The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), today presided over the 26th session of the Council of Ministers.
Held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, the session was convened with the Vice President, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, and brought together senior members of the Cabinet to assess the state of the nation, evaluate sectoral performance, and direct policy priorities for the second half of the year.
From national security and healthcare equity to economic reform and climate impact, the meeting addressed the cross-cutting challenges facing the country — and reinforced the government’s commitment to results-driven governance rooted in discipline, service, and integrity.
DETAILED AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
1. Security and National Stability:
The Minister of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, delivered a situational overview, reporting that the general security environment remains calm and stable. He confirmed that beyond day-to-day criminal activity and road incidents, the country has seen no significant disruptions or civil unrest.
2. Fiscal Performance, Tax Reform, and Economic Stability:
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Aden, presented a robust mid-year financial review. He confirmed Somaliland’s revenue performance remains on track, driven in part by the successful rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), now implemented across telecommunications firms at a uniform 5% rate. Consumers are receiving full disclosure of these charges via SMS receipts.
3. Bridging Healthcare Gaps in Selel Region:
Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, gave an urgent update on the state of healthcare in the Selel region. He identified pressing shortages in medical staff, equipment, and emergency response capacity.
4. Free Press, Responsible Journalism, and State Engagement:
A joint statement was presented by the Ministers of Information (Hon. Ahmed-Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle), the Presidency (Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi), and Justice (Hon. Yoonis Ahmed Yoonis), examining the evolving relationship between government and the media.
The Cabinet reaffirmed its constitutional duty to uphold freedom of expression while encouraging a culture of responsibility, professionalism, and ethical standards within the independent media sector.
5. International Trade and Strategic Market Engagement:
The Minister of Trade and Tourism, Hon. Abdirahman Hassan Nuur, briefed the Council on ongoing efforts to expand Somaliland’s global trade footprint. He reported on recent missions aimed at strengthening ties with regional neighbors and Gulf countries, as well as efforts to monitor critical commodity prices — especially fuel and imported goods.
6. Drought Conditions and National Response Planning:
A joint report was delivered by the Minister of Livestock & Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Omar Shucayb Mohamed, and the Minister of Resettlement & Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Saleeban Ducaale Jama. The report detailed the growing severity of drought conditions from east to west, the toll on rural communities and livestock, and gaps in humanitarian relief.
