Hargeisa -The 23rd session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), convened today at the Somaliland Presidential Palace.
Key agenda items discussed included:
National Security and Stability Briefing:
Minister of Interior and Security, Mr. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, reported sustained security and political stability across all six regions of the country. He emphasized that traffic accidents remain a national crisis, representing the leading cause of fatalities nationwide. The Minister urged the development of a comprehensive national strategy to reduce road accidents.
Finance, Revenue, and Economic Activity Report:
Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Abdullahi Hassan, highlighted a significant increase in commercial activity and market transactions, reflecting public confidence in the new government’s economic policies. To boost national revenue, the Ministry has reviewed and reassessed key tax streams, including:
1. Payroll Income Tax;
2. Rental Income Tax;
3. Business Income Tax;
4. Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The Minister assured the Council of continued growth in revenue collection efficiency.
National Health Situation Update:
Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, provided an overview of the country’s health sector, confirming no emergent health crises or public complaints. Measles vaccination and infant immunization campaigns are progressing as planned. The Ministry is also actively implementing the Somaliland Child Nutrition Program.
Ministry of Religion and Endowments Briefing:
Minister of Religion and Endowments, Sheikh Abdullahi-Bashe Dahir Jama, outlined the Ministry’s critical role in coordinating with all religious scholars across denominations*. He stressed the Ministry’s responsibility in:
– Public awareness campaigns;
– Upholding core societal values (strengthening faith, countering harmful rhetoric threatening national security/unity);
– Addressing unethical conduct on social media, proposing a unified government response
Since Eritrea’s secession in 1993, Ethiopia has endured the geopolitical challenge of becoming a landlocked country, severed from direct access to the Red Sea. Consequently, Addis Ababa has relied overwhelmingly on neighboring ports – most notably Djibouti’s, which facilitates over 90% of Ethiopia’s foreign trade. This structural dependency has naturally galvanized Ethiopia’s enduring pursuit of diversified and secure sovereign sea access, an imperative that transcends transient political agendas to embody a generational strategic necessity shaped by centuries of historical experience alongside pressing economic and security imperatives.
The absence of a maritime harbor is widely regarded as a formidable impediment to Ethiopia’s aspiration to reclaim its rightful place within Africa’s geopolitical and economic spheres and on the broader global stage. The pursuit of sovereign maritime access is thus not merely a government initiative but a deeply entrenched national concern. The loss of coastline following Eritrea’s independence and the contemporary international response – or lack thereof – toward Ethiopia’s status as a landlocked nation has been broadly perceived as inequitable. Ethiopia’s quest is both legitimate and justifiable, driven by the needs of its vast population and an economy reliant on stable and sustainable access to international trade corridors.
Against this backdrop, Ethiopia has proactively sought to expand its maritime gateways beyond Djibouti, exemplified most notably by the January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland to develop the Berbera port. In response, Djibouti’s subsequent offer of maritime access to Port Tadjourah has been widely interpreted as largely symbolic, lacking substantive commitment to alleviating Addis Ababa’s logistical and strategic concerns. This juxtaposition of a concrete Ethiopian initiative with a largely performative Djiboutian response has only served to exacerbate bilateral tensions, prompting vociferous opposition and outright rejection from Djibouti’s leadership.
Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s recent public statements, in which he equated Ethiopia’s maritime initiatives to acts of territorial encroachment, epitomize a defensive posture that prioritizes exclusion and sovereignty in a manner that precludes constructive regional collaboration. This hardline rhetoric starkly contradicts the realities of regional interdependence and economic symbiosis that define the Djibouti-Ethiopia relationship.
Compounding this contradiction is Djibouti’s simultaneous rejection of Ethiopia’s naval base requests alongside its hosting of numerous foreign military installations from global powers including the United States, China, France, Japan, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. These foreign bases yield hundreds of millions of dollars annually in rents, conferring economic stability and diplomatic leverage that far exceed Djibouti’s demographic and geographic scale. The selective denial of Ethiopia’s far more modest and regionally vital requests underscores a nuanced and politically expedient interpretation of sovereignty – one that appears to privilege the interests and preferences of external actors over equitable, regionally grounded partnerships.
