By M.A. Egge
The 14th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro was held on Wednesday evening at the Somaliland Presidential Palace, and as usual, many issues of priority to the nation were discussed.
Among the points highlighted was a general report on the security situation in the country, which was given by the Minister of Interior and Security, who informed the council that overall the country’s security is secure, except for daily criminal acts that occur in society and traffic accidents.
The Minister also told the Council that as a nation, it is necessary for everyone to be wary of the impact that the instability in the Red Sea region and the tensions between the major powers may have on us.
On the other hand, the Council of Ministers were provided with a general report on the country’s economic conditions and the progress of tax collection and the growth of the National Revenue by the Minister of Finance who informed the Council that the first three months of the 2025 Budget Year had ended well.
The Minister stated that fortunately, there is an increase in revenue, which is 19% higher than in 2024. The Minister pointed out that the integration of the financial system with taxes on sales of electricity and telecommunications companies is progressing well, which will increase the country’s revenue.
On his part, the Minister of Water Resources Development briefed the council on the drought situation and water shortage conditions in the eastern regions that calls for the need to organize a national emergency relief to address the situation.
The Somaliland community has faced these situations on numerous occasions.
The Minister of Youth and Sports gave the cabinet meeting a general report on the progress of sports, the challenges and issues that need to be addressed to develop the physical and intellectual development of young people.
The Minister said that the Football Championship in Awdal and Sahil Regions has ended. The Sports Stakeholders Conference has also concluded, and that the football, basketball and Athletics associations Election are to be held. The Minister said that the ministry would organize a mixed sports competition of all kinds, which will be held in Hargeisa, on August 8, 2025.
The cabinet meeting was also briefed on the role of the Ministry of Information, Culture and National Guidance.
The Information Minister noted that the national public media will not be a place of malice and slander anyone hence divide the nation as it used to be.
He was categorical that the public media would be one that reports neutral news based on facts and based on the interests and well-being of the Somaliland nation and its unity as a nation.
The Minister also said that a National Conference on Somaliland Culture will be held from 22 to 23 APRIL, at Mansoor Hotel.
In conclusion, the President listened to a report from the Ministers who were dispatched to the regions of the country to share in the joy of Eid ul-Fitr festivities with the Somaliland community living in the regions and districts of the country. The Ministers said that the community welcomed the participation of the government leaders in the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.
Finally, the President of the Republic of Somaliland shared with the Council a general update on the peacemaking efforts and the nationalization of the civilian forces in the Sanaag Region, stating that the efforts of the activities have been completed in the Erigavo District, in which the Vice President of the Somaliland Government and the high-level delegation he leads have played a significant role.
The President also expressed his optimism about the peace process underway in El-Afweyn, which he stated that it is currently progressing well. The President informed the Council that the nationalization of the Civilian Forces in other regions in the east will begin soon.