By Goth Mohamed Goth
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