This irony is further heightened considering Ethiopia’s pivotal contribution to Djibouti’s economy, accounting for approximately 95% of the port traffic through the Ethio-Djibouti corridor, which serves as the principal trading artery for the entire Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region. While this symbiotic economic relationship generates substantial revenue for Djibouti, the country remains reliant on Ethiopia for critical resources such as water and electricity – testament to a profound mutual interdependence. Yet, Djibouti’s leadership persistently dismisses Ethiopia’s proposals for sovereign corridors and naval facilities, framing them as existential threats rather than opportunities for cooperative development. This stance diverges sharply from established international precedents, where neighboring states have navigated complex maritime access arrangements through mature diplomacy and mutual accommodation, avoiding analogies that misconstrue rights as aggression.
President Guelleh’s oft-repeated assertion that “Djibouti is not Crimea” is a disingenuous and misleading comparison. Ethiopia’s pursuit is one of peaceful, legitimate sovereign access to the sea from a long-standing neighbor – an inalienable right for a nation of Ethiopia’s size, historical stature, and economic weight. Djibouti’s selective sovereignty narrative elevates short-term economic gains derived from foreign military presence above the strategic necessities and regional stability benefits that Ethiopia’s aspirations could bring. This interpretation not only exaggerates the threat posed by Ethiopia’s legitimate ambitions but also undermines Djibouti’s own foreign policy commitments to neutrality and regional cooperation.
Moreover, Ethiopia’s proposal for a sovereign corridor linking its border to Tadjourah port represents a practical, forward-looking solution to enduring logistical challenges, one that promises significant mutual benefit. President Guelleh’s categorical rejection of this initiative, despite the potential for enhanced trade efficiency, cost reduction, and shared prosperity, remains perplexing. Comparative regional models – such as Morocco’s generous approach to maritime access for neighboring states – demonstrate that strategic leadership is better consolidated through openness and cooperation rather than suspicion and exclusion. Yet, Djibouti’s administration continues to treat Ethiopia’s proposal as a zero-sum threat, rather than an opportunity to anchor Addis Ababa’s rising influence constructively within Djibouti’s long-term geo-economic framework.
Complicating this landscape further is Egypt’s recent strategic maneuvering in Djibouti, which introduces an additional layer of complexity and competition. The November 2024 Egypt-Djibouti MoU, which establishes Egyptian logistics zones within Djibouti and integrates port infrastructure linkages between the two countries, fundamentally alters regional dynamics in a manner that directly challenges Ethiopian interests. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s April 2025 visit to Djibouti, during which both leaders underscored that Red Sea security should be led exclusively by littoral states, signals an intensification of this partnership. These developments compel urgent reflection on their underlying intentions and far-reaching implications.
Foremost among these concerns is the context of escalating Ethiopia-Egypt tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Egypt’s broader regional ambitions. From the Ethiopian perspective, Djibouti’s rejection of Ethiopia’s maritime requests amid this backdrop may be interpreted as politically motivated and manipulatively timed. Moreover, the question arises: what are the implications of Djibouti granting Egypt expanded port access and infrastructure linkages, while simultaneously denying Ethiopia’s peaceful and pragmatic corridor initiative and sovereign maritime access?
Djibouti’s persistent opposition to the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU further highlights a broader pattern of skepticism and resistance that calls into question Djibouti’s strategic intentions and its willingness to accommodate Ethiopia’s legitimate aspirations. Nevertheless, Ethiopia’s approach to securing maritime access has been consistently anchored in peaceful diplomacy, mutual respect, and a commitment to regional cooperation.
