By M. A. Egge
Many parts of the nation are in the brink of experiencing famine due to the worsening grip effects of the severe prolonged drought as confirmed once more by the National Drought Response Committee and the health and resettlement ministries.
The situation has made the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) conditions alarming and further risks the health situation of both man and livestock, as already seen in some regions of the country and the government stressed the immediate and urgent need for a coordinated national emergency response.
The health ministry is forming a specialized Drought Health Task Team that will collect nationwide health data and develop a Drought Health Strategic Plan to respond to recurring drought crises.
On the other hand the security of the country is peaceful and the economy is stable with envisioned increase palpitated this year.
These and more observations were made plain and reported at the weekly session of the 44th cabinet of ministers meeting which was chaired by President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Wednesday at the Presidency.
According to the Presidential spokesman Hussein Adam Ige, the meeting reviewed several critical national reports and sector updates.
In general the matters focused on were generally as follows: –
- National Drought Situation Report
The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments Sheikh Abdullahi-Bashe Dahir Jama, a member of the National Drought Response Committee, briefed the cabinet on the rapidly worsening drought conditions across all regions of Somaliland.
He reported that widespread shortages of food and water are posing severe risks to the lives of affected communities, stressing the urgent need for a coordinated national emergency response.
- National Security Situation Report
The State Minister for Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdirashiid Mohamed Ahmed (Magaalo), informed the Council that Somaliland remains stable and secure, with no threats or security incidents reported across the country.
- Revenue and Economic Performance Report
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Aden, presented an overview of national revenue performance.
He stated that the Ministry has made strong efforts towards meeting the 2025 revenue projections, with collections for the first 11 months (January–November) reaching the levels forecasted in the national budget.
He added that, based on current performance, Somaliland is on track to record a budget surplus at the end of the year.
The Minister also highlighted progress in World Bank and African Development Bank–funded projects, noting improved coordination between government agencies and development partners, which has enhanced project implementation.
He further disclosed that new development projects are expected for Somaliland in the coming year and that the Ministry has completed the preparation of a Fair Share Access Plan to secure all projects the country is entitled to.
Additionally, the Ministry has prepared new economic policies and studies aimed at boosting national economic growth.
- National Health Situation Report
The Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, provided a briefing on the impact of the drought on the health sector.
He outlined several health risks triggered by the drought, including:
- High risk of malnutrition, which is already evident in some areas.
- Potential outbreaks of communicable diseases linked to worsening drought conditions.
- Mitigating for severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies which are direly needed.
He also reported positive progress in the Free Eye Surgery Campaign underway at Hargeisa Group Hospital, where more than 600 patients have received treatment.
The Ministry is forming a specialized Drought Health Task Team that will collect nationwide health data and develop a Drought Health Strategic Plan to respond to recurring drought crises.
- Situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
The Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Suleiman Duale Haji Jama, gave an in-depth presentation on the alarming conditions facing displaced communities.
He highlighted major challenges in IDP settlements, including:
- Acute shortages of water and food
- Declining health services
- Severely limited livelihood opportunities
He noted that humanitarian aid from international organizations, such as funds support, food assistance, and clean water supplies, has significantly declined, worsening the vulnerability of displaced families.
The Minister appealed to the Somaliland Government, local charities, and domestic stakeholders to deliver immediate humanitarian assistance to tens of thousands of displaced households nationwide.
- Report from the Ministry of Youth and Sports
Deputy Minister Hon. Yusuf Nouh Yusuf (Tedase) updated the Cabinet on ongoing youth programs, sports development projects, and near-term priorities.
He briefed the Council on:
- Newly launched sports stadiums, some nearing completion and others still under construction
- Stadiums not yet started, have their technical planning now being accelerated
- Preparations for the National Cup of Champions, including plans to strengthen domestic competition and address existing technical challenges
He outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at upgrading all national sports sectors, including:
- Improving sports infrastructure
- Training coaches, referees, and technical committees
- Strengthening sports clubs and associations
- Expanding sports opportunities across regions