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Somaliland: Environment Minister meets with representatives from the NAGAAD Project (SURP II)

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa-The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Abdillahi Jama Cismaan (Geeljire), and senior officials from the Ministry of Environment held a fruitful meeting with representatives from the NAGAAD Project (SURP II), a project supported by the World Bank, which recently succeeded in being included in the city of Hargeisa.

The meeting focused on how they could collaborate to promote the development of the urban environment, with participation from officials from the World Bank, the local government of the capital city Hargeisa, and the Ministry of Environment. Special attention was given to the role the project will play in the development of infrastructure, road lighting, and the greening of the city of Hargeisa.

During the meeting, the Minister of the Ministry of Environment provided a detailed explanation of the responsibilities and services the ministry offers to the public. Similarly, the Director of the Urban Environment Protection and Development Department, Mr. Mohamed Yasin Abdirahman, briefed the attendees on the general condition of the urban environment, cleanliness, and environmental protection, sharing with the leadership the role of the Ministry in the development of the urban environment.

Following this, the policies, regulations, and strategies related to the development of the urban environment established by the Ministry were thoroughly discussed.

Finally, a comprehensive agreement was reached, which is expected to lead to effective cooperation aimed at the development of the capital city of the Republic of Somaliland, Hargeisa.

Somaliland: Minister of Internal Affairs meets with Visiting EUCAP Officials

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa-The Minister of Internal Affairs and Security, Mr. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, today(Thursday) held a consultative and informative meeting in his  office with the visiting top leadership of the EUCAP Mission, led by the Head of Operations and Training of the European Union, Kestutis Lancinskas. Also in attendance were representatives of the EUCAP office in Hargeisa.

The meeting focused on the cooperation between the two sides, particularly on security matters.

The senior leadership of EUCAP commended the Minister for the significant progress Somaliland has made in maritime affairs and maritime security.

In conclusion, the Minister emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between the two sides, noting that this cooperation will lead to a strong relationship and further development.

Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have suspended their regular flights to Mogadishu due to Security Reasons

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

The airlines Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have suspended their daily flights to Mogadishu following security concerns related to Aden Adde International Airport.

Reports we have received indicate that Turkish Airlines has suspended its international flights to Mogadishu for several days. Sources within the airline told VOA Somali that today’s flight was canceled due to security reasons.

The exact reason for the suspension of flights by the airline is not clear, but reports suggest that the flights have been suspended from March 6th to March 12th. Passengers who were scheduled to travel on Turkish Airlines today were informed that the flight would not be arriving.

Although Turkish Airlines has not officially announced the reason for the suspension of flights, ticket sales offices handling Turkish Airlines flights were informed that the airline has suspended its flights to Aden Adde International Airport.

Similarly, sources among the staff at Aden Adde Airport told VOA that there will be no Qatar Airways flights arriving in Mogadishu tomorrow.

These two airlines used to operate daily flights to Mogadishu. The decision to suspend their flights came just hours after the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu issued a warning about potential imminent attacks targeting Aden Adde Airport and other important locations.

Somaliland: President chairs the 11th Session of the Council of Ministers meeting

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

The 11th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi(Iirro), was held today at the Presidential Palace of Somaliland. The meeting addressed numerous issues of national importance. The agenda for today included the following topics:

  • Security Update: A briefing on the overall security situation in the country was provided by the Minister of Interior, who stated that the country’s security is generally stable.

  • Financial and Economic Update: A comprehensive briefing on the country’s financial outlook was given by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, who highlighted the successful progress in implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and fuel levies.

  • Health Situation: A detailed briefing on the general health situation in the country was provided by the Minister of Health Development.

  • Refugee and Humanitarian Aid Situation: An extensive briefing on the status of refugees and humanitarian aid was given by the Minister of Rehabilitation and Social Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland.

  • Livestock Export and Drought Preparedness: A briefing on the latest developments in livestock exports, drought preparedness, and the resolution of the closure of the Sheikh Livestock Quarantine Facility was provided by the Minister of Livestock.

  • Progress Report on Government Activities: A briefing on the coordination and compilation of data on the activities of ministries during the first 100 days of the Wadajir Government’s performance was given by the Ministers of Information and the Presidency.

  • Agricultural Policy and Recommendations: The presentation of the Agricultural Policy and the creation of a farming policy, along with the outcomes of the National Farmers’ Conference, were discussed by the Minister of Agriculture Development.

  • Approval of Recommendations for Disabled Employees: The Council of Ministers approved the recommendations of the committee tasked with overseeing the affairs of disabled employees by a majority vote.

  • National Mineral Exploration Policy (First Reading): The Minister of Minerals and Energy provided a general briefing to the Council on the National Mineral Exploration Policy.

