The newly appointed Minister of Finance Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan emphasized that as he assumes the tasks of the ministry he would make sure that the laws applicable governing the institution would have to be adhered to the hilt.
He gave the sentiments as he took over the office from predecessor Dr. Saad Ali Shire on Tuesday.
He and new Minister of State for the Ministry, Hon. Mawliid Ismail Abdilaahi took over from the previous heads of the ministry.
The handover ceremony, which was held at the Bar Haraf Hotel in Hargeisa and was attended by the Governor of the Central Bank, the National Accountant General, parliamentarians, traditional leaders, senior employees of the ministry and other distinguished guests.
The outgoing minister Mr. Saad Ali Shire, welcomed the new officials appointed by the President to the ministry and briefed them on the vast responsibilities entailed in the ministry.
Hon. Abdillahi, who himself is not a new face in the financial world, noted that his administration would see to it that applicable laws, rules, regulations and tenets that encompass the systemic financial management would have to be adhered to.
“In accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Somaliland, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is responsible for major tasks in the country, including setting the national budget, implementing and enforcing laws to guide the national financial administration, formulating and implementing effective financial, economic, and tax policies, ensuring fair and equitable distribution of economic opportunities, collecting and regulating income taxes in the country, and balancing government revenue and expenditure”, he said.
He pointed out that while fulfilling his mandate, he would focus on establishing an efficient, transparent, financial management system that reflects the extensive work and mission of the ministry for the nation of Somaliland.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro consulted in his office with Speakers of the both Houses of the Senate and House of Representatives Hon. Suleiman Mohamud Adan and Prof. Yasin Haji Mohamud Hiir (Faratoon) and the Chairman of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Adan Haji Ali Ahmed.
They pondered on the way forward for concerted national strategic efforts to address security concerns in Erigavo and how to strengthen and maintain peaceful stability.
The President hailed the elders for working together in the national interests of the nation.
He pledged to work closely with the both other arms of government, the legislative and the judiciary, for the better of the nation.
Slots has been given to several marginalized communities in the country’s historical first
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has appointed a wide range of new faces in Somaliland politics when he unveiled his cabinet members on Saturday.
The list contained 48 members that included ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers.
Of note is the fact that for the first time in the country’s history full cabinet positions have been given to several members of communities who have been hitherto marginalized, a pledge the Head of State had expressed both during his campaigns and underpinned in his inauguration speech.
According to the Executive Order in Presidential Decree Ref. No. JSL/XM/WM/222-003/122024.
The list was read over the air by the Presidential spokesman Eng. Hussin Adan Ige, who himself, was appointed hours earlier and was expediting his first task.
Hereunder is the press release in its entirety.
Presidential Decrees:
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) today Saturday, on 14/12/2024, has appointed the members of the Council of Ministers, Ministers of State through Presidential Decrees with the code JSL/XM/WM/222-003/122024 and Deputy Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland in the New Government.
The Presidential Decree was as follows :-
Presidential Decree
Nomination
When I saw: Article 90 of the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland;
When I saw: Their knowledge, skills, and experience;
When I considered: The importance of the Ministries mentioned below in serving the people of the Republic of Somaliland and building the Nation;
When I am satisfied: That they can handle the responsibilities arising from the duties mentioned below;
When I did: Consultation;
I decided;
With effect from today’s date, I appoint the following officials:
Mr. Abdalla Mohamed Arab (Sandeere)- Minister of Internal Security of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Hassan Ahmed Duale (Teacher) -Minister of Local Government and Urban Development in the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Yonis Ahmed Yonis Muhammed, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Abdullahi Hassan Adan Awale, Minister of Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Abdirahman Dahir Aden Bakal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland
Dr Hussein Bashir Hirsi Wahan, Minister of Health Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Hussein Ahmed Aydeed Warsame Minister of Public Works, Lands and Housing of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Khadar Hussein Abdi Looge, Minister of the Office of Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Ali Jama Farah (Bureed) -Minister of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Mohamed Yusuf Ali Ahmed (Ilkacase), Minister of Defense of the Republic of Somaliland
Eng Ahmed Jama Barre Roble, Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland
