Hargeisa, Somaliland: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland has formally appointed Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, as Special Advisor for International Cooperation & Media Diplomacy, marking a notable milestone in Somaliland’s evolving approach to international engagement and strategic communication.
The appointment was confirmed through an official authorization issued on 15 January 2026, signed by Director General Shuab Osman Mohamoud, and assigns Afzal an honorary and consultative role to be carried out in close coordination with the Ministry.
A Historic Milestone in International Advisory Appointments
The appointment is widely being viewed as historic, as it positions Abdul Rafay Afzal among the youngest individuals ever appointed as a high-level advisor to a government in Somaliland, and one of the youngest advisory appointments in Africa involving an international mandate.
It also marks a significant first for Pakistan: Afzal becomes the youngest Pakistani to be appointed by a foreign government to a senior advisory role at the ministerial level, reflecting growing recognition of young policy professionals from the Global South in international governance and diplomacy.
Officials familiar with the decision said the appointment reflects institutional confidence in professional merit rather than nationality or age, underscoring Somaliland’s openness to global expertise and modern diplomatic practices.
Strategic International Outreach
In his capacity as Special Advisor, Afzal is authorized to support the Ministry’s international cooperation strategy, including engagement with foreign governments, diplomatic missions, development partners, multinational corporations, investors, and international media organizations.
His mandate also includes participation in international conferences and policy forums, advising on global best practices, and supporting strategic media diplomacy aimed at promoting Somaliland’s energy and minerals sector to international audiences.
An International Media and Policy Profile
Abdul Rafay Afzal is a Pakistani international journalist, lawyer, and global affairs analyst/advisor. As Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, he has overseen coverage on international law, diplomacy, governance, and geopolitics, with correspondents and contributors operating across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The Advocate Post has interviewed ministers, governors, diplomats, and senior officials from multiple regions, establishing itself as a growing international platform for policy-focused journalism.
Afzal has been actively engaged in tier II diplomatic and institutional exchanges and has previously held meetings with senior Somaliland officials during visits to Hargeisa, focusing on cooperation, development narratives, and international communication strategies. Moreover he is a Lawyer, President (Youth) Civil Society Network Pakistan and Consultant for International Cooperation and Media Diplomacy for Lahore Press Club
Somaliland’s Broader Vision
Analysts view the appointment as part of Somaliland’s broader effort to strengthen its international visibility through non-traditional diplomacy, professional media engagement, and globally connected advisory support.
By engaging internationally active professionals, Somaliland aims to more effectively communicate its policy priorities, investment opportunities, and institutional progress to global audiences.
Looking Ahead
In his new role, Afzal is expected to contribute to advancing Somaliland’s international partnerships, supporting strategic communication initiatives, and reinforcing constructive engagement between Somaliland and the global community.
The appointment reflects a growing trend toward youth-inclusive, expertise-driven governance, positioning Somaliland as an outward-looking administration willing to embrace global perspectives in pursuit of its long-term development goals.