In light of these complex dynamics, it is incumbent upon Djibouti to undertake a comprehensive strategic policy review that reorients its priorities toward regional integration and shared prosperity rather than narrow short-term gains. This process should begin with a candid self-assessment of how its current posture conflicts with its own stated foreign policy principles. Moreover, Djibouti is uniquely positioned as a military and logistical hub to serve as a broker for broader Horn of Africa security collaborations, rather than selectively aligning with external powers in ways that risk undermining regional stability.
Hargeisa –Mr. Mukhtar Haji Mohamed Farah, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Development of the Republic of Somaliland, today closed a workshop that successfully approved two policies and two laws.
This workshop marked the culmination of extensive, long-term efforts to develop the Agricultural Inputs Law, the Agricultural Cooperatives Law, and their corresponding policies, which were critically needed.
The two-day workshop, held at the Maansoor Hotel in Hargeisa, began with a summary by Abdikani Hassan of the WFP project supporting the development and implementation of these policies and laws. Abdikani, the project coordinator, thanked the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture for their consistent support.
The coordinator expressed profound gratitude to all participants involved in developing the two policies, from the initial day of the process to its successful conclusion today. He also thanked the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for funding this program.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Saleban Tukaale addressed the forum. He commended the Ministry of Agriculture Development for its dedicated efforts and commitment to securing beneficial policies and laws for the ministry. Saleban also pledged that the participants’ commitment would continue until the task is fully completed.
Deputy Minister Mukhtar Haji Mohamed Farah, who officially closed the workshop, thanked the participants for their presence during the two days dedicated to finalizing the laws and their policies. The Deputy Minister also highlighted how these policies and laws will enable accountability and transparency, streamline planning, ensure sustainable development and equity.
The Deputy Minister urged the workshop participants to maintain their commitment until the process is fully finalized. He further elaborated on the significant benefits of having these policies and laws in place.
Ministry of Parliamentary Relations Convenes Meeting to Accelerate National Legal Reforms**
Hargeisa – Mr. Khadar Nuur Cabdi Buubaal, Director General of the Ministry of Parliamentary Relations and Constitutional Affairs, today convened a coordination meeting with the National Legislation Reform Committee. The session was attended by Committee Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Hussein Farah and Deputy Chairman Mr. Muhiyadin Abdi Haji.
Held at the Committee’s headquarters, the meeting included department heads from the Committee, ministry officials, and Committee staff members.
Discussions centered on:
– Strengthening inter-institutional collaboration
– Expediting the national legal reform process
– Aligning efforts with the government’s development agenda to implement transformative nationwide reforms
Director General Buubaal commended the Committee’s diligent service to the nation, highlighting its successful revision of outdated legislation including:
– The Penal Code
– The Criminal Procedure Code
– The Civil Code
– The Civil Procedure Code
In a historic step toward building a resilient and sustainable future, the Republic of Somaliland officially launched the “Somaliland Climate Smart Education System Initiative 2025” Wednesday 18th June. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and Science, aims to transform the nation’s education system to address the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring equitable access to quality education.
The launch event, held in Hargeisa, was led by Minister of Education Prof. Ismail Ducale Yusuf, who emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering a climate-adaptive education system. “This is a pivotal moment for Somaliland’s future. By integrating climate resilience into our schools, we are equipping our children with the knowledge and infrastructure to thrive in a changing world,” he said.
The initiative focuses on three key pillars: developing climate-resilient school infrastructure, introducing environmental and climate-focused curricula, and enhancing community awareness of sustainable education practices. It aims to upgrade schools in climate-vulnerable areas to withstand extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and strong winds, ensuring uninterrupted learning. New curricula will teach students about environmental science, climate change, and sustainable practices, preparing them to be proactive stewards of their environment.
The meeting saw participation from key stakeholders, including the Director General of the Ministry, Abdirahman Hussein Hirsi, and representatives from Save the Children, the Ministry of National Planning, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the National Food Reserve. Collaborative efforts will focus on integrating green technologies, such as solar-powered classrooms and rainwater harvesting systems, into schools.
