By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa, August 13, 2025 – In a major security directive, Somaliland’s Ministry of Interior and Security today announced an immediate nationwide ban on all vehicles without license plates or with obscured plates (“Gabaalka”).
The Internal Affairs issued directive (Ref: WAG&AM/XW/3J5/10/2025), signed by Interior Minister Abdalle Mohamed Carab, takes immediate effect and mandates strict enforcement by security forces. Vehicles violating the ban will be impounded indefinitely pending further notice.
Key Directives:
– Total suspension of all unplated vehicles and those with covered plates (Gabaalka).
– Immediate enforcement** by police, finance, and transport authorities.
– Zero exemptions permitted without written ministry approval.
Security Rationale
The decree cites “safeguarding national stability and preventing covert criminal operations” as critical priorities. Minister Carab emphasized:
“All institutions must fully implement this directive without deviation. Non-compliance will face legal consequences.”
Coordinated Enforcement
The order was formally issued to:
– Ministry of Finance
– Ministry of Transport & Road Development
– Somaliland Police Force
– National Intelligence Agency
– Director General of Interior & Security
– Office of the President
The Minister warned against “any actions contradicting these directives,” underscoring the measure’s role in combating organized crime and terrorism threats.