Miss. Kaltun Sh. Hassan Abdi Madar, Minister of the Ministry of Planning and National Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Osman Ibrahim Nur (Afgaab) Minister of Transport and Road Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Prof. Ismail Yusuf Duale Guled, Minister of Education, Training and Science of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Abubakar Abdirahman Good Wa’eys Minister of Water Ministry of the Republic of Somaliland
Miss. Milgo Mohamed Ilmi (Sambalooshe) Minister of Labour, Social & Family Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Mohamud Ige Yusuf, Minister of Agricultural Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Fuad Ahmed Nuh Noor, Minister of Aviation and Airport Development in the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Ahmed Yasin Sh Ali Ayanle -Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Abdullahi Osman Jama (Geeljire)- Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Ahmed Aw-dahir Haji Hassan, Minister of Assembly Relations and Constitutional Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Jamal Mohamed Jama Ahmed -Minister of Communications and Technology of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Suleiman Duale Haji Jama- Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Farah Oofle -Minister of Sports and Youth of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Omar Shuaib Mohamed Absiiye -Minister of Education and Rural Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Sheikh Abdillahi Dahir Jama (Bashe) -Minister of the Ministry of Religion and Endowments of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Abdirahman Hassan Nur Furre Minister of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Said Mohamed Burale Araale, Minister of Investment and Industrial Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Ministers of State
Mr. Mohamed Yusuf Ibrahim Faa’ul Minister of State for Education, Training and Science of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed (Magaalo)- Minister of State for Internal Security of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Ismail Mawlid Abdillahi Hassan Minister of State for Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Deputy Ministers
Mr. Mukhtar Haji Muhammad Farah Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agricultural Development of the Republic of Somaliland
33 Mr. Ahmed Omar Haji Abdillahi (Hamarji)- Deputy Minister of Local Government and Urban Development in the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Muse Askar Guled Jama – Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance of the Republic of Somaliland
Miss. Samsam Mohamed Saleh Yaniile -Deputy Minister of Health Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Jamal Jama Hamud Dunkal, Deputy Minister of Religion & Endowment of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Ali Ahmed Abdi Antar- Deputy Minister of Animal Husbandry and Rural Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Yusuf Nouh Yusuf (Tadase) -Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Mohamed Muse Haji Abdi (Galayd) -Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour, Social and Family Affairs ministry of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Sharmake Abdi Muse Mohamed -Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of the Republic of Somaliland
41 Mr. Abdirahman Shide Bile Darar- Deputy Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Yusuf Kayse Abdullahi Aden -Deputy Minister of Aviation, and Airports Development of the Republic of Somaliland
Dr Mohamed Aw Dahir Ibrahim -Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the Republic of Somaliland
Eng Mohamed Ilmi Hussein (Huno)- Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Investment and Industry of the Republic of Somaliland
45 Mr. Jawhar Said Warsame Deputy Minister of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Somaliland
Eng Malik Abdi Hassan Hirsi -Deputy Minister of Communications and Technology of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Mohamed Muse Bu’ul Bookh -Deputy Minister of Assembly Relations and Constitutional Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Mohamed Abdimaalik Ahmed -Deputy Minister of Transport and Road Development of the Republic of Somaliland
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has named Eng Hussein Adan Igge, popularly known as Deyr, to become the official Spokesman of the Presidency.
Indeed, this is the first public undertaking the Head of State has engaged in by naming a public official upon his swearing in on Thursday and taking over the reins of the government.
The newly appointed official comes to the office with a wealth of experience having occupied the same office during the administration of the late President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo’s administration and later on as a cabinet minister.
In a Presidential press circular dated Saturday 14th December 2024, the Head of State invoked his Executive Order in naming the official in Reference to Decree No. JSL/XM/WM/222-220/122024.
The assumption of the office takes effect immediately as per the EO.
Eng. Hussein Adam Igge is well known to the nation’s media fraternity and his appointment has been hailed and praised by scribes and journalists who believe he is well suited to the job and tasks of the office.
Here at The SomalilandCurrent.com congratulates Hussein Deyr for the appointment; he is a person whom we believe has depicted real patriotism to the people and nation of Somaliland of Somaliland with profound zeal over time.
US Ambassador Richard H. Riley said that the Republic of Somaliland is not only a leader in democracy in the Horn of Africa, but is a pioneer and model for the entire African continent and the world.
