By M.A. Egge
A high-level government delegation comprising of ministers, MPs and military officials, who in recent days have been visiting the coastal city of Zeyla, the capital of Salal region, joined local residents in performing the Friday prayers at the city’s main mosque. Following the prayers, extensive discussions were held on the importance of peace, development, and social cohesion.
The Minister of Interior and Security Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, delivered a speech focused on peace and development, stating that Salal Region is among the most stable regions in Somaliland. He reminded the members of the public that the region has been blessed with abundant resources, a blessing that can only be sustained through unity and stability.
“This region is one of the most peaceful in Somaliland. The Ministry of Interior receives regular reports from all regions, and Selel has never been recorded as a source of unrest, conflict, or insecurity,” the minister said.
The minister described the people of Zeyla and the entire region as “civilized, understanding, and historically rich,” noting thatZeyla’s deep cultural heritage is well known. He emphasized the city’s centuries-old history as a seat of ancient kingdoms, its coastal position having hosted civilizations for generations.
Minister Abdalle said the delegation had been dispatched by the President of Somaliland to assess the region’s security, development, and basic community needs. Each member of the delegation, he added, was assigned to evaluate specific social services relevant to their respective ministries.
The minister pledged that some of the needs identified during the visit will be addressed immediately, while the remaining concerns will be taken to Hargeisa for national-level consultations to determine long-term solutions.
“We laid the foundation stone of a new police station yesterday — a facility central to our security. We expect it to be completed within two months. We also laid the foundation stone for the new regional headquarters. One major concern raised by the community was the decline of local fishing operations, and we will not abandon that issue,” he said.
The minister also delivered pointed out that the government led by President Abdirahmaan Mohamed Abdillahi Irro is implementing one of the largest development projects in Somaliland within the region — a major road connecting Boorama to Lawyo‘ado, at the Somaliland–Djibouti border. This long-awaited road project is expected to eliminate a chronic bottleneck that has long hindered the movement of people, livestock, and goods.
The minister, whose speech focused on peace and developmental projects, urged residents to avoid anything that may cause division or destabilize security, warning that such disruptions hinder regional progress.
In recent months, Zeyla has experienced tensions linked to plans to launch a book on the Issa jurisprudence titled “Xeer Ciise”, which sparked disagreements within the community. The dispute ultimately prompted the minister’s delegation to visit the area.
On Thursday, November 13, the Somaliland Government officially announced the cancellation of the planned book launch in Zeyla, following rising tensions surrounding the event.
The Interior Minister, the regional governor, several cabinet members, and security agencies held a meeting in Zeyla, after which they issued the decision. They also announced that most of the disputes recently affecting the regions of Awdal and Salal had been resolved.
Government directive to safeguard peaceful stability;
The government has cancelled the book-launch event planned in Zeyla, after consulting with local elders, community members, and youth, and conducting further assessment.
The decision, officials said, was not taken to favour or discredit any clan, but solely based on the need to safeguard peace, stability, and the national interest of Somaliland.
Stern warning was issued to anyone attempting to fuel division among the peaceful and brotherly communities of the region.