By M.A. Egge
The Minister of Information Hon. Barkhad Jama Hirsi Batuun has underpinned the fact that the purpose of the National Media Policy, is to establish a free, independent, responsible and professional media capable of responding to the needs of society and fulfilling the national aspirations of Somaliland.
The minister whose docket also holds the Culture and national guidance portfolios and is officially the government’s spokesperson, stated that the media policy would play a major role in promoting understanding and connectivity between the press, members of the public and government institutions, while serving as a cornerstone for strengthening national security and protecting the good morals of the society.
Hon. Barkhad Batuun made the sentiments as he gave brief to the 71st weekly session of the cabinet, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by the Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland and Acting President, H.E. Mohamed Ali aw Abdi, was held on Wednesday at the Presidency.
Health issues and security affairs were the other main issues in the day’s itinerary.
According to a presser from the Presidency, factors highlighted and focussed on during the cabinet meeting was generally as follows; –
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲:
The Minister of Interior and National Security of the Republic of Somaliland, Hon. Abdallah Mohamed Arab, briefed the Council of Ministers on the overall security situation in the country, stating that, in general, security in the Republic of Somaliland is stable and peaceful, and that there is no widespread unrest or instability in the regions of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Minister informed the Council of Ministers the ongoing efforts to strengthen peace, social coexistence and national security in the Awdal and Selel regions, stating that a delegation of Ministers and senior government officials had been on a working visit to the western regions of the country, where they were carrying out efforts to accelerate the Peace and Reconciliation process among the communities.
The Minister stated that the brotherly communities living together in the Awdal and Selel regions have strongly expressed their desire for peace, coexistence and lasting stability, demonstrating that a lasting solution can be achieved through dialogue and social consensus.
𝟐. 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲:
The Minister of Health Development of the Republic of Somaliland, Hon. Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, briefed the Council of Ministers on the overall state of health services in the country, the Ministry’s activities and working visits he made to the Togdeer and Saahil regions, during which he assessed health needs and the proper functioning of social services.
The Minister briefed the meeting on the launching the second phase of the Better Life Programme in the city of Burao, which is providing health support and various services to 28 health facilities located in the Togdeer Region, including hospitals and maternal and child health centres.
He also noted his visit to the Saahil Region, particularly the Berbera area, where he assessed the condition of health services, existing needs and areas requiring attention. He stated that the Ministry of Health Development has delivered CT-Scan machines to the Saahil and Sanaag regions, which will greatly contribute to the examination and diagnosis of diseases, while also meeting the healthcare needs of the Saaxil and Sanaag regions.
The Minister emphasised that the Ministry of Health Development will continue to strengthen health services, develop health infrastructure and provide quality services to the regions and districts of the country, to the extent possible.
𝟑. 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲:
The Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance of the Republic of Somaliland, Hon. Barkhad Jama Hirsi (Batuun), briefed the Council of Ministers on the purpose of the National Media Policy, which is to establish a free, independent, responsible and professional media capable of responding to the needs of society and fulfilling the national aspirations of Somaliland.
The Minister told the Council that the Office of the Attorney General had confirmed that this policy is consistent with the National Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Minister informed the Council that the media policy will play a major role in promoting understanding and connectivity among the Press, Society and Government Institutions, while serving as a cornerstone for strengthening national security and protecting the good morals of the people of the Republic of Somaliland. Finally, the Minister requested the members of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland to read and discuss the draft text of the National Media Policy.