By Goth Mohamed Goth
The 59th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), was held today at the Presidential Palace.
During this session, the Council addressed several key agenda items, as outlined below:
- Welcoming of Newly Appointed Ministers
President Cirro officially welcomed the recently appointed ministers to the Cabinet. The new ministers are:
· H.E. Aadan Geeddi Qayaad – Minister of Agricultural Development
· H.E. Maxamed Cabdimaalik Axmed – Minister of Water Development
· H.E. Dr. Cabdisalaan Xuseen Cawaale – Minister of Telecommunications and Technology
· H.E. Barkhad Jaamac Xirsi Batuun – Minister of Information, Culture, and Awareness
Each new minister delivered brief remarks, expressing gratitude to the President for his trust and requesting his prayers for divine guidance in fulfilling their national duties. They further pledged to serve with integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of national responsibility, prioritizing the public interest of Somaliland and its people.
- National Security Update
Deputy Minister of Interior and National Security, H.E. Cabdirashiid Maxamed Axmed (Magaalo), reported that the national security situation remains stable, with no unrest or threats of any kind. He noted that reconciliation efforts in the Awdal and Selel regions are progressing well, and that local communities are ready to embrace peace.
- Economic Situation Briefing
Minister of Finance and Economic Development, H.E. Cabdillaahi Xasan Aadan, briefed the Council on the economic, commercial, and livelihood impacts of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. He highlighted that rising fuel prices, increased import costs, and higher maritime insurance premiums have directly affected local trade and citizens’ living standards, creating a significant economic burden.
The Minister stressed the need for national coordination to strengthen domestic revenue sources and reduce dependence on external markets. He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to increasing internal revenue, controlling inflation, and stabilizing the Somaliland Shilling, and called for unified measures to mitigate current economic pressures while promoting local production and inter-agency collaboration.
- Foreign Affairs & Digital Sovereignty
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Cabdiraxmaan Daahir Aadan Bakaal, presented a report on the strategic importance of Digital Sovereignty for Somaliland, particularly in the modern era. He noted that following Israel’s recognition, Somaliland faces increased hostility from adversaries seeking to undermine it by various means.
The Minister emphasized that strengthening Digital Sovereignty is essential for protecting national data, enhancing international communications and image, developing digital public services, and advancing technology-driven diplomacy. He announced the formation of a Task Force of experts to develop and implement a national strategy for achieving and safeguarding Somaliland’s Digital Sovereignty. He urged the Council to treat this as a national priority critical to the nation’s future.
- Humanitarian Affairs & Resettlement
Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, H.E. Saleebaan Ducaale Xaaji Jaamac, updated the Council on his ministry’s ongoing operations. He reported that over the past eight months, food aid has been distributed to drought-affected communities in the eastern regions. He proposed several measures:
· Delivering urgent aid to the eastern regions
· Accelerating collaboration between international and local agencies
· Developing a national plan to build resilience against recurrent droughts
· Continuously assessing the living conditions of affected populations
- Decentralization of Basic Education
Minister of Education, Training, and Science, H.E. Professor Ismaaciil Ducaale Yuusuf, presented a report on the Basic Education Decentralization Procedure. This framework aims to clearly define roles and collaboration between the Ministry of Education, local governments, district councils, and district education offices—particularly in districts where basic education has been decentralized.
He noted that implementing this system will improve the quality of basic education and ensure equitable access for all students. The procedure encourages close cooperation between the ministry, local administrations, and communities, thereby supporting educational development and addressing local needs.
- Environment & Climate Change – National Tree Planting Day
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, H.E. Cabdilaahi Cismaan (Geeljire), briefed the Council on preparations for National Tree Planting Day (15.04.2026). He announced that the government plans to plant 13 million trees to strengthen environmental protection and mitigate climate change impacts.
He urged all cabinet members and national institutions to take visible responsibility for planting and caring for trees on their premises, setting a positive example for the public. The Minister emphasized that climate change has severely affected both rural and urban communities, making a green economy imperative—with tree planting as the cornerstone of climate action.
- Closing Remarks by the President
In his closing remarks, President Cirro informed the Council that peace efforts in the Awdal and Selel regions are proceeding smoothly, with a high-level delegation led by the Vice President currently on the ground.
The President specifically commended the traditional leaders of these regions for their vital role in fostering peace and unity among local communities. He expressed gratitude for their continued efforts to ensure lasting stability and social cohesion.