The sentiments were expressed by Amb. Richard H. Riley in a speech he delivered at the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi (Cirro), and conveyed US President Joe Biden personal message of congratulations to Somaliland for perfecting democracy and holding of the free elections held in Somaliland.
The nation used biometrics technology in identifying the voters, something even major countries have not adopted.
The Ambassador promised that the US government will work with the new President of the Republic of Somaliland, and is happy to cooperate with Somaliland to further the bilateral relations.
Richard H. Riley also thanked the former President of Somaliland, His Excellency Musa Bihi Abdi, and the people of Somaliland.
US Ambassador Richard H. Riley, speaking on the excellent status of democracy reached by the people and nation of Somaliland, said, “The people of Somaliland have become an example of democracy and are ahead of the Horn of Africa, not only ahead of the Region but also an example and pioneer for the whole of Africa and the world. We are proud to be friends and future partners of Somaliland.”
The US ambassador spoke on behalf of all the diplomatic corps in attendance.
On the other hand, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi (Irro), after the handover of office, held meetings with some of the ambassadors and leaders from the international community who attended the handover of office of the new President of Somaliland.
The President of the Somaliland Republic, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi (Cirro), met with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Mr. Richard H. Riley, accompanied by the Commander of the US Forces in Africa.
The US Ambassador congratulated the new president on his inauguration as the President of Somaliland on Thursday. The US Ambassador also briefed the new president on the importance of the United States in strengthening its relations with Somaliland.
Ambassador Richard H. Riley specifically emphasized that the United States plans to establish security cooperation with Somaliland.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillaahi Cirro, has also expressed his readiness to further strengthen the relationship between Somaliland and the United States.
The Head of State earlier this month held a similar meeting with the same US Ambassador, Ambassador Richard H. Riley, accompanied by AFRICOM commanders.
The President posted a statement on his website stating that the US Ambassador discussed ways to further strengthen the relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the United States. The statement reads as follows: “Today I received a large delegation led by the US Ambassador, Ambassador Richard H. Riley, accompanied by AFRICOM commanders. We had an in-depth discussion with the delegation on ways to further strengthen the relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the United States.
“In addition, the US Ambassador conveyed to us a message of congratulations from his US government. The elections in the Republic of Somaliland held on November 13th were elections that have greatly attracted the attention of the world to our country, and will attract international investment opportunities.”
Dahabshiil Group CEO Abdirashid Duale joined the local community and foreign dignitaries in gracing the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, congratulating the leaders and the people on the peaceful conduct of the election.
Mr. Abdirashid, who spoke at the inauguration ceremony, said “We congratulate the new president and thank the former president”.
“We hope that the new government will develop the economy, strengthen peace, and bring the community closer together”.
He said that prosperity can be created when the country’s peace and economy grow.
“We thank all the people who voted in the elections, I wish everyone peace and well-being”.
Dahabshiil remains committed to economic growth, youth empowerment, and peace promotion in over 120 countries.
The celebrated former Somaliland Head of State H.E. Daahir Rayaale Kahin has once again given his words of wisdom, reminiscent throughout his pragmatic leadership as Third President of the Republic of Somaliland, at the inauguration of the new President H.E. Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro.
He advised the newly sworn in 6th President of the nation to be always pragmatic and bold in his decision making and not allow any of his undertakings to be coerced into untenable moves.
He cautioned that since all the bucks would stop at the desk of the Presidency, he should be wary of any shot-comings.
Similarly, he advised the nation and the new leadership to note that no progress or development can be ever achieved if the populaces were divided along flimsy partially self-interests and clannish lines.
The former President was expressing the sentiments as he addressed the audience that gathered to witness the swearing in of the just elected new President who was taking over from his predecessor President Musa Bihi Abdi on Thursday 12th November.
It is noteworthy to mention that the H.E. Dahir Rayale Kahin once again strongly advised, for the umpteenth time, against the engagement with the Somaliland-Somalia Talks was as long as the Mogadishu administration has not yet institutionalized or fledged their own governance in their own backyard.
Despite acknowledging the fact that the was a long time public figure and for long served as the national parliamentary speaker, he was categorical that a developing nation that has still not achieved international recognition demands more boldly diplomatic and pragmatic leadership to overcome its hurdles.
He urged the people of Somaliland to shun and abandon tribalism, which he lamented that is in-deep, and work towards what is in the interest of the Somaliland nation and its solidarity.