“This initiative is not just about education; it’s about securing a sustainable future for Somaliland,” said Amin Ahmed Ahmed, Director of the Planning and Policy Department. “By working with our partners, we are building schools that can endure climate challenges and inspire a generation to act responsibly toward our planet.”
The “Climate Smart Education System Initiative 2025” aligns with global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It is expected to serve as a model for other nations in the Horn of Africa facing similar climate challenges.
The Somaliland government has committed to a multi-year plan to implement the initiative, with initial projects rolling out in vulnerable regions by early 2026. The Ministry of Education calls on international partners and donors to support this transformative effort to ensure every child in Somaliland has access to a safe, quality, and climate-resilient education
In a vibrant and uplifting ceremony, the Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs honored refugee children residing in Somaliland as part of World Refugee Day celebrations. Held at the Hargeisa Cultural Center, the event brought together young refugees, government officials, and representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to recognize the resilience and potential of these children.
The ceremony featured the distribution of educational materials as gifts to the children, aimed at supporting their learning and growth. Mukhtaar Abdi Jamac (Baaxo), Director General of the Ministry, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the bright future ahead for refugee children. “Despite facing many challenges, these children have not been deterred from having hopes, dreams, and talents. They are the future of our society,” he said.
Hana Abdisalan Mohamed, Director of the Refugee Department, highlighted the transformative power of opportunity, stating, “Every refugee child, if given a chance, could become a doctor who heals or a teacher who shapes a new generation.” Mohamed Abdi Bakaal from UNHCR echoed these sentiments, stressing the universal rights of children. “No matter where they come from, every child deserves safety, a warm welcome, and hope,” he noted.
The event was filled with joy, featuring cultural games, entertainment programs, and activities designed to spark happiness among the children. For many, the day offered a rare moment of celebration and a chance to dream of brighter futures, either in Somaliland or in their homelands, should peace allow their return.
World Refugee Day, observed globally to raise awareness of the plight of refugees, was marked in Somaliland with a powerful message of solidarity. The event left an indelible mark on the children, who eagerly await next year’s commemoration, carrying hopes of peace and opportunity.
#SolidarityWithRefugees
For more information, contact the Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs or UNHCR Somaliland.
As the world marked the International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) on June 16, Dahabshiil, a leading global money transfer service, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering migrant workers and their families through secure, affordable, and accessible remittance services.
This year’s theme, “Remittances Financing Development,” highlights the critical role of remittances in supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Dahabshiil playing a pivotal role in connecting diasporas to their loved ones across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
On IDFR 2025, Dahabshiil celebrated the resilience and sacrifices of migrant workers, emphasizing that every transfer—whether for education, healthcare, or daily needs—fuels hope and economic stability in communities globally.
“Our mission is to make every dollar count for families back home,” said Dahabshiil CEO Abdirashid Duale. “We’re proud to stand with remittance senders, ensuring their hard-earned money reaches their loved ones quickly and securely.”
The company also introduced a mobile app feature allowing users to track their transfers in real-time and donate directly to community development projects in their home countries, such as schools and clinics. This move supports the IDFR 2025 theme by channeling remittances into sustainable development.
“Every transfer is a story of love, sacrifice, and hope,” Duale said. “On this International Day of Family Remittances, we renew our pledge to connect
Hargeisa, Somaliland – Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor in Chief of The Advocate Post, International Journalist, Activist and consultant, recently held a high-level meeting with Mr. Ibrahim Ismail Elmi, Secretary General of the Somaliland Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (SLCCIA), to discuss expanding trade relations and investment prospects in Somaliland.
Strengthening Economic Ties
During the meeting, Afzal and Elmi engaged in detailed discussions on key sectors driving Somaliland’s economy, including agriculture, livestock, mining, energy, and infrastructure. The talks emphasized the growing potential for international investors and businesses to collaborate with Somaliland’s private sector.
