Last cabinet session of the year held in aura of dejure status for the nation of Somaliland

By M.A. Egge

The last cabinet meeting of the year, the 48^th session, witnessed one that was held in an aura of elation, quite different from all held in the past three and a half decades.

This time round the weekly session held on the last day of the year hence on the Eve of the new year was one that happened in a dejure nation, not the defacto status that the country was reeling in all along, thanks to the official recognition of Somaliland by the State of Israel.

The nation and its populaces were triumphantly celebrating the best part of the week.

Similarly the cabinet session was for the first time being held in the background the government had for the first time completed almost all of its earmarked planned project of the year as budgeted.

For the first time, too, the administration has deliberated upon the successive budget, finalized its estimates, endorsed by the cabinet, passed by the parliament and signed by the Head of State for execution- all within the stipulated time.

Indeed it is a milestone for both the government and the nation.

 In general, the session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, while flanked by his deputy the VP H.E Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, was held on Wednesday the 31^st of Dec 2025 at the Presidency in Hargeisa.

The Cabinet meeting deliberated on several key national issues, which included: –

1. National Security Situation
   The Minister of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdallah Mohamed Arab, briefed the Council on the country’s security situation, stating that overall security across the Republic of Somaliland remains stable. He noted that recent celebrations related to Somaliland’s recognition were concluded peacefully across all the regions of the country.
2. National Revenue and Economic Performance
   The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan presented a general report to the Cabinet, stating that 2025 was a year in which the Ministry achieved tangible progress and notable advancements in revenue collection and economic development.
3. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
   The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Adan (Bakaal), briefed the Council on the smooth progress of ongoing recognition efforts.

He also highlighted procedures prepared by the Ministry concerning the planned reception and coordination of international delegations and global media outlets expected to arrive in the Republic of Somaliland.

4. President’s Meeting with Religious Leaders Following Recognition
   The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Sheikh Abdullahi Bashe Dahir Jama, informed the Council that the President of the Republic of Somaliland held an important meeting with the country’s religious leaders. The discussions focused on matters related to the recognition Somaliland received from the State of Israel, emphasizing prioritization of national unity and consultation.
   The President reassured the scholars of the government’s commitment to safeguarding Islamic values, upholding the principles of the Islamic faith, and protecting Somaliland’s political interests in its engagement with the international community.
5. Report on Somaliland Recognition Celebrations Country-wide

Regional reports on the recognition celebrations were presented to the Cabinet by the following officials:

• Maroodijeeh Region: Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Khadar Huseen Abdi
• Awdal Region: Minister of Water Resources, Hon Abubakar Abdirahman Good
• Sanaag Region: Deputy Minister of Transport and Roads Development, Hon. Mohamed Abdulmalik Ahmed
• Sool Region: Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Suleiman Duale Haji Jaama
• Sahil Region: Minister of Justice, Hon. Yoonis Axmed Yoonis
• Togdeer Region: Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Abdillahi Osman (Geel-jire)
• Gabiley Region: Minister of Planning and National Development, Hon. Kaltuun Sh. Hassan Abdi

The ministers reported that celebrations in all regions were conducted peacefully and enthusiastically, reflecting strong national unity and cohesion among the people of Somaliland, while sending a clear message to opponents of Somaliland’s aspirations.

6. National Health Situation
   The Deputy Minister of Health Development, acting Minister of Health, Hon. Samsam Mohamed Salah-Ya’niile, briefed the Council on the overall health situation in the country. She outlined the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, emphasizing the need for a national plan to address health service gaps in border regions.
   She also announced that the Ministry will provide free medical services in the district of Da’ar-Buruq, benefiting more than 300 people.
7. Opening of the Somaliland Premier League Champions Cup
   The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Ahmed-Yasin Mohamed Farah, informed the Council that the Champions of Champions Cup for Somaliland soccer clubs will officially kick off in the coastal city of Berbera, bringing together more than 1,200 young participants.
   He noted that the event will also be used as an opportunity to raise public awareness about the new historic phase the country has entered.