He was categorical that a country whose people are divided cannot achieve anything whatsoever.
He urged for consensus and consultative approach to addressing pertinent national issues.
He gave a re-cap of the gradual and monumental steps the country has taken in establishing, nurturing and advancing and democratization processes in the country, which has held eight national diverse elections in less than a quarter a region of a corner of the world that democracy is unknown.
Indeed the democratization process and holding of elections in the nation of Somaliland is a legacy set by President Rayale himself, who against all odds and against all expectations took it upon himself to implement democratic elections and its associate processes in the country when the whole nation nudged him to postpone them for two to three years.
The nation of Somaliland would forever be indebted to H.E. Rayale who is celebrated for bold and pragmatic leadership as a voice of reason; and whose tenure saw the country’s aspirations and morale at the highest peak as far as foreign affairs, social cohesion, stable security and governance institutionalization was concerned, especially democratic practices.
New administration to focus on international rapport and revitalize foreign relations
-He pledges zero-tolerance on corruption and public pilfers
-Urges for concerted and collective efforts in overcoming major challenges facing the nation
By M.A. Egge
In his inaugural speech widely which has been hailed and billed as one that has appealed to the nation of Somaliland populaces in a long while given its healing call, the new President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, popularly known as Irro, addressed the audience, the nation and the world in a passionate manner that touched so many a heart during his inauguration as the 6th Head of State.
He has called for healing, unity and solidarity after inheriting a nation divided and recession hitting the economy.
He acknowledge that “the challenges before us are not small, we cannot underestimate our divisions that require us to reunite, we cannot minimize the severe recession that has befallen our economy, the existing security challenges, the heavy debt that the new government will inherit, our relations with the world that need to be restored, and the vast work of internal unification”.
H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Irro extended an olive branch to the people of Sool and pledged to have issues concerned be addressed without pre-conditions.
He pointed out that top amongst his priorities is to revitalize the economy, zero-tolerance on corruption and public pilfers, harness local production, unite the populaces, bolster foreign relations and boost foreign investments opportunities in the country.
He called for concerted efforts from all quarters while believing that with collectiveness all hurdles and challenges would be overcome.
The President touched on all issues and challenges of concern and his hopeful ways and means of overcoming them.
Of note was the fact that he pointed out that he would make good his campaigns pledge of increments for the remunerations of the security arms of the state, across the different armed forces and fledge their capacity building to become an even better formidable institution.
While noting that freedom of expression and civic participation is imperative in nation building, he pledged to step up the participation of the marginalized people in policy making by empowering them.
Below is the whole speech in verbatim loosely translated:-
INAUGURATION SPEECH OF THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOMALILAND
Asalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu
Praise is to God alone;
With great dignified appreciation, I respectfully salute President Muse Bihi Abdi who today, as is the custom, tradition and symbolic democracy etiquette of Somaliland, hands over the onerous task of the office of President to me.
I likewise greet the former President of this country, H.E. Dahir Rayaale Kahin, who has just traveled a long way to witness this important occasion.
I extend similar appreciation of acknowledgement to the outgoing Vice President, H.E. Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail (Sayli’i). So, too, do I salute the presence of the Speaker of the House of Senate (GUURTI) Hon. Suleiman Mohamud Adan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Yasin Haji Mohamud Hiir Faratoon, the CJ Hon. Adan Haji Ali the Chair of the Supreme Court of Somaliland, and the Chairmen of the Official National Political Parties of WADDANI, KAAH and KULMIYE.
I specially greet the President of the Somali Regional State of our brotherly country of Ethiopia, Mr. Mustafa Muhumad Agjar.
I salute the former Vice Presidents of the nation who are here with us, Mr. Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah and Mr. Ahmed Yusuf Yasin.
I greet the members of the both Houses of Parliament (Representatives and Guurti), the Local Councils, the National Electoral Commission, the officers and soldiers of the various National Forces, the civil servants, all the distinguished guests and in general the citizens of the Republic of Somaliland who are watching us live at home and abroad.
I welcome, congratulate, salute and thank all the delegations from other countries who have come to us, the ambassadors and diplomats who are attending this event representing their countries, the representatives of the international community and international organizations residing in Hargeisa.