  • Legal Aid Bill (First Reading): The Minister of Justice of the Republic of Somaliland provided a general briefing to the Council on the Legal Aid Bill.

  • Progress on Military Registration: A general briefing on the progress of the registration process for the various national armed forces was provided to the Council by the Minister of the Presidency.

  • Final Remarks by the President: Lastly, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), provided a general briefing to the Council of Ministers on the latest efforts to stabilize the town of Erigavo and the ongoing training of the National Guard forces, who are making significant progress. The President expressed his deep gratitude to the members of the Somaliland government led by the Vice President of Somaliland, praising their efforts in maintaining peace in Erigavo.

Philanthropist Nobly Feeds the Mentally Ill During Ramadan

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By M.A. Egge

The Chairman of the Sana’ani Foundation, Mohamed Hussein (Jaga’), has again started his noble cause of feeding the mentally ill in Hargeisa who roam the streets.

The Chairman of the Sana’ani Foundation, Mohamed Hussein (Jaga’), is distributing cooked food during the holy month of Ramadan to the mentally ill in the markets of Hargeisa who have nowhere to eat during the month of Ramadan as cooked food businesses are closed.

Chairman Mohamed Hussein (Jaga’) who spoke to the BBC said that every year, he comes from London to feed the mentally ill in the markets of Hargeisa.

Mohamed Hussein Jaga’ noted that he started his philanthropy of feeding the mentally ill people during the month of Ramadan in 2010.

His commitments and steadfastness to his cause of helping the needy with mental illness roaming Hargeisa streets is a rare feat witnessed in this part of the Horn of Africa region by individual entities hence his noble efforts need being emulated and/or bolstered to the hilt.

Somaliland rebuffs Puntland whimsical allegations

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The Republic of Somaliland is a beacon of hope and stability in the Horn of Africa

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, CULTURE AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

PRESS STATEMENT

The Republic of Somaliland is internationally recognized for its remarkable stability and commitment to peace. Unlike many of its neighboring states, Somaliland has successfully maintained security and order, earning a reputation as the most stable region in the Horn of Africa.

Its peaceful environment has made it a model for governance and stability, drawing admiration even from neighboring nations.

Somaliland has a long and effective history of combating terrorism and piracy, ensuring that these threats do not take root within its borders. Its proactive efforts in counterterrorism have contributed to the overall security of the region, serving as a protective shield for the entire area.

Article 10, Clause 7 of the Somaliland Constitution explicitly states: “The Government of the Republic of Somaliland opposes all forms of terrorism, regardless of its purpose.” This makes Somaliland the only country in the region with a constitutional obligation to fight terrorism.

Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Somaliland has always been committed to fighting terrorism, and has effective cooperation with neighboring countries in this regard.

Somaliland: President once again assures political parties that his office for consultation, as he meets KULMIYE political party

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By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), has once again assured the political parties that his office was always open for them for consultations.

He made the assurance as he met the top officials of the Kulmiye party in his office following the party’s request.

The Kulmiye party chiefs lauded the President for the pacification efforts going on in the country and absorption of local militia in Sanaag region into the mainstream national armed forces.

The meeting had the consensus that petty politicking would be set aside as the nation forges for consolidated unity, solidarity and national cohesion towards both progressive development and defense of the country

According to a press release on Tuesday by the Presidential spokesman Hussein Deyr, the Head of State met with the senior leadership of the Kulmiye Opposition Party, represented by the Chairman of the Kulmiye Opposition Party, Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, the 1st Deputy Chairman, Abdiazis Mohamed Samaale, and Ahmed Abdi Deere.

The meeting, which was requested by the Kulmiye party, was received by the President of the Republic of Somaliland and his government with goodwill, openness and the process of cooperation between the national official parties and the administration of the day

The meeting discussed and analyzed issues that are of importance to the nationhood and country, such as:

  1. Working together on security, stability and national defense,
  2. Strengthening the unity and solidarity of the Somaliland society,
  3. Drafting and developing the democratic and electoral processes in the country,

The senior leadership of the Kulmiye party shared with the President recommendations in general related to the current security, political, economic and social situations.

They commended the President for the nationalization of the Civilian Forces and the headcount of all the various segments of the national forces.

The President and the leadership of the Kulmiye party underscored the importance of overcoming political differences in order to have a united Somaliland for its development and to unite against common enemies, while strengthening the democratic process and the need for a transparent and fair electoral process, hence bolster the legitimacy of the country’s democratic institutions.

Finally, the President once again assured the leadership of the Kulmiye party that his door is always open to them and other official national political parties as well.

President Inaugurates Education Program for Prisons

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa -The President of the Republic of Somaliland, HE. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), has emphasized the importance of the Political Reform and the Education Program for Prisons during the launch of the program at the Ministry of Justice.

