Somaliland’s President, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, also known as Irro, chaired the 59th Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace. First, the President welcomed the newly appointed ministers to the cabinet, including the Minister of Agriculture Development, Mr. Adan Geedi Qayad, the Minister of Water Development, Mr. Mohamed Abdimalik Ahmed, the Minister of Telecommunication and Technology, Mr. Abdisalan Hussein Awale, and the Minister of Information, Culture, and Guidance, Mr. Barkhad Jama Hussein Batun. The newly appointed ministers expressed gratitude to the President for trusting them and requested his prayers for success in their national duties. They also pledged to carry out their duties with honesty and effectiveness, prioritizing the interests of the people and the state. The State Minister responsible for Interior and Security, Mr. Abdirashiid Mohamed Ahmed, also known as Magaalo, assured the cabinet that the government has control over security and there are no current threats. The Finance Minister, Mr. Abdilahi Hassan, briefed the cabinet on the impact of trade on the conflict in the Middle East. He stated that the rise in fuel prices, import expenses, and sea transportation insurance have directly affected trade and the livelihoods of Somaliland citizens, causing economic strain. He emphasized the need for consultations to strengthen domestic trade and reduce dependence on foreign markets. The ministry is working to increase income and stabilize the Somaliland Shilling against the US dollar. The minister called for strict measures to address the trade impact and promote domestic production, as well as cooperation with local agencies. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakaal, spoke about the importance of Digital Sovereignty in the modern age. He noted that after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, the country’s enemies have escalated their efforts to fight against Somaliland. The minister stressed the need to strengthen digital sovereignty to protect national data, promote government services, and advance diplomatic relations through technology. He announced the formation of a “Task Force” to implement this plan and develop a strategy for its protection. He urged the cabinet to prioritize this issue. The Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Sulieman Da’ule Haji Jama, briefed the cabinet on projects to resettle and support vulnerable communities. He announced that the ministry has distributed food to communities affected by drought in eastern regions of Somaliland over the past 8 days. He emphasized the need to strengthen services and respond to the emergency needs of vulnerable communities. He suggested 1. Delivering emergency aid to eastern regions. 2. Formulating a national plan to prevent recurring droughts. 3. Expediting cooperation with international and local organizations. 4. Conducting consistent evaluations of the livelihoods of communities affected by drought. The Minister responsible for Education, Mr. Ismail Du’ale Yusuf, stated that they are working with the Ministry of Local Governments, local councils, and the Education Ministry office at the district level to decentralize basic education in Somaliland. The Minister responsible for Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Abdilahi Osman Geeljire, briefed the cabinet on preparations for National Tree Planting Day on April 15, 2026. The government plans to plant 13 million trees nationwide to protect the environment and reduce the impact of climate change. The minister urged cabinet members and national agencies to take responsibility for tree planting and set an example for the public. He emphasized that climate change has affected the livelihoods of people in both rural and urban areas and urged for the preparation of a green environment through tree planting. The President also briefed the cabinet on pacification efforts in Awdal and Salel regions, which are progressing smoothly. A delegation led by the Vice President is currently in the western regions of the country working towards peace. The President highlighted the crucial role of traditional elders in these regions in promoting unity among the public and thanked them for their efforts.
