By M.A. Egge
The government aims to establish a transparent, fair and efficient land administration system that responds to the country’s growing needs.
This has been made clear through a presentation to the Council of Cabinet Ministers of an overview of the Somaliland National Land Policy in an effort to streamline the sector, during the 46th session of their weekly meeting session, chaired by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro held on Wednesday at the Presidency in Hargeisa.
The session also saw the highlights of the key milestone developmental events that have unfolded in recent days such as the pioneer National Minerals Expo and the National Welfare conference, functions that would henceforth be held annually.
Similarly the economic situation was billed satisfactory owing to the targets set by the Treasury which has been on course throughout the year as planned.
Generally the major factors on the session’s agenda during the week were as follows: –
1. National Security Situation
The Minister of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, briefed the cabinet on the country’s security situation, stating that overall security across the Republic of Somaliland remains stable and calm, with no incidents of insecurity or unrest reported in any of the regions.
The Minister also shared a general report on the several weeks of official working visit he undertook alongside the Minister of Defence and that of Youth and Sports to the Salal and Awdal regions.
2. National Revenue and Economic Performance
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, presented a comprehensive report to the Council. He noted that the Ministry has made significant efforts to meet the revenue targets outlined in the 2025 national budget, confirming that revenue collected over the past eleven months (January–November) aligned with projections.
The Minister also briefed the Council on a working visit to Nairobi, where he participated in a High-Level Development Forum organized by the Ministry of Planning and National Development. During the visit, productive meetings were held with key international institutions, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted ongoing collaboration between the Ministry and DP World to accelerate and modernize services at Berbera Port, aimed at benefiting traders and neighboring countries, particularly Ethiopia.
3. National Health Situation
The Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, provided a detailed health sector briefing. He informed the Council that Dengue Fever—transmitted by mosquitoes—has emerged in the eastern regions of Somaliland. In response, the Ministry has deployed medical teams and essential medicines to affected areas to provide treatment, medical advice and public health services.
The Minister also addressed the severe impact of drought on health services, particularly in drought-affected communities, noting increased cases of malnutrition, heightened risks of communicable diseases, and shortages of medicines and medical supplies in some areas.
4. National Minerals Exhibition Conference
The Minister of Energy and Minerals, Hon. Ahmed Jama Barre, briefed the Council on the Somaliland Minerals Expo 2025, which was held in Hargeisa from 15–16 December 2025. The event brought together participants from more than 30 countries, including international companies, experts and prominent Somaliland figures.
Organized by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the expo was the first of its kind to showcase Somaliland’s mineral resources. The Minister presented an 11-point communiqué issued at the conclusion of the conference, which included resolutions such as holding the expo annually, strengthening laws and policies governing mineral resources, conducting comprehensive geological surveys, establishing a National Institute for Mining, developing an international-standard mining laboratory, promoting local and foreign investment, and prioritizing environmental protection, social impact and community participation.
5. Livestock and Rural Development
The Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Dr. Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed, delivered a detailed report highlighting key sector achievements. He stated that 2,791,052 livestock had been treated, 46,517 households benefited from veterinary services, 504,543 animals were inspected and slaughtered in official abattoirs, and 3,403,170 live animals were exported.
The Minister emphasized the severe impact of drought on livestock livelihoods, citing pasture and water shortages, weakened animal health, reduced production of milk and meat, and growing risks to families dependent on livestock.
He also informed the Council of preparations for an upcoming National Livestock Trade and Production Expo, aimed at improving livestock quality, expanding markets and strengthening the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
6. Transport and Road Development
The Deputy Minister of Transport and Road Development, Hon. Mohamed Abdulmalik Ahmed, presented a National Plan to reduce traffic accidents. He explained that studies had identified the causes of road accidents, resulting in 23 actionable recommendations. A 14-member National Committee has been established to oversee implementation of the plan.
He added that traffic regulations for both government and civilian vehicles have been tightened and announced plans for a National Conference involving key stakeholders working on road safety. The Deputy Minister also outlined the Ministry’s five-year strategic plan, focusing on accident reduction, public safety, awareness campaigns, vehicle standards enforcement, stronger traffic regulations and road construction and maintenance.
7. National Social Welfare Conference
The Minister of Employment, Social Affairs and Family, Hon. Milgo Mohamed Elmi (Sanbalooshe), briefed the Council on the outcomes of the National Social Welfare Conference held from 16–17 December 2025. The conference brought together senior government officials, international and local humanitarian organizations, universities and social welfare stakeholders.
A 10-point communiqué was issued, including resolutions to hold the conference annually on 16–17 December, fast-track the Social Welfare Act, establish a national social welfare registry, strengthen planning, monitoring and evaluation of social programs, increase budget allocations for social welfare, enhance coordination between government and humanitarian organizations, and develop a national action plan clarifying institutional roles and responsibilities.
8. Somaliland National Land Policy
The Minister of Public Works, Land and Housing, Hussein Ahmed Aydeed, presented an overview of the Somaliland National Land Policy. He stated that the policy aims to establish a transparent, fair and efficient land administration system that responds to the country’s growing needs.
The Minister emphasized that effective implementation of the policy would promote peace in land management and contribute to national economic growth. He called on Cabinet members to carefully review, discuss and provide recommendations on the policy.
9. High-Level Development Coordination Forum
The Minister of Planning and National Development, Hon. Kaltun Sheikh Hassan Abdi, briefed the Council on the High-Level Development Coordination Forum held in Nairobi on 9 December 2025. Organized by the Ministry, the forum brought together numerous countries and international organizations.
She explained that during the first phase of the forum, the Somaliland delegation presented the National Development Plan and the country’s development priorities, with particular focus on economic conditions, security, humanitarian issues and development projects.
In the second phase, the delegation held bilateral meetings with the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the World Bank and the African Development Fund, discussing ongoing projects and future cooperation opportunities.
The Minister concluded by noting that the forum ended successfully, with mutual agreements to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the implementation of development projects across Somaliland.