By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa, August 13, 2025 -Effective immediately, the Ministry of Interior and Security of the Republic of Somaliland has declared a total ban on all vehicles without license plates and those with obscured plates (locally known as “Gabaalka”.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs directive (Ref:WAG&AM/XW/3J5/10/2025), issued today by Interior Minister Mr. Abdalle Mohamed Carab, mandates nationwide enforcement without exception. Security forces have been ordered to impound non-compliant vehicles pending further notice.
Key Directives:
1. Immediate suspension of all unplated vehicles and those with covered plates.
2. Zero-tolerance enforcement by all state agencies, including police and transport authorities.
3. Strict compliance required from the Ministries of Finance, Transport, Police Force, and Intelligence Agency.
Security Justification:
The decree cites “safeguarding national security and preventing hidden criminal activities” as urgent priorities. The Ministry emphasized that violations will be met with legal action, stating:
‘No exceptions will be permitted until further notice. All entities must enforce this order and avoid any actions contradicting these directives.”
High-Level Coordination:
The order was formally communicated to:
– Minister of Finance
– Minister of Transport & Road Development
– Police Force Commander
– National Intelligence Agency
– Director General of Interior & Security
– The Office of the President
Minister Carab reiterated: “All institutions addressed in this directive must implement it fully.” underscoring the crackdown’s role in combating crime and ensuring public safety.