From the rugged highlands of Sanaag to the deep waters of the Makhir Coast, this documentary uncovers one of the Horn of Africa’s most dramatic untold stories.
Neglect and Betrayal: For decades, the Warsangali heartland was sidelined—left with the lowest access to electricity, clean water, and sanitation in all of Puntland. Roads promised were never built. Schools remain overcrowded, or exist only because of diaspora funding.
Hidden Riches: Beneath this forgotten land lies extraordinary mineral wealth. From gold and copper to lithium and rare earths, surveys have estimated deposits worth $907 billion—more than 100x Somalia’s GDP.
Conflict and Exploitation: In 2006, Australian firm Range Resources sparked the infamous Majiyahan conflict—workers fleeing as militias clashed with Puntland forces. Today, new players like the UAE’s Euro Mark Group are back, mapping resources and deploying security units. The fear? A repeat of history—foreign powers profiting while local communities remain excluded.
Politics and Power: Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has promised roads, security, and development to Warsangali elders. But allegations of corruption, khat monopolies, and militarized campaigns in Cal Madow reveal a state struggling with legitimacy.
Global Lessons: From the Niger Delta to Congo’s cobalt mines, the world has seen this story before—where resource wealth fuels division instead of prosperity. Will Sanaag become another cautionary tale?The film ends with a historic moment: Range Resources executives meeting with Puntland President Ade Muse, TFG President Abdullahi Yusuf, and corporate leaders. A deal that was supposed to bring investment instead became a symbol of promises broken.
Who truly owns the riches of Sanaag? And who pays the price when foreign ambitions collide with local neglect?⸻