It is a great honor for us that you are participating in this important event for the Republic of Somaliland that depicts to the world the fledgling and bolstering of our democratic processes that have the changes of guard through peaceful universal suffrage.
Your presence is a testament to your commitment to supporting us in the building of our state, and it strengthens our ties and the goodwill of our friendship that is growing day by day.
I thank you for the continued support that many of you have given to the democratic process in the Republic of Somaliland, and for the development and humanitarian assistance that you have provided to our country and our people.
We hope that you will continue to support our efforts to create a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Somaliland.
Brothers and sisters;
Today, we welcome a ‘new beginning in which we will build our country together, hand in hand’. We are opening a new page in the history of our nation. These are opportunities of days when unity, solidarity, peace and progress will guide the journey of our state in future, which would be based on good governance, justice, consultation, and the application of the law so that every citizen can enjoy his/her rights.
It is a journey that we will open our country to good tidings, God willing.
Brothers and sisters,
I feel the burden of the office I have assumed today; knowing that burden and responsibility I have assumed, and I am encouraged by the desire that our people have shown for a change in the political leadership of this nation, and with the goodwill that I know that the people would stand by me. I will therefore tirelessly fulfill the duties of the heavy burden that have been bestowed upon me and the tasks it dictates.
What I have been sworn to is to protect religion, country, and to serve my people well; I was not sworn cater for the interests of a particular party, I was not sworn to the interests of a particular group, I was not sworn to the interests of a clan or a section of society.
Brothers and sisters;
We cannot unite by the enclaves of geographical locations, but what solidifies us is the national commitment made by our brave and gallant in Burco (by re-asserting the nationhood of Somaliland), the National Charter of Borama, and the constitution voted for by the people of Somaliland in a national referendum.
Our constitution reflects our needs and aspirations. I will be guided by the principles it upholds, including good governance, justice, transparency, and national unity.
Every time we come together to inaugurate a new President or a new national assembly, we testify to the power of our constitution, we vividly depicts to the world our civilization, proving once again that we are a country that practices democracy and that we are a multi-party system. I, too, tell my people that I will abide by the constitution and laws of this country. I tell the world loudly that the democratic progress of this country cannot be hidden from the eyes anymore and that we duly deserve recognition without any qualms whatsoever.
Brothers and sisters
I am committed to accelerating recovery and development of our economy to improve the lives of citizens and reduce the poverty line. The new government would have zero tolerance on corruption and would combat against public pilfer to the hilt.
We will strengthen the free market; we will create policies and an administrative environment that encourages creativity and business creation, and attract foreign investment. I call on everyone who invests in Somaliland to be welcomed by the new government wherever they are in the world (Welcome to a rich country that is ready for investments).
We will devise and promote projects that increase job creation for our youth.
To achieve this, we will work with our national banks to facilitate loans, and finance small businesses.
Today, we are a country that imports everything from abroad, and my goal is to increase our production since our country is a rich country so that we can sell our various natural resources to world markets.
Brothers and sisters;
We will work to improve;- education; health care services, especially for mothers and children, the quality of medicine and food imported into the country, environmental protection and sanitation, and to ensure that citizens have access to clean water.
The problems caused by climate change in the environment, which have been evident in our country in recent years, threaten agricultural and livestock production, which are our backbone economy. We will cooperate with countries and international organizations to prepare for and withstand the problems caused by climate change.
We will strengthen justice within society, and we will give special priority to the role of women and marginalized people in society, and to give them a fair share in the political decision-making of the country.
We will work to enhance the knowledge and skills of the youth, who are the backbone of our society, so that they can participate in the development of the country and be prepared to play a leading role.
Brothers and sisters;
Unity and solidarity are the most important foundations for strengthening nationalism. Only through unity can we overcome the external and internal challenges facing our government, and accelerate the progress and development we aim for.
By upholding the values and principles of my nation, while respecting the laws of the country and international norms, I will seek a peaceful diplomatic solution to the conflicts that have erupted in the eastern regions of Somaliland and the borders.
I have a great responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the country and the region. Therefore, I am committed to building a national army capable of protecting our borders, and ensuring peace and stability for my country and my people.
We will provide the various forces with the training, development and knowledge they need, and we will raise their standard of living and care for them and their families. I will implement the salary increases I promised during my term.
