By M.A. Egge
The nation is geared towards entrenching national strategic peace policy and integrating it, by linking efforts on peace projects, in order to attain a permanently harmonious setting in the nation.
This has been revealed during this week’s meeting of the cabinet members in their 40th session. Also, disclosed is the fact that the recruitment of public servants is henceforth to be led by the Civil Service authority.
The meeting was chaired by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, who was flanked by his deputy the VP H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, was held on Wednesday at the Somaliland Presidential Palace.
The agenda this week entailed the following 11 points:
- Civil Service Employment and census
The Chairman of the Civil Service Commission Mr. Abdiaziz Hirsi Warsame briefed the Cabinet on the reform, administration and management of the Civil Service, detailing the process of verifying, securing and correcting the personal data of the civil service employees as per the HRMIS system.
The Chairman said that the said system has been fully tested, and the first phase of establishing, developing and implementing the Personnel Verification and Assurance System has been successfully completed.
He informed the cabinet members to prepare the personnel under their management to be at the designated place and time for verification of their personal data and ensure their security.
He likewise informed the Cabinet members of the Presidential Decree on the essence of the Civil Service Recruitment System, which will henceforth be led by the Civil Service Authority, in accordance with the Civil Service Law and related regulatory laws.
𝟐. Interior and Security:
The Minister of Interior and Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, informed the members of cabinet that security of the nation was generally secure in all the regions of the country, and that there was no unrest or instability of any kind in the six regions of the country, both politically and socially.
𝟑. Finance and Economy:
The Minister of State for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Ismail Mawlid Abdilaahi, informed the House that, following the efforts made by the Ministry, revenue collection activities for January-October are proceeding as planned, with all the revenue projected for the 10 months having been collected as envisioned.
The Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the collection of national revenue, as stipulated in the General Revenue and Taxes Law (Law No. 72/2016) and the Financial Management Law (Law No. 75/2016), hence that it is necessary that the revenues established by the law and collected by Government Agencies be directly deposited into the State Treasury; and that other revenues that are not legally established should be subject to legal verification.
He further noted that the Ministry has conducted studies and surveys to obtain data on the country’s economy, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to boost the national economy.
- Launching of DMSS at the Presidency.
The Minister of the Presidency Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, announced the launch of the Digital Media System Service (DMSS) in the Ministry of the Presidency, stating that the system was a modern process for unifying and improving the data, news and daily events that are necessary for the smooth flow of information sharing and communication among all government institutions.
The Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, observed that based on the impact of digital media on social life, it was thus necessary to coordinate, plan, analyze, and regularly share information among government agencies achieving a purpose of having a government with one aim and one voice.
- Animal husbandry and drought impact:
This was reported by the Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Omar Shuayb Mohamed.
The Minister told the Council that the recurring droughts have greatly affected the health, population and production capacity of the country’s livestock, especially in the eastern and Hawd periphery regions of Somaliland.
The Minister underlined that livestock are the backbone of the country’s economy, but unfortunately climate change and droughts have had a negative impact on the lives of livestock. Their weight and reproduction rates have decreased, while malnutrition-related diseases have increased.
However, the Minister said that it is necessary for the Ministry and its collaborating agencies to implement a National Plan and applicable programs to address the increasing difficulties faced by livestock.
𝟔. Health:
The Minister of Health Development, Hon. Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, briefed the Cabinet on the general health situation in the country.
Of note, he especially pointed out the three most reported diseases namely, diphtheria, measles and malaria.
The Minister detailed the measures taken by the health services such as awareness campaigns, vaccination, emergency treatment and expansion of health services at regional and district levels, to address the spread of these diseases and protect the general health of the community.
He also reported that the immunization campaigns to combat the major malaises afflicting children has kicked off across all regions in the country, with 533 teams, 2130 health workers,
It has projected to achieve vaccinations of 182,000 children.
He also informed his colleagues that the Ministry has made progress in using modern technologies such as the DHI2 HIV Tracker System and the EIR Tracker System (Electronic Immunization Registry).
𝟕. The Investment Conference:
The Minister of Investment and Industrial Development, Hon. Said Mohamed Burale gave the Council of Ministers a comprehensive report on the Somaliland Investment Summit which has just ended. He noted the major achievements, such as the interest shown by investors attending the Conference, the new MoUs and associated agreements signed, and the economic opportunities opened up for the nation, which will boost investment, job creation and economic growth in our country.
The Minister told the Council that the Somaliland Investment Conference has proven our country’s readiness for real investment and international cooperation, as the government of Unity and Action has demonstrated its commitment to Economic Development and Investment Facilitation.
- Fisheries Development:
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Ali Jama Farah, briefed the Council of Ministers on the general situation of Somaliland’s fisheries, especially the ice-making facilities in coastal towns.
The Minister noted that they have activated several ice generation and refrigeration centers in the Sanaag and Awdal regions.
The Minister also gave a brief on a delegation from the Ministry of Fisheries of Yemen that visited Somaliland, and the cooperation measures agreed upon by the two countries. He said that bilateral discussions were led by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry, Hon. Sharmarke Abdi Musa.
- Planning: Peace projects and National Peace Policy
The Minister of the Ministry of Planning and National Development, Hon. Kaltuun Sh. Hassan Abdi, while giving the Council a comprehensive report on the most appropriate way to nationally link the efforts of Peace Projects and the National Policy on Peace issues.
The Minister highlighted the importance for the nation to have a system that unifies peace-making plans, development and the government’s overall Agenda for the National Peace Policy and the unity of the Somaliland nation.
The Minister emphasized the goals of linking Peace Projects and the National Peace Policy of Somaliland being:
- To prevent conflicts and violence.
- To strengthen public trust and cooperation between the State and the people.
- To create a system of justice that is equal for everyone.
- To build institutions capable of resolving conflicts.
- To promote education and peace awareness.
- To strengthen peaceful relations with neighbouring countries and the international community.
𝟏𝟎. IDPs situation:
The Minister of the Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs Hon. Suleiman Duale briefed the Cabinet on the difficult situation of the displaced people in the country, noting that the drought has greatly affected their lives, especially their access to water, food and adequate shelter.
The Minister said that the Ministry is making efforts to the best of its ability, including emergency assistance, to reduce the burden on the displaced community, but there is a need for a national consultation on this issue.
𝟏𝟏. National drought brief:
This was reported by the Minister of Religion and Endowments, Sheikh Abdullahi-Baashe Daahir Jama who is a member of the National Drought Emergency Committee.
He told the cabinet meeting that the drought situation is worsening, especially in the eastern regions of the country where there is a severe water shortage.
The Minister said that the Drought Emergency Committee is planning to provide relief and assistance to the Somaliland community affected by the drought.