The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), chaired the 78th session of the Council of Ministers today at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, also attended the meeting.
The session deliberated on key matters of national importance, including national security, public health preparedness, livestock development and exports, diplomatic engagement, the protection of Somaliland’s sovereign airspace, and the draft law governing the Somaliland Custodial Corps.
1. National Security and Public Order
The Minister of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, briefed the Council on the prevailing security situation across the Republic of Somaliland.
The Minister reported that the overall security environment remains stable and reassuring, with no significant security threats reported. He affirmed that the country’s security institutions remain fully prepared to safeguard peace, preserve public order, and protect national security.
He further underscored the importance of sustained coordination among the relevant security institutions and continued public vigilance, emphasizing that cooperation between the Government and the people remains fundamental to preserving Somaliland’s peace, stability, and security.
2. National Health Preparedness and Ebola Prevention
The Minister of Health Development, Hon. Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, presented a briefing on the national health situation, with particular emphasis on preparedness for the Ebola disease outbreak associated with the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), reported in May 2025.
The Minister informed the Council that no cases of Ebola had been reported in Somaliland to date. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance in view of the potential public health risks facing the Horn of Africa, particularly those associated with international air travel and population movements.
He stressed that proactive preparedness, effective surveillance, and coordinated institutional action are essential to safeguarding public health and preventing the potential spread of infectious diseases.
The Minister outlined the measures being undertaken by the Ministry of Health Development, including:
The activation of a standing committee dedicated to Ebola prevention and preparedness.
The training of healthcare personnel in Ebola prevention, detection, and control.
The strengthening of healthcare capacity at Hargeisa Airport and in border towns.
Enhanced coordination among relevant government institutions, including the Ministries of Interior, Civil Aviation, Information, Religious Affairs and Endowments, and Education; the Immigration Department; the Governor of Maroodi Jeex Region; the Mayor of Hargeisa; and other relevant authorities.
The Council underscored the importance of sustained preparedness and inter-agency coordination in protecting the health and well-being of the people of Somaliland.
3. Livestock Development, Rural Livelihoods, and Export Competitiveness
The Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Omar Shucayb Mohamed, briefed the Council on progress under the Banka Qoolcaday Project and its contribution to rural development, livestock productivity, pastoralist livelihoods, and national economic growth.
The Minister also reported on the implementation of the livestock vaccination and treatment campaign conducted in the eastern regions of the country. The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen animal health, protect the livelihoods of pastoralist communities, and sustain the livestock sector as a central pillar of Somaliland’s economy.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the notable growth in livestock exports and stressed the need for a comprehensive national strategy to advance livestock production, animal health, productivity, and welfare.
He emphasized that the livestock sector remains indispensable to Somaliland’s economic prosperity and the livelihoods of a substantial proportion of its population. He therefore called for a more strategic and forward-looking approach to livestock development, one that builds upon traditional pastoral practices while responding to the evolving demands of international markets.
The Minister further stressed the importance of positioning Somaliland to compete effectively in increasingly demanding global livestock export markets. In this regard, he strongly advocated the urgent establishment and equipping of a dedicated Livestock Export Terminal at Berbera Port.
Such a facility, he noted, would strengthen export infrastructure, improve the quality and competitiveness of Somaliland’s livestock exports, and support the long-term development of the national economy.
4. Foreign Policy, Diplomatic Engagement, and International Standing
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakaal, briefed the Council on the implementation of Somaliland’s foreign policy, the country’s growing international visibility and diplomatic standing, and the increasing interest demonstrated by the international community.
The Minister highlighted the diplomatic outcomes of the President’s official visit to the United States, drawing particular attention to remarks by the President of the United States describing Somaliland as distinct from Somalia.
He noted that these remarks had brought renewed international attention to Somaliland, enhanced its diplomatic profile, and contributed to emerging opportunities for international engagement and cooperation. He further emphasized the importance of building upon these developments to advance Somaliland’s national interests, strengthen its international relationships, and pursue its national aspirations.
The Minister also informed the Council that the Ministry was preparing formal diplomatic protocol guidelines for senior officials of the Republic of Somaliland undertaking official visits abroad.
The proposed guidelines are intended to establish clear and consistent procedures for official foreign engagements, ensuring that Somaliland is represented with the dignity, professionalism, and institutional discipline befitting the Republic and its national interests.
5. Sovereign Management of Somaliland’s Airspace
The Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation and Airport Development, Hon. Yusuf Keyse Abdillahi, briefed the Council on the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) system and Somaliland’s position on maintaining independent authority over its airspace and aviation operations.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the Government’s firm opposition to any interference, measures, or arrangements that undermine Somaliland’s independent administration of its airspace, aviation systems, or the interests of the Republic and its people.
He emphasized that the management of Somaliland’s airspace is a matter of national sovereignty, directly connected to the protection of the country’s land, maritime, and air boundaries, the safety of civil aviation, and the security of its citizens.
He further affirmed that the Government would take all necessary measures to safeguard the administration, security, and effective management of Somaliland’s airspace.
Following deliberations, the Council agreed that the Government of the Republic of Somaliland would take appropriate measures in response to what it characterized as interference by Somalia in the administration of Somaliland’s airspace and the disruption of its aviation arrangements.
6. Second Reading of the Draft Somaliland Custodial Corps Law
The Council of Ministers proceeded with the second reading of the draft Somaliland Custodial Corps Law, legislation intended to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing the administration and operations of the Custodial Corps.
The Minister of Justice, Hon. Yoonis Ahmed Yoonis, outlined the purpose, scope, and national significance of the proposed legislation.
He informed the Council that the Ministry had completed the draft law, noting that the Custodial Corps had long required a dedicated legal framework. He further explained that the legislation fulfils a constitutional requirement under Article 124 of the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Minister detailed the principal provisions of the draft law, which seek to regulate the administration and organizational structure of the Custodial Corps and define its powers, duties, responsibilities, personnel rights, promotion procedures, and disciplinary framework.
He urged members of the Council to undertake a thorough review of the draft legislation and submit their observations and recommendations to facilitate further deliberation and a vote at a subsequent session.
The session concluded with continued consideration of matters central to national security, public welfare, economic development, diplomatic engagement, sovereign governance, and institutional reform.