-He immediately chairs 53rd cabinet session upon arrival
-VP reports worsening drought situation in the country
By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) jetted back into the country on Thursday morning and immediately chaired the 53rd session of the council of ministers cabinet meeting.
The Head of State arrived following an official working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he participated in the World Governments Summit held in Dubai.
The summit, which the President attended for the second consecutive year in a row, held significant strategic importance for the Republic of Somaliland, especially as concerns diplomacy, investment, security cooperation, and economic infrastructure development.
The President’s participation is seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Somaliland’s international engagement and expanding of opportunities for economic and political cooperation.
He noted at the cabinet meeting that Somaliland’s participation in international forums strengthens its global profile, reputation, and credibility, while opening new opportunities for cooperation and investment that benefit the Somaliland people.
He underscored the fact that the government would continue its efforts to strengthen statehood institutions, promote economic growth, and expand international relations in pursuit of national development and international recognition goals.
He chaired the meeting and attended by Vice President H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, was held today at the Presidential Palace.
As per press release on the meeting by the Presidency spokesman Hussein Deyr, the VP on his part reported in detail on the worsening drought situation in the country hence pointed out that the situation required urgent intervention and a unified national emergency response.
The meeting addressed several key national issues that included:-
- National Drought Situation
The Vice President, who also chairs the National Drought Response Committee, delivered a detailed briefing on the worsening drought conditions across all regions of the country.
He reported widespread water shortages, food insecurity, increasing displacement, and severe humanitarian hardship, particularly affecting rural communities and pastoralists. The Vice President emphasized that the situation requires urgent intervention and a unified national emergency response.
He called on the nation not to rely solely on foreign aid but to mobilize domestic resources, urging the government, business community, and the public to work together to support those affected by the drought.
- National Security Update
The Minister of State for the Ministry of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed (Magaalo), briefed the cabinet on the country’s security situation. He stated that overall security remains stable, with no reported incidents of unrest or instability.
- Economic and Financial Report
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, presented a report on national revenue collection for January 2026.
He confirmed that government revenue is progressing as planned and has exceeded projections outlined in the 2026 national budget. The Minister noted that the Ministry continues to implement national plans and strategies aimed at strengthening the economy, expanding revenue streams, and ensuring sustainable economic growth supported by sound financial management.
He further assured the Council that the Somaliland shilling remains stable in foreign exchange markets, reflecting market confidence and prudent fiscal policy management.
The Minister underscored the importance of full implementation of financial transparency and accountability measures across all government institutions to strengthen public trust and reinforce good governance.
- Public Health Situation
The Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, reported that a widespread fever has affected all regions of the country over the past two weeks, particularly impacting children and the elderly.
He stated that the Ministry has taken urgent measures, including the deployment of additional medical personnel, provision of medicines, and expansion of healthcare services to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
The Minister also noted that a National Blood Donation Campaign is ongoing to ensure adequate blood reserves for emergency cases and patients requiring urgent transfusions.
- Illegal Mining Activities
The Minister of Energy and Minerals, Hon. Ahmed Jama Barre, briefed the Council on the growing challenges posed by illegal mining operations in several regions.
He highlighted the negative impact of unauthorized mining on national security, social stability, the economy, and the environment. Illegal mining activities, he said, lead to security disruptions, loss of national resources, unfair competition, and environmental degradation.
The Minister also raised concerns over the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining operations, stressing the need for coordinated national action and a comprehensive strategy to safeguard Somaliland’s natural resources.
- Presidential Working Visit to the United Arab Emirates
President Abdirahman Irro updated the Council on his working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he participated in the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
For the second consecutive year, the President attended the high-level international summit, considered among the most significant global gatherings of governments. He briefed the Council on his meetings with international leaders, global delegations, and business representatives.
The President emphasized the strategic importance of such visits for Somaliland, particularly in advancing diplomacy, attracting investment, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting economic infrastructure development.
He noted that Somaliland’s participation in international forums strengthens its global profile, reputation, and credibility, while opening new opportunities for cooperation and investment that benefit the Somaliland people.
President Abdirahman Irro reaffirmed that the government will continue its efforts to strengthen statehood institutions, promote economic growth, and expand international relations in pursuit of national development and international recognition goals.