Zeila – A high-level government delegation—including ministers, MPs, and military officials—joined local residents for Friday prayers at the main mosque in the coastal city of Zeila, the capital of the Salal region, during a recent visit. Following the prayers, they held extensive discussions on the critical importance of peace, development, and social cohesion.
The Minister of Interior and Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, delivered a keynote address focused on peace and development, affirming that the Salal Region is one of the most stable in Somaliland. He reminded the public that the region is blessed with abundant resources, a benefit that can only be sustained through unity and stability.
“This region is one of the most peaceful in Somaliland. The Ministry of Interior receives regular reports from all regions, and Salal has never been recorded as a source of unrest, conflict, or insecurity,” the Minister stated.
He described the people of Zeila and the wider region as “civilized, understanding, and historically rich,” noting the city’s well-known, deep cultural heritage. Minister Abdalle emphasized Zeila’s centuries-old history as a seat of ancient kingdoms and its coastal position, which has hosted civilizations for generations.
The Minister explained that the delegation was dispatched by the President of Somaliland to assess the region’s security, development, and essential community needs. Each delegation member, he added, was tasked with evaluating specific social services relevant to their respective ministries.
He pledged that some needs identified during the visit would be addressed immediately, while other concerns would be taken to Hargeisa for national-level consultations to determine long-term solutions.
“We laid the foundation stone for a new police station yesterday—a facility central to our security. We expect it to be completed within two months. We also laid the foundation for the new regional headquarters. One major concern raised by the community was the decline of local fishing operations, and we will not overlook that issue,” he said.
Minister Abdalle also highlighted that the government, led by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, is implementing one of the largest development projects in Somaliland within the region: a major road connecting Boorama to Lawyo’ado on the Somaliland-Djibouti border. This long-awaited project is expected to eliminate a chronic transportation bottleneck that has long hindered the movement of people, livestock, and goods.
In his speech, which focused on peace and development, the Minister urged residents to avoid anything that could cause division or destabilize security, warning that such disruptions hinder regional progress.
The delegation’s visit was prompted by recent tensions in Zeila linked to plans for a book launch on Issa jurisprudence, titled “Xeer Ciise,” which had sparked disagreements within the community.
In response, on Thursday, the Somaliland Government officially announced the cancellation of the planned book launch following a rise in tensions.
Government Directive to Safeguard Peace and Stability
After consulting with local elders, community members, and youth, and following further assessment, the government has cancelled the book-launch event planned for Zeila.
Officials stated that the decision was not made to favour or discredit any clan, but was based solely on the need to safeguard peace, stability, and the national interest of Somaliland.
A stern warning was issued to anyone attempting to fuel division among the peaceful and brotherly communities of the region.
