In a vibrant and well-attended ceremony held over the week at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture in Hargeisa.
Hon. Adan Geedi Qayaad officially assumed office as the new Minister of Agriculture, alongside Eng. Maaliki Abdi Hassan Hersi as the new Deputy Minister.
The two leaders formally took over from the outgoing Minister Mohamoud Egge Yusuf and former Deputy Minister Mukhtaar Haji Mohumed in a smooth and cordial handover event filled with speeches of appreciation, reflection, and forward-looking commitments.
The Director General of the Ministry, Eng. Abdirizak Ahmed Gaas, warmly bid farewell to the outgoing officials and similarly welcomed the new offices bearer. He praised them for their selfless leadership and highlighted major achievements during their tenure, including the completion of seven key agricultural policies and two laws in just one year and two months.
He noted the successful implementation of projects that boosted international confidence in the ministry, as well as initiatives such as hosting World Food Day in Erigavo and the historic distribution of 30 to 40 tractors — a first in Somaliland.
DG Gaas welcomed the new leadership to a well-prepared ministry equipped with clear strategies and modern offices, emphasizing that the incoming team would continue building on solid foundations.
Kaise Ahmed Mohamed (Jeelle), Coordinator of the World Bank’s FSRP project, speaking on behalf of partner institutions, expressed gratitude to the former officials for their excellent collaboration and extended a warm welcome to the new minister and deputy minister.
Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, Minister of the Presidency, added a light-hearted yet appreciative tone, describing former Minister Mohamoud Egge Yusuf as a good-hearted leader who kept the ministry lively.
He highlighted that the outgoing team left no new debts and had cleared 22% of previous obligations.
Outgoing Deputy Minister Mukhtar Haji thanked President Irro for reassigning him to another ministry and praised the dedicated and well-trained staff of the Agriculture Ministry.
He described the ministry as far more than an institution — calling it “the very livelihood of the Somaliland people” — and expressed deep thanks to the President for the appointment.
Former Minister Mohamoud Egge Yusuf credited the Director General and staff for their support, spoke highly of the new minister’s experience and integrity, and expressed confidence that the ministry would continue to succeed under the new leadership.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Qayaad thanked President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro for entrusting him with the important responsibility. He pledged to build upon the progress made by his predecessors and strongly emphasized the need for Somaliland to achieve food self-sufficiency.
Quoting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he pointed out, “If the Day of Judgment arrives while one of you has a seedling in his hand, let him plant it”.
The minister was convictional that Somaliland must produce its own food, for self sutenance. He vowed that the ministry would hit the ground running to advance agricultural production and ensure long-term food security for the nation.
The official handover was concluded by the Minister of the Presidency, who formally presided over the function.
The ceremony reflected unity, continuity, and renewed optimism for the future of Somaliland’s vital agriculture sector.
