The House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland officially launched newly modernized conference and recording equipment on 24 November, 2025, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of parliamentary proceedings.
The upgrading project was jointly funded and implemented by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) and the European Union (EU).
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Abdijalil Aw Dahir Afqarshe, Head of NIMD’s Somaliland/Somalia Office, reaffirmed his organization’s full commitment to strengthening democratic institutions in Somaliland, with particular focus on building the capacity of legislative bodies.
“NIMD is fully committed to the development of democratic institutions in Somaliland, especially strengthening the capacity of legislative institutions,” Mr. Afqarshe said. He stressed that cooperation with international partners remains essential for establishing strong, effective institutions that advance Somaliland’s democratic system.
The new state-of-the-art equipment is expected to improve the quality of debates, streamline decision-making processes, enhance session recording, and eliminate many of the technical challenges that previously disrupted parliamentary meetings.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yasin Mohamud Hiir (Faratoon), expressed profound gratitude to both NIMD and the European Union for their continued support.“This modern equipment will significantly reduce the technical obstacles we faced in the past and will greatly improve the overall effectiveness of the House,” Speaker Yasin stated.
EU Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro, who attended the event, underlined the European Union’s strong commitment to supporting parliaments and state institutions across Somaliland.
“The European Union gives special priority to assisting parliaments and public institutions,” Ambassador Di Mauro said. She commended both the Somaliland House of Representatives and NIMD for their dedication to modernizing and increasing transparency in parliamentary operations.
The launch is part of a broader, ongoing effort by NIMD and its international partners to promote transparency, efficiency, and institutional capacity within Somaliland’s legislative bodies. Officials say the upgraded facilities will directly contribute to higher-quality legislative services and more productive parliamentary sessions in the years ahead.