Republic of Somaliland’s Minister of Livestock Development, Omar Shu’aib Mohamed, has welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of the country’s first-ever Livestock Quarantine Law, describing it as a milestone that will modernize the livestock export industry, improve animal welfare, and boost access to international markets.
The legislation, approved by an overwhelming majority of the Council of Ministers after two rounds of deliberations, establishes the legal framework for the management and operation of livestock quarantine facilities. It sets out procedures and service standards in line with internationally recognized animal health and welfare requirements.
According to Minister Omar Shu’aib, the new law aligns Somaliland’s livestock quarantine system with the standards of global organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and other relevant international and national regulations.
The minister said the law introduces legally enforceable animal welfare protections, ensuring that livestock destined for export receive proper care and humane treatment while being held in quarantine facilities. Violations of these standards will carry legal penalties.
He added that the legislation is expected to enhance Somaliland’s credibility in international livestock markets and encourage countries that have previously declined to import Somaliland livestock due to the absence of internationally compliant quarantine regulations.
Minister Omar Shu’aib praised the Ministry’s technical experts, legal advisers, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry’s leadership for their contributions to drafting the legislation and providing the expertise required to bring it to completion.
He also thanked the Council of Ministers for dedicating two sessions to debating the bill before approving it, describing the decision as a significant achievement for the country’s livestock sector.
The draft law will now be submitted to Somaliland’s legislative bodies for debate and final approval. The minister expressed optimism that lawmakers would expedite its passage, noting that the legislation is a cornerstone of Somaliland’s livestock export industry, one of the country’s most important economic sectors.