A major technical conference on the implementation of Somaliland’s Decentralization Governance System was officially opened in the port city of Berbera, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to bring essential public services closer to citizens at the district level.
The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development, was inaugurated by Minister Hassan Ahmed Duale. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister emphasized that decentralization is not a contest for power between central and local authorities, but a strategic reform designed to streamline and accelerate the delivery of critical services.
“Decentralization is about efficiency and proximity,” Minister Duale said. “It ensures that education, healthcare, clean water, and security are managed and delivered directly at the local level, rather than waiting for slow decisions from the capital.”
The Minister revealed that a recent inspection tour of Berbera District showed that both education and health services have already reached commendable standards, describing them as a model for other regions.
Senior officials present at the conference, including the Governor of Sahil Region, the Mayor of Berbera, and the Director General of the Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development, unanimously endorsed the decentralization policy. They stressed that transferring authority and resources to local governments will enhance transparency, accountability, and community participation while reducing bureaucratic delays and the over-concentration of power in Hargeisa.
Governance experts participating in the conference highlighted that effective decentralization will empower districts to respond swiftly to local needs and foster grassroots development.
“This is a historic step toward building a more responsive and people-centered administration,” one expert remarked. “When services are managed locally, citizens see tangible results faster, and trust in government grows.”
The Berbera conference is expected to finalize the technical and legal framework for rolling out decentralization across Somaliland’s regions in the coming years.
The government of Somaliland has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the policy, describing it as a cornerstone of its vision for equitable development and efficient public service delivery nationwide.
