From prison to president: The extraordinary story of Somaliland’s nation builder

Former First Lady Kalttoum Egal reflects on her husband's legacy and explains why Somaliland thrives while neighbouring countries face crisis and chaos.

| February 19, 2026 | News Analysis | Be the first to comment

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Somaliland is a remarkable outlier in the Horn of Africa: a stable, democratic and safe region that is largely overlooked by the world.

During my recent visit, I spoke with Somaliland’s former First Lady, Kalttoum Egal, who offered a compelling insight into the country’s unique success.

Egal shared the story of her late husband, Egal Mohamed, who became the second president of Somaliland in 1993. “My husband, when he was 25, started politics. He worked tirelessly for Somaliland,” she said.

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Her husband’s political journey was fraught with peril. He held three ministerial posts in Somalia before resigning, became an opposition leader, and was jailed for 12 years following a military coup in 1969.

Egal emphasised her husband’s loyalty to his people. “He didn’t seek wealth from government ... he was very generous.” She noted his vision for international recognition, particularly from Israel.

When asked why Somaliland thrives while nearby regions struggle with extremism, Egal credited the local population. She noted that religion guides society, but political and social cohesion prevents radicalisation.

Somaliland may be largely overlooked internationally, but as Egal made clear, its security, democracy, and unique social cohesion offer lessons for the world ... and hope for a region long associated with conflict.

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Rebel News is sending reporter Avi Yemini and his cameraman Benji to Somaliland to report from the ground on one of the world’s most successful, and most ignored, democracies. For more than 30 years, Somaliland has remained peaceful, stable and self-governing, yet Western media and governments largely refuse to acknowledge it.

While failed states and extremist-backed regimes receive recognition, Somaliland is shut out. Avi will be there to speak directly to locals, leaders and everyday people, showing viewers what the establishment won’t: a functioning democracy in a volatile region that deserves to be heard.

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Avi Yemini

Chief Australian Correspondent

Avi Yemini is the Australia Bureau Chief for Rebel News. He's a former Israeli Defence Force marksman turned citizen journalist. Avi's most known for getting amongst the action and asking the tough questions in a way that brings a smile to your face.

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