By M.A. Egge
The Vice President of Somaliland and Acting President, H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, chaired the 62nd weekly session of the cabinet which was held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
He stated that the government warmly welcomes all Somaliland citizens living abroad, particularly elders and influential figures who can contribute to peace and social unity.
He specifically welcomed the return of Sultan Abibakar Elmi Wabar and encouraged all citizens living outside the country to return home and participate in the nation’s development and stability.
The key issues discussed during the 62nd Cabinet meeting included:
-General Security Situation of the Country
The Minister of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, briefed the Council on the overall security situation in the country. He stated that security across all regions of Somaliland remains stable and secure, with no incidents of unrest or instability reported.
The Minister noted that all national security institutions remain on high alert, particularly during preparations for the 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s National Day on May 18. He called on citizens to continue safeguarding the peace and stability of the country.
-Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs
The Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Suleiman Duale Haji Jama, informed the Council that 402 families who had been living in temporary settlements were relocated and resettled onto land officially allocated to them by the Hargeisa Municipality.
The Minister stated that, in cooperation with the Hargeisa Local Government, NADFOR, UNHCR, and partner organizations, the families received humanitarian assistance including food supplies, water, cooking utensils, shelter materials, blankets, water containers, solar lamps, and other essential items.
He urged government institutions and humanitarian organizations to support the development of the new settlement area and strengthen the livelihoods of the resettled families.
– 18th May National Day Celebrations
The Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the National Committee organizing the May 18 celebrations, briefed the Council on preparations for the 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s National Day.
He stated that preparations are progressing smoothly through coordinated plans at district, regional, and national levels. The Minister emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns, beautification of cities and government institutions, and the organization of official ceremonies to ensure the anniversary reflects Somaliland’s unity, sovereignty, and historical significance.
-Economic Situation
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Aden, presented a report on the country’s economic situation, highlighting the impact of the Middle East conflict on Somaliland’s economy and state revenue.
He noted that rising fuel and commodity prices have increased pressure on the public’s cost of living. The Minister added that the Ministry is conducting in-depth studies aimed at developing national strategies to shield the country from similar economic shocks in the future.
- Closing Remarks by the Vice President
In his concluding remarks, the Vice President stated that the government warmly welcomes all Somaliland citizens living abroad, particularly elders and influential figures who can contribute to peace and social unity.
He specifically welcomed the return of Sultan Abibakar Elmi Wabar and encouraged all citizens living outside the country to return home and participate in the nation’s development and stability.
The Vice President later hosted Sultan Abibakar Elmi Wabar at his residence in Hargeisa following the Sultan’s return to Somaliland.
During the meeting, the Vice President emphasized that Somaliland is a nation founded on dialogue, mutual understanding, compromise, and unity.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Interior and National Security, the Minister of Telecommunications and Technology, the Commander of the Somaliland Police Force, the Chairman of the Peace Committee, and the Director General of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development.
On his part, Sultan Abibakar Elmi Wabar thanked the Vice President for the warm reception and praised the government’s efforts in maintaining peace, development, and stability in Somaliland.
Earlier on, senior officials including the Minister of Telecommunications and Technology Hon. Dr. Abdisalan Hussein Cawaale, Minister of the Presidency Hon. Khadar Hussein Cabdi, Minister of Interior Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, and other officials gave Sultan Wabar a warm welcome upon his arrival.