By M.A. Egge
The prolonged and repeated drought sweeping across the country has worsened, putting the situation of both human and livestock in peril.
This has once again been asserted at the weekly cabinet meeting. It is worth noting that on Monday the VP H.E. Mohamed Abdi aw Ali made a strong statement to the nation explaining the dire situation while noting that the plight of both human and livestock were perilous.
The adoption of the national youth policy was voted for overwhelmingly at the session.
Impending famine and more issues put on focus at the 42nd session of the council of cabinet ministers meeting included the national economic situation, internal security, priority national policy planning, livestock etc.
Chaired by the President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, the general agenda as per the presser by Presidential spokesman Hussein Deyr was follows: –
- National Security Briefing
The Minister of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, reported that the overall security situation across the country remains stable and calm, with no threats posing significant risk to the state.
- Revenue and Economic Update
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, informed the cabinet that national revenue collection from January to October is progressing in line with the 2025 budget projections.
He added that the 2026 national budget has been fully prepared and will soon be submitted to the cabinet for debate and approval.
The minister also highlighted productive meetings held in Dubai aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in economic infrastructure and improving national revenue systems.
- National Drought Situation
The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Sheikh Abdullahi-Bashe Dahir Jama—also a member of the National Drought Relief Committee—warned that drought conditions are worsening across all regions, calling for an urgent nationwide relief effort to support affected households.
- Livestock Export Conditions
The Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Dr. Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed, emphasized the need to modernize livestock export systems and infrastructure, describing livestock as the backbone of Somaliland’s economy.
He noted that the ongoing drought has negatively affected both the number and quality of livestock, urging the government to adopt a national plan to protect the remaining herds.
- Public Health Situation
The Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, reported a slight decline in measles, whooping cough, and malaria cases, attributing the improvement to ongoing preventive campaigns.
He also notified the cabinet that an extremely fatal disease known as the Marburg Virus has been detected in the neighbouring country of Ethiopia, and the ministry has begun preparedness and monitoring efforts—particularly in border areas—to safeguard public health.
- Upcoming High-Level Development Forum
The Minister of Planning and National Development, Hon. Kaltun Sheikh Hassan Abdi, announced that her ministry will host a High-Level Development Coordination Forum, where priority national development projects will be presented.
The event will bring together the Somaliland government, local institutions, development partners, donors, and international agencies to discuss investment, cooperation, and acceleration of key economic and social infrastructure projects.
- New Procedures for Vehicle Plate Removal and Vehicle Modifications
The Minister of Transport and Road Development, Hon. Osman Ibrahim Nuur (Afgaab), briefed the cabinet on newly introduced regulations governing vehicle plate removal, garages management, and vehicle modifications.
Under the new rules, vehicle alterations will only be approved after a full technical inspection to ensure compliance with safety and traffic standards.
- Meeting between the Cabinet and the WADDANI Ruling Party
The Minister of Presidential Affairs, Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, reported on a crucial meeting held between the cabinet and the ruling WADDANI party, which focused on strengthening coordination, improving communication with supporters, and advancing the party’s political agenda. He described the meeting as one that was quite productive and unifying.
- Approval of the National Youth Policy
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Ahmed-Yasin Mohamed Farah, together with the Attorney General, Ali Bashe Mohamed, briefed the cabinet on the National Youth Policy previously distributed for review.
Following discussion, President Abdirahman Irro called for a vote. All 37 cabinet members present voted in favor, with no objections or abstentions whatsoever.