Afzal expressed strong optimism about Somaliland’s business climate, stating:
“Somaliland is a land of untapped opportunities, with a resilient economy and a strategic location for trade. The SLCCIA plays a crucial role in connecting global investors with local enterprises, and I am keen to explore ways to facilitate these partnerships.”
A Look Inside the Chamber
As part of the engagement, Secretary General Elmi provided Afzal with an exclusive tour of the SLCCIA headquarters, sharing insights into the Chamber’s history, mission, and ongoing initiatives to promote economic growth. Elmi highlighted Somaliland’s business-friendly policies and the Chamber’s commitment to fostering international trade relations.
“We are eager to work with global partners like Abdul Rafay Afzal to enhance Somaliland’s economic integration,”
said Elmi.
“Our goal is to position Somaliland as a competitive hub for trade and investment in the Horn of Africa.”
Future Prospects and Collaborations
The meeting also explored potential joint ventures, trade delegations, and investment forums to connect Somaliland’s private sector with foreign businesses. Afzal emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking Somaliland’s economic potential.
With its strategic ports, growing infrastructure, and abundant natural resources, Somaliland continues to attract interest from investors seeking new markets in East Africa. Afzal’s discussions with SLCCIA mark a significant step toward strengthening Somaliland’s economic outreach.
Next Steps
Following the meeting, Afzal plans to facilitate business linkages between international investors and Somaliland’s key industries, with a focus on sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.
“This is just the beginning,”
Afzal remarked.
“Somaliland’s entrepreneurial spirit and economic potential are undeniable, and I look forward to contributing to its growth story.”
Message to the Somaliland Diaspora on the International Day of Family Remittances
Dear Members of the Somaliland Diaspora,
On this International Day of Family Remittances, the Diaspora Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation extends sincere congratulations and gratitude to the Somalilanders living abroad. Your contributions through remittances have reached a record close to $2 billion, accounting for 45% of Somaliland’s GDP, while thus Somaliland emerges as one of the top ten largest recipients of remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa. This remarkable achievement reflects your ongoing commitment to supporting families and communities at home.
Remittances are more than financial transfers. They represent the strong cultural ties, kinship, and social cohesion that connect Somalilanders worldwide. Your regular support helps provide essential needs, build resilience during crises, invest in businesses, and fund community development projects.
Your efforts are vital to Somaliland’s national development and the goals outlined in Somaliland Vision 2030. The government recognizes the important role you play in advancing economic growth and social stability. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed. The government of Somaliland recognizes and deeply appreciates the considerable role of our diaspora in the national development agenda. You are not only ambassadors of our culture and values abroad but also pillars of progress and stability at home.
As we mark this special day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the partnership between the government and the diaspora. We will continue to work tirelessly to create an enabling environment for your investments, safeguard your interests, and ensure that your voices are heard in shaping the future of Somaliland.
Thank you for your dedication and support. Together, we continue to build a stronger and more prosperous Republic of Somaliland.
Hargeisa-His Excellency President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) today inaugurated Somaliland’s inaugural National Children’s Convention, marking African Child Day during a historic gathering at the Presidency.
The landmark event – the first dedicated children’s assembly in Somaliland’s history – was hosted by the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs and Family in partnership with national institutions and international development organizations.
In a keynote address, President Cirro framed the day as a national reckoning:
“Children’s Day demands we confront our sacred duty: to protect every child’s dignity and rights while investing in their future. This is our religious obligation, legal mandate, and civic imperative.”
The President issued a stark progress warning:
“National development remains impossible while our children lack basic rights – especially education and healthcare.”
He identified three non-negotiable pillars for youth development:
1. Education– Building capable future leaders
2. Healthcare– Ensuring foundational wellbeing
3. Social Protection– Guaranteeing dignity and security
Concluding with a direct pledge to Somaliland’s youth, President Cirro declared,”To our children: You are the backbone of this nation. We will amplify your voices, support your responsibilities, and build the future of your dreams.”
