, met with Abdul Rafay Afzal, a distinguished global affairs strategist, Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, President (Youth) of Civil Society Network Pakistan, international journalist, lawyer, and policy advisor in a private hotel in Hargeisa. The meeting focused on Somalia’s geopolitical challenges, regional dynamics, and pathways to sustainable peace in the Horn of Africa.
Key Discussion Points
The dialogue covered critical issues shaping Somalia’s future and its regional relations:
– Security and State-Building: Assessing progress against Al-Shabaab and stabilization efforts
– Horn of Africa Geopolitics: Red Sea security, Gulf rivalries, and great power competition
– Somalia-Somaliland Relations: Exploring peaceful resolution frameworks and fundamental differences
– Russia-Africa Relations: Potential areas for bilateral cooperation
Ambassador Galool emphasized:
“Somalia remains committed to dialogue and unity while safeguarding our sovereignty. The Federal Government continues to pursue inclusive solutions to our nation’s challenges.”
Expert Perspectives on Regional Stability
Abdul Rafay Afzal, whose work bridges policy analysis and conflict resolution, shared insights:
“The Horn of Africa represents one of the world’s most complex geopolitical puzzles. Either Somalia or Somaliland, stability is crucial not just for East Africa but for global trade routes and counterterrorism efforts. Constructive diplomacy and multilateral engagement must be prioritized
https://theadvocatepost.org/blog/2025/05/17/somaliland-diaspora-department-meet-editor-in-chief-abdul-rafay-afzal-to-discuss-global-engagement/The meeting also examined:✔️ Economic development opportunities in post-conflict Somalia✔️ Youth empowerment as a stabilization tool✔️ International law perspectives on territorial disputes
Why This Meeting Matters
As a prominent voice in global affairs, Afzal’s engagement with Somali diplomats signals growing international attention on:
1) Conflict resolution approaches in divided states
2) Russia’s evolving role in African geopolitics
3) Civil society’s importance in peace-building
