By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi Irro on Tuesday inspected the headquarters of the Somaliland Coast Guard, the general command of the Immigration Branch and the general command of the Somaliland National Fire Department.
He and officials accompanying him were welcomed by the commanders and senior officers of the forces to the respective institutions by their top commanders.
The President said that the purpose of his inspection tours was to observe and gain information on the various circumstances and conditions under which the forces throughout the country operate and to launch the reform and modernization activities of the various forces, which is part of the initial plans of his administration.
At the navy headquarters the President was welcomed there by the Commander of the Coast Guard, Brigadier General Ahmed Hurre Haarriye, and senior officers, and received a salute from a unit of the Coast Guard.
The President of Somaliland delivered a speech to the Coast Guard regarding the importance of the Sea and the commitment of the Republic of Somaliland to give great importance to maritime security, saying
Speaking on the matter, he said, “My inspection, as it stands, is an opportunity to gain insight into the various circumstances and conditions of the entire Armed Forces, and to highlight the reform and modernization activities of the various forces that the government has planned from the beginning.”
The President testified to the selfless work they are doing for their community, promising to implement everything to develop the army, “I acknowledge the selfless work you are doing for our nation. As a government, we are committed to improving your training, knowledge, and equipment, in collaboration with our international partners.
Similarly, we will improve your lives, and the care you receive from your nation,” said the Somaliland president.
The President made a similar inspection tour to the Immigration headquarters whereby he was welcomed by the Commander of the Immigration Service, Brigadier General Mohamed Hussein Farah (Hirane), and other top officers of the force. He received a salute from units of the Immigration Service, as he inspected the building and workplaces that comprise the command.
President Abdirahman Irro noted the important functions that the Immigration Service performs for the nation and the heavy responsibility it bears.
He said, “You are responsible for monitoring the traffic activities of the country’s borders. You are responsible for issuing, verifying and/or suspending entry, passports and related immigration documents. Other essential tasks of the Immigration Service include maintaining border security and preventing illegal immigration, and protecting citizens’ data in its archives.”
The President testified to the military spirit and vigor evident in the immigration force and the impression it has instilled in him. “At first sight, your faces instilled in me a sense of vigor, good will, and youthful spirit. You are young, skilled, highly educated, and capable of carrying out the work of the Nation”, said the President.
He also visited the headquarters of the Fire Service Department, on the same day where he was welcomed by the commander of the Fire Service, Brig Gen Ahmed Mohamed Hassan Sawahili, and the senior officials of the Somaliland Fire Service.
The President of Somaliland observed the way they work and the conditions of the force, as well as the selfless actions they perform to serve their nation and community, day and night.
This was a culmination of a week of inspection tours that took him to all the arms of the various services of the security apparatus in the country starting from the military, police, prison warders, the coastguards, immigration department, and finally, the fire fighting forces.