By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has lauded the on-going efforts of pacification in the eastern region of Sanaag following the move to absorb the local militia forces into mainstream national armed forces.
He praised the concerted efforts taking place under the leadership of his deputy H.E. VP Mohamed Abdi Ali and the high ranking state and military officials in his entourage who have been in Erigavo for the past fortnight.
The Head of State expressed his praises during the 11th session of the Council of Ministers of the WADDANI administration that he personally chaired on Wednesday evening.
The session saw in-depth discussions concerning the plight of displaced persons and humanitarian efforts, ways and means of mitigating suspected impending drought, etc.
According to a press release on the meeting by Presidential Spokesman Hussein Deyr, the agenda of the week was generally as follows: –
* A report on the general security situation in the country, which was reported by the Minister of the Ministry of Interior, who said that overall security in the country is secure.
* A general report on the country’s financial situation, which was reported by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, who reported that the acceleration of the collection of GST and excise taxes is progressing well.
* A detailed report on the general health situation within the country, reported by the Minister of Health Development.
* A detailed report on the situation of the displaced and humanitarian assistance, presented by the Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs.
* A report on the latest situation of livestock exports, preparedness and relief for drought, finding a solution to the still closed Sheikh Animal Husbandry School: presented by the Minister of Animal Husbandry.
* The process of collecting and coordinating data on the activities of the Ministries in the 100 days of the government: presented by the Ministers of Information and the Presidency.
* Presentation of the Agricultural Policy and the Agricultural Seed Policy and the communiqué from the National Conference of Somaliland Farmers: presented by the Minister of Agriculture Development.
* Approval of the recommendation of the Committee assigned to manage temporary workers: The Council of Ministers approved the recommendation by a majority vote.
* Distribution of the National Mineral Exploration Policy (1st Reading): The Minister of Minerals and Energy of the Somaliland Republic briefed the House.
* Distribution of the Legal Aid Act (1st Reading): The Minister of Justice of the Somaliland Republic briefed the House.
* Progress in the registration of the various National Forces of the Somaliland Republic: The Minister of the Presidency gave the House a general report.
* Finally, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro gave cabinet a general report on the latest efforts to pacify the Erigavo District and the Nationalization of the Civilian Forces, which are progressing well.
The President expressed his gratitude to the Members of the Somaliland government delegation led by the Deputy President, praising the peacekeeping activities they are carrying out in Erigavo.