Somaliland’s Minister of Livestock Development and Rural Advancement, Hon. Omar Shu’ayb, has emphasized the vital importance of the Aroori and Qool-Aday rangeland banks in safeguarding the country’s livestock sector during times of crisis.
Speaking about the severe drought that affected Somaliland this year, Minister Shucayb revealed that the Aroori rangelands played a lifesaving role, providing refuge and adequate grazing for nearly two million head of livestock from various regions across the country.
“The drought struck the country twice this year, and in the last three months alone, nearly two million animals of different types entered the Aroori rangelands,” the Minister said.
He described Aroori as a strategic national reserve specifically set aside for pastoralists during difficult periods. “Pastoralists traveled from distant areas where no other options were available. Aroori was deliberately preserved and locked away for them so they could access it when conditions became extremely harsh,” Minister Shu’ayb added.
The Minister also provided an update on developments at the Qool-Aday rangeland bank, expressing strong appreciation for the local community’s cooperation.
“I sincerely thank the people of the area for working with us in such a beautiful, dignified, and honorable manner. The project is progressing well, and soon you will see that Qool-Aday Bank will benefit the local community 100 percent, contribute to the national economy, and support livestock healthcare for the wider population,” he stated.
Minister Shu’ayb further announced plans to establish comprehensive health services at Qool-Aday, including the deployment of doctors and ambulances, to enhance livestock welfare and public health.
“All healthcare facilities will be developed there. Doctors and ambulances will be stationed at the site, creating a high-quality center that will also generate employment opportunities for local residents and serve as a major benefit to both the community and the nation,” he concluded.
The Aroori and Qool-Aday initiatives form part of Somaliland’s broader strategy to strengthen resilience in the livestock sector, which remains the backbone of the country’s rural economy.
