MBy M.A. Egge
The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland lauded and commended the President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro’s efforts to strengthen Somaliland’s international cooperation and enhance its strategic position in the region.
This was noted in the 22nd Session of the members of the cabinet meeting chaired by the President soon after arrival in the country, while flanked by the Vice President H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, was held on Tuesday evening at the Somaliland Presidential Palace.
The agenda discussed at the 22nd Session of the Council of Ministers consisted of three items:
- Report on the Security Situation in the Country,
- Report on the Economic Situation in the Country,
- Report on the Visit of the President of the Republic of Somaliland to Kenya.
(1) National Security:
The Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Security gave the session a general report on the country’s security situation, noting that overall the country’s security is stable and there are no conflicts or tensions in all regions of the country; except for daily normal petty criminal acts that occur in society and traffic accidents.
(2) Economy:
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development gave briefs on general report on the country’s economic situation and the progress of collecting taxes in the country, especially the GST.
The Minister said that from 01.07.2025, all telecommunications companies in the country will implement the GST tax that is due to them to be paid directly to the country’s Treasury system.
The Minister also informed the Council that the National Economic Development Committee (consisting of Members of the Cabinet and the Governor of the Bank of Somaliland) will submit to the Council of Ministers by the end of June a feasibility study on the most appropriate methods to develop the economy.
(3) President’s Kenyan trip:
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, gave a report to the Council of Ministers on his travels to Kenya.
The President gave a general briefing on the most important outcomes of the Nairobi trip, stressing the importance of strengthening and enhancing the cooperative, economic and diplomatic relations that Somaliland has with countries in the region.
He said that during the period he and his delegation were in Kenya, they had made great strides. Kenya is a country that is politically and economically self guided in the Horn of Africa.
The President said that he had met with the President of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. William Ruto, who leads a broad-based government. Similarly, the President met with the popular Kenyan politician, Mr. Raila Odinga, as his party is part of the coalition government currently ruling Kenya.
The President and his delegation also met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Kenya, Mr. Moses Masika Wetangula, and some members of Parliament, discussing many issues of importance to the Somaliland nation.
He specifically pointed out that the trip to Nairobi managed to get valuable friends who are ready to work with the nation on the cause of Somaliland.
In conclusion, the cabinet commended the President’s efforts to strengthen Somaliland’s international cooperation and enhance its strategic position in the region.
The visit to Kenya marks important steps in Somaliland’s pursuit of regional cooperation, economic growth, and diplomatic recognition.