By M.A. Egge
The ongoing drought that has mostly afflicted the eastern parts of the has so far been overtly detrimental to the education sector.
The government has confirmed that 14000 thousand pupils in 410 schools have been severely affected directly such that attendance in the institutions have dropped drastically.
This effect is stark in the rural areas where pastoral families have been forced to move in search of water and pastures.
The reports were made during the latest weekly meeting of the council of cabinet ministers.
The 41st Session was chaired by the President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, was convened as usual at the Presidential Palace.
The ministers discussed several key agenda items, that includes: –
1) Briefing on Economic Affairs, Finance, and National Revenue
The briefing was presented by the State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Hon. Ismail Mowlid Abdillahi.
He provided the Cabinet with an overview of the progress in national tax collection and its crucial role in the country’s economic growth. He stated that the 2025 National Revenue Forecast is on track as planned.
He added that the continued growth of domestic revenue reflects economic progress and strengthens confidence in Somaliland’s financial capacity. This growth will also significantly contribute to improving public services and investing in key economic infrastructure.
He further informed the Cabinet that the preparation of the 2026 National Budget is progressing well, with the Ministry having held consultations with all government ministries and institutions.
2) The Drought Situation and Its Impact on National Education
The Minister of Education, Training and Science, Hon. Professor Ismail Ducaale Yusuf, noted that the severe drought conditions affecting many regions of Somaliland, posing serious risks to both human and livestock survival. The most affected regions include Sanaag, Togdeer, Saraar, and Saahil, where widespread water and food shortages, high livestock mortality, and mass displacement have been reported.
The Minister explained that the prolonged drought has significantly disrupted the education system, with many children unable to attend school due to displacement, hunger, and water shortages at learning centers.
Major impacts on education include:
-Water shortages in schools and learning sites
-A sharp increase in student absenteeism
-Widespread school closures
-A significant reduction in teaching hours
He noted that 410 schools and approximately 14,000 students have been directly affected by the drought.
3) Report of the National Committee on the Reconstruction of the Idaa’ada Central Market
The Minister of Public Works, Lands, and Housing, Hon. Hussein Ahmed Aydeed updated the Cabinet on the stages of reconstruction of Hargeisa’s Idaa’ada market, which was destroyed by fire in February 2025. He outlined the challenges the task committee faced, how those challenges were resolved, and the current status of the reconstruction project.
The Minister explained in detail that the new market will be a modern commercial center, equipped with complete amenities for services, improved security systems, water supply, and sanitation facilities aligned with the urban plan of Hargeisa.
He added that the reconstruction will boost commercial activity in Hargeisa and create employment and economic opportunities for small and medium-sized traders.
4) Government Vehicle License Plate Policy
The Minister of Transport and Road Development, Hon. Osman Ibrahim Nur (Afgaab), informed the Cabinet that the Ministry has developed an official policy and procedure framework for the registration, regulation, verification, and retirement of government vehicle license plates—including those in service and those decommissioned.
The goal of this framework is to ensure all government vehicles are legally registered, responsibly used, and that decommisioned plates are fully removed from the national system.
He emphasized that this policy is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen transparency, accountability, and protection of public assets, ensuring proper and responsible management of government vehicles.
5) Draft Legislation on Seed Production and Distribution (Part 1)
A joint briefing was presented by the Minister of Agricultural Development, Hon. Mahmoud Ige Yusuf, and the Attorney General, Hon. Ali Baashe Mohamed Farah.
The Minister outlined the key benefits the Seed Production Law will bring to Somaliland. He highlighted that the law would:
-Ensure the regulation and long-term development of seeds and plant varieties
-Establish a systematic program for the collection and protection of local seeds and genetic resources
-Regulate imported seeds entering the country
-Ensure quality control and traceability of all imported seeds
He concluded by stating that the Ministry possesses all necessary inputs and responsibilities to implement, manage, and supervise all matters related to the development, production, storage, protection, and distribution of seeds and plant varieties in Somaliland.