Brothers and sisters; Citizens must be fairly represented in the political decision-making of the nation, which is essential for strengthening our unity as a nation and our state, and strengthening the peace and security of our nation.
I will stand for every citizen to have the power and rights allowed by law.
We will work to ensure that citizens have a voice and are given a legal opportunity to have their representatives have a say in politics and the future of the nation.
Brothers and sisters:
Patriotism does not necessarily mean that we should all be coerced to have the same views and perspective on all political issues; different ideas pooled together only strengthens the end resolutions and results in concerted efforts towards nation building thence in reaching and realizing the aspired goals by the government.
Respect for political freedoms and civil rights are central to both justice and democracy.
Our volition is that citizens can freely express their views, freely participate in political decision-making, and play a role in the development of their nation without departing from the framework of international law, the national constitution, and the applicable laws of the country.
Brothers and sisters:
My government is ready to pacify the eastern regions of Somaliland, to lay a foundation for peace without any conditions, and to resolve any disputes through dialogue to find a peaceful political solution, which will lead to peaceful coexistence, openness to people and trade, and the exchange of prisoners.
Brothers and sisters, what unites us is more than what divides us.
I appeal to the cultural and traditional leaders, members of the clergy, and scholars, as well as the international community, to play a positive role in our efforts to restore a spirit of brotherhood and coexistence in the regions of Sool Region.
Brothers:
We are a fledgling country that is struggling to gain recognition, so we will give special importance to foreign policy and international cooperation.
The Republic of Somaliland is a nation that, without sufficient assistance and support from the world, has succeeded in resiliently and painstakingly built a meaningful state and democracy.
We are striving to gain the world’s understanding of our history, and to recognize our nationhood based on a valid legal argument.
The new government of Somaliland is starting to work on restoring the cooperation of the international community, so that we can create a new Somaliland that plays a role in security and political stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region as a whole.
Brothers:
We acknowledge that the challenges before us are not small, we cannot underestimate our divisions that require us to reunite, we cannot minimize the severe recession that has befallen our economy, the existing security challenges, the heavy debt that the new government will inherit, our relations with the world that need to be restored, and the vast work of internal unification.
Resolving these problems requires time, perseverance, and strong decisions, and I am confident that we can accomplish much and overcome many difficulties when we join forces and the people play their honorable role.
My new government, which I will form in the coming days, will cooperate with our friends, and our international partners, to prevent these challenges from overwhelming us.
I call on my people to unite and join hands to pave the way for unity and brotherhood among the people of Somaliland to ensure the implementation of justice, equality, and development that our country aspires to.
Brothers;
Let us all forgive each other. Brothers, let us pray for our people who have served the country tirelessly, and for those who are still committed to serving it.
First and foremost are the various forces of the nation, the National Electoral Commission, government employees, businessmen, cultural leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, poets, intellectuals, the media and anyone who has invested their time, energy, or money in achieving a successful and peaceful Republic of Somaliland.
Finally;
Speaking on your behalf, I would like to express my special gratitude to our fifth President of Somaliland, His Excellency Musa Bihi Abdi, and his Vice President, His Excellency Abdirahman Abdillaahi Ismail (Sayli’i), for their important role in the nation building and development of the Republic of Somaliland.
They will be national elders who will play a constructive role in the country’s governance, by the will of God.
To all of you, I humbly and respectfully request that we applaud and clap for them…
Today, the Republic of Somaliland celebrates a defining moment in its democratic journey with the inauguration of H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Ciro) as the newly elected President and H.E. Amb. Mohamed Ali as Vice President. This significant event also marks the conclusion of the leadership of H.E. Muse Bihi Abdi, whose term came to an honorable close on 12th December 2024.
The peaceful transfer of power underscores Somaliland’s steadfast commitment to democracy, stability, and good governance. As President Iro and his administration assume office, the nation looks forward to a new chapter filled with economic development, strengthened international relations, and a continued pursuit of global recognition.
Mr. Abdikarim Abdi, veteran Somaliland International Sovereignty Campaigner, expressed his appreciation and support, stating:
“I welcome and extend my heartfelt congratulations to the incoming President, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Ciro), and Vice President, H.E. Amb. Mohamed Ali. I also commend the outgoing President, H.E. Muse Bihi Abdi, and his cabinet for the remarkable and outstanding work they have done, including the preparations for the handover ceremony and ensuring a free and fair election.”