The Education Program for Prisons was developed in collaboration with the Ministries of Justice, Education, Religion, and Endowments.

The President, in his speech during the occasion, highlighted that this initiative is a clear indication and symbol of the government’s commitment to WADAJIR (Unity) and WAX-QABAD (Progress) in protecting human rights, reforming the country’s prisons, and facilitating the rehabilitation of inmates.

The President noted that this is the first time a structured education program is being implemented within Somaliland’s prisons, ensuring that inmates have access to educational opportunities that empower them to become productive members of society upon their release.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) of the Republic of Somaliland, speaking about the objectives of the program, stated:

“This program provides inmates with the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills, which can help them reintegrate into society successfully after completing their prison terms.”

The President of the Republic of Somaliland also emphasized that the government is committed to protecting the rights of Somaliland citizens, developing vocational skills, and creating job opportunities. He said:

“Access to education is a fundamental right, and we are implementing educational programs within prisons to ensure this. Many inmates do not have access to formal education or vocational training. This program will provide basic education, vocational training, and ethical education to enhance their job opportunities after their release.”

In conclusion, the President of the Republic of Somaliland stated that the Political Reform and the Education Program for Prisons are significant steps towards advancing the justice system in our country, with a focus on prison reform and the rehabilitation of inmates.

The upcoming elections will be held on time, Says the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission

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“The upcoming elections will be held on time, and we are preparing their plans,” said the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Somaliland.

 

Hargeisa—The Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Muse Hassan Yusuf, stated that they held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro). During the meeting, they discussed the country’s upcoming elections in 2026. He noted that the President has committed to ensuring the elections take place on schedule and has directed the preparation of their plans. He said:

 

“We met with the President, and he assured us that the elections will be held on time. We are now preparing the plans, starting with voter registration and determining the process, the timeline, and addressing the challenges we observed during the previous voter registration. We are actively working on how to improve these plans.”

On the other hand, the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Muse Hassan Yusuf, highlighted that the previous elections held in the country were largely funded by the national budget, covering 70% of the costs, while donors contributed the remaining portion.

Chairman Muse, speaking on these matters, said, “In the last elections we conducted, 70% of the costs were covered by the national budget, and the rest was provided by donors. Donors support us in two main ways when elections approach: first, ensuring that the elections are held on time, as delays create distrust and raise questions about whether the elections will happen or be postponed.”

In conclusion, the Chairman of the Somaliland Electoral Commission emphasized that they are working on preparing plans for the local and parliamentary elections scheduled for May 31, 2026. He mentioned that they have traveled to Kenya to meet with donors and stated:

“Since the responsibility for conducting the elections lies primarily with the President of the country, as it is a constitutional mandate, and he has assured us that they will be held on time, we are informing everyone that we have begun preparations for the elections to be held on schedule. We have the plans and budget in hand, and for this purpose, we traveled to Nairobi. We met with countries that supported us in previous elections and those interested in assisting us now, such as the U.S. Embassy, the EU Embassy, the Swedish Embassy, and the UK’s FCDO. We discussed with all of them and shared the challenges we face, such as voter registration, and how they can support us in preparing for the elections so we can work together.”

He added, “We also met with the Electoral Commission of Kenya, as we aim to enhance and improve the voter registration process. The current method of voter registration, which involves a one-time biometric system, is costly for the country.”

Somaliland: President meets with senior officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa, 03.03.2025-: The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), today held an important meeting at the Presidential Palace with senior officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), led by Mr. Manuel Marques Pereira. The delegation included Ms. Murima (Deputy), Ayan Hassan Rabi (Head of IOM Somaliland), and Mohammed Omar Idan (Security Officer).

Firstly, the President of the Republic of Somaliland welcomed the delegation and expressed his gratitude for the long-standing collaboration and efforts of IOM in Somaliland.

The President stated that the Somaliland government is ready to work closely and cooperatively with all international organizations, focusing on issues of national importance for Somaliland.

The Head of IOM, Mr. Marques Pereira, congratulated the President on his victory in the recent presidential elections and commended the democratic progress achieved in Somaliland.

The Head of IOM emphasized their readiness to collaborate with the new government, particularly with ministries they directly work with, such as Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, Rehabilitation, Justice, Health, the Immigration Department, and others.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to address challenges related to migration and how to jointly tackle humanitarian issues that require urgent attention.

Key points discussed included:

  • Management of migration flows and protection of vulnerable individuals.

  • Coordination of support for refugees and communities affected by natural disasters and conflicts.

  • Combating human trafficking and ensuring the protection of individuals at risk.

  • Leveraging and enhancing the knowledge and experience of the diaspora community.

Both sides affirmed their commitment to long-term collaboration aimed at promoting stability, humanitarian care, and sustainable development in Somaliland.