HARGEISA, Somaliland — Somaliland’s Council of Ministers held its 71st session at the presidential palace on Thursday, with Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi chairing the meeting in his capacity as acting president.
The cabinet reviewed the country’s security situation, health services and a proposed national media policy, according to a statement issued after the meeting.
Security situation
Interior and National Security Minister Abdalle Mohamed Arab briefed the cabinet on the overall security situation, saying security across Somaliland remained stable and that there was no widespread unrest or instability in the regions.
He also updated ministers on ongoing efforts to strengthen peace, community relations and national security in the Awdal and Salel regions.
According to the minister, a government delegation of ministers and senior officials has been visiting western regions as part of efforts to advance peace and reconciliation initiatives.
He said communities in Awdal and Salel had expressed a strong desire for peace, coexistence and lasting stability, adding that a sustainable solution could be achieved through dialogue and community consensus.
Health services and medical infrastructure
Health Development Minister Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi briefed the cabinet on the overall state of health services and the ministry’s recent activities, including working visits to Togdheer and Saahil regions.
During his visit to Burco, the minister officially launched the second phase of the Better Life programme, which supports 28 health facilities in Togdheer, including hospitals and maternal and child health centres.
He also visited Berbera in Saahil region to assess healthcare services, existing needs and areas requiring further intervention.
The minister said his ministry had delivered CT-scan machines to Saahil and Sanaag, which he said would improve medical diagnosis and help address healthcare needs in the two regions.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s plans to expand healthcare services, strengthen medical infrastructure and improve access to quality healthcare across Somaliland’s regions and districts.
Cabinet reviews national media policy
Information, Culture and National Guidance Minister Barkhad Jama Hirsi (Batuun) presented the cabinet with an overview of the proposed National Media Policy.
He said the policy aims to promote a free, independent, responsible and professional media sector capable of responding to public needs and supporting Somaliland’s national objectives.
The minister said the Office of the Attorney General had determined that the proposed policy was consistent with the constitution and laws of Somaliland.
He also told ministers that the policy would seek to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the media, the public and government institutions, while contributing to national security and the protection of public morals.
The minister asked members of the Council of Ministers to review and discuss the draft National Media Policy.