This remarkable occasion serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the people of Somaliland, offering a beacon of hope and inspiration in the Horn of #Africa. Under the new administration, we remain optimistic about building a future defined by prosperity, progress, and peace.
Abdikarim Abdi Adan
Advocacy & capacity Development Foundation
UK/Somaliland
By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin, Hargeisa, Somaliland
The Ankara Declaration, brokered by Türkiye between Ethiopia and Somalia, is being hailed as a step toward regional cooperation. However, it is nothing more than a smokescreen that masks Somalia’s chronic instability while sidelining Somaliland, a nation that has proven itself as a beacon of democracy and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Yesterday, Somaliland once again showcased its democratic credentials as the world witnessed a peaceful transfer of power following its one-person-one-vote elections, a rarity not just in Africa but globally. This historic event was observed and praised by international dignitaries, including U.S. and U.K. ambassadors, further cementing Somaliland’s position as a model of stability and governance. In stark contrast, Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was in Ankara insisting on his government’s sovereignty over Somaliland—a claim that has been rejected outright by the people and government of Somaliland.
The Ankara Declaration exposes Somalia’s inability to put its own house in order. For decades, Mogadishu has failed to address its internal disintegration, with Jubaland effectively seceded and Puntland on the brink of breaking away. Somalia’s federal government barely governs beyond the confines of Mogadishu, relying on African Union forces to maintain even this limited control. Yet President Hassan Sheikh persists in his fruitless attempts to undermine Somaliland’s sovereignty, a strategy that has yielded nothing but diplomatic failures and further destabilized his own nation.
The declaration itself appears to subtly criticize Somalia’s misguided priorities. Reading between the lines, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s facilitation hints at frustration with Hassan Sheikh’s relentless but unproductive diplomatic campaigns to isolate Somaliland economically, militarily, and diplomatically. Rather than addressing the fundamental issues tearing his country apart, Hassan Sheikh has wasted precious time and resources trying to strangle Somaliland’s existence, ignoring the reality that Somaliland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable and irreversible.
The agreement indirectly suggests that Somalia’s president needs to face the truth: Somaliland’s fate is for Somaliland to decide. Instead of harboring resentment and jealousy toward Somaliland’s success, Hassan Sheikh should focus on rebuilding Somalia by addressing its more immediate challenges. Puntland and Jubaland, which are slipping away from the federal government, deserve his attention far more than Somaliland, which has already charted its own course. A wiser leader would engage Somaliland prudently and acknowledge its right to self-determination rather than continuing to play the “boy who cried hyena” on the international stage.
The crux of the Ankara Declaration—the matter of Ethiopia’s sea access—cannot be separated from Somaliland’s jurisdiction over the Berbera Port. Although the agreement avoids explicitly mentioning the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia, it is clear that the issue at hand requires direct engagement with Somaliland. Any attempts to bypass Somaliland in these discussions are doomed to fail, as they ignore the reality that Somaliland is the sovereign authority over its territory and assets.
By continuing to deny Somaliland’s independence and refusing to engage with it in good faith, Somalia’s leadership further isolates itself diplomatically. The world increasingly recognizes Somaliland’s democratic achievements and stability as a stark contrast to Somalia’s ongoing fragmentation. The Ankara Declaration inadvertently underscores this divide, dealing a deadly blow to Somalia’s claims of sovereignty and exposing its inability to govern effectively.
Somalia’s federal government must accept that Somaliland’s independence is not only a reality but also a success story in a region often marred by conflict and instability. It is time for Somalia to stop fighting a losing battle and start focusing on its internal divisions. Charity, as they say, begins at home. For Hassan Sheikh, this means addressing the grievances of Puntland and Jubaland, negotiating their continued participation in the federal union, and rebuilding Somalia from within.
As Hassan Sheikh returns to Mogadishu, he finds himself back at square one: Somaliland must be dealt with on technical and practical terms, not through coercion or denial of its sovereignty. The Ankara Declaration may have been framed as a diplomatic triumph, but it lays bare the harsh truth—that Somaliland’s independence is undeniable, and Somalia must recalibrate its strategy if it hopes to find stability and legitimacy in the region.
