Addis Ababa, June 27, 2024 -The Prime Minister’s Office advised the public to be wary of false content currently circulating online in relation to a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland.
Official communications on local, regional and international affairs are disseminated only through official PMO channels.
“We urge everyone to remain vigilant against this type of false content that misuses our official logo,” the Prime Minister’s Office added.
On Wednesday, Somaliland is celebrating its 64th anniversary of independence from Britain on 26th June 1960. It was 64 years ago when Britain granted us our independence. This ended 76 years of being under British protection (1884-1960).
The celebration of the important event will be attended by Somaliland government officials led by the president. It is the day the president his Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi addresses the Somaliland nation and shares with them the value of this day and the long journey that the country has gone through to gain independence.
It is important to clarify that this week starting from June 26, there are generally significant and valuable days for Somalilanders. Six million Somalilanders including hundreds of thousands more in Diaspora are celebrating their Independence in our home country. Somaliland Diaspora played an important role in all the different struggles Somaliland has been through to achieve its independence.
Somaliland must not be confused with Somalia or with Djibouti. Somaliland has been a distinct country with its distinct history for centuries and since modern history of Africa had began with the demarcation of colonial borders.
As we know, the majority of the population of Somaliland who are now living in Somaliland did not witness independence gained in 1960. It can be said that 2/3 of the population of Somaliland are people born after 1991 when Somaliland regained its independence from Somalia. Therefore, the younger generations of Somaliland must know that Somaliland was never under the British colony, but it was under the protectorate administration. During this period, the administration situation in Somaliland was very much different from other territories where Somalis live. For example, Italy and France have implemented a colonial system in Somalia and Djibouti.
What are the things we remember on our Independence Day?
This day has its memories that are considered by the people of Somaliland. June 26, 1960, reminds the people of Somaliland that they became the 12th country in Africa and gained its independence from Britain. It is a history that shows that the existence and independence of Somaliland are older than most of the countries of the African continent.
As a nation, we have to be grateful and remember all those who sacrificed their lives to achieve Somaliland’s independence. These people included business community, faith and traditional leaders and ordinary men and women of different ages.
On the occasion of June 26, Somalilanders should be thankful and remember the days and memories that our youth need to be aware of:
First of all, from the earliest time when the protectorate system started, the people of Somaliland have been on a long journey with their challenges and difficulties. They have shown resilience towards the circumstances they have been through. Traditional leaders had a great role in the internal affairs of Somaliland, and they had a great influence on People’s lives and their culture. The role of traditional leaders was important, and it was a role that the people needed whether they were in a peaceful or conflict situation. The most important task of the traditional leaders during the time of the protectorate administration was to bring closer the relationship between people and also to build trust between communities. They were always representing the interests of their country and making sure Somaliland clans lived together in peace. Traditional leaders, including elders representing different clans in Somaliland, were the ones who agreed with the British Government to establish Somaliland as a protectorate with its own borders.
Second, we must remember, on a day like this, all the patriots who fought for Somaliland’s independence. We cannot mention them all in this short note. Sayid Mohamed Abdulla Hassan who led Darawish fighters, their struggle took 20 years. The movement and resistance of the Darawish were based in Taleh (Sool region of Somaliland). The struggle of Sayid Mohmed and his fighters influenced society to be ready to participate in the struggle for independence. We cannot forget other heroes who fought for the independence of Somaliland such as Sheikh Bashir, Farah Omar and other comrades who were fighting alongside them.
We should also appreciate other Somaliland movements who fight for the independence of Somaliland. SNS (Somaliland National Society) was the first movement that was announced in Buroa in 1945. As Somaliland historians have mentioned, this movement was mainly created to make the community aware of the problems of tribalism and for the community to live together in peace and tranquility.
SNL (Somali National League) was a political organization founded in Buroa in 1951. The objectives of SNL were based on a political movement aimed directly at Somaliland’s independence from Britain. The founders of this movement and its thousands of members contributed to the fight and struggle for independence. Among the other historical events that mark this day is to remember other pro-independence groups in Somaliland. We can take as an example USP (United Somali Party), NUF(National United Front) and Hesbollah. Although these political groups were working on different agendas, they were united in the goal of achieving Somaliland’s independence.
On this day, we remember the institutions Somaliland established before the union, such as the legislative assembly, which consisted of 33 seats. It was the first parliament that Somaliland had as a state before the union. We remember a day like this when we shared our excitement and freedom with the other countries of the world on 26 June 1960.
It is the day Somaliland was officially recognised by 35 countries, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. We also remember our first Somaliland cabinet whose names were: 1. Mohamed Ibrahim Egal (Prime Minister) 2. Garad Ali Jama (Minister) 3. Ahmed Haji Duale (Keyse) (Minister) 4. Haji Yusuf Iman (Minister) 5. Haji Ibrahim Nur (Minister).
Today, 64 years ago, we also remember the concept of unifying Somalis under the Greater Somalia dream. This is why Somaliland formed a union with Somalia four days after its independence. As stated by the people who are knowledgeable about international laws, that union was not based on agreements that are signed when two countries form a union, therefore there was no act of union signed together by Somaliland and Somalia.
Today is a special day in the history of Somaliland. It is the day we remember poems such as Abdillahi Sultan Tima-cadde, Abdi Iidaan etc. Poems that were presented during Independence Day were those that expressed or elaborated the value of Independence Day. We also cannot forget the artists who created our most precious songs on Independence Day: Ismail Cagaf, Ali sugule, Abdillahi Qarshe, Hussein Aw-Farah, Sahardiid Maxamed (jebiye), Yusuf Haji Adan, Abdi Muhumed Amiin, Hassan Sheikh Muumin, Ahmed Ismail Diriye(Qasim), Maxamed Ismail (Barkhad Cas) and others. Their heir literature, poems, songs and music have influenced Somalilanders to become more patriots.
The songs composed at the time of Somaliland’s independence are memorable. Listening to these songs is very enjoyable to listen to. The lyrics of these songs show the unity of the people of Somaliland and their struggle during the independence time. These are the songs sung by: Mohamed Saleebaan Tubeec, Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc, Mohamed Yussuf, Guduudo Arwo, Magool, Maandeeq, Baxsan, Omer Dhuule, Maxamed Adan (Dacar), Cismaan Gacanlaw etc.
Third, it is important to point out the disappointment and the frustration of the Somaliland people. Immediately after the union, they faced injustice and oppression under the successive governments of Somalia. This issue hurt the people of Somaliland, which led to the failed coup that was initiated by junior officers from Somaliland in 1961. The purpose of the coup was to restore the independence of Somaliland. Therefore, on this day, we remember all 23 officers who made sacrifices for their country. We especially remember Abdillahi Said Abby who was killed in the coup confrontation
Fourth, it is also very important to mention that as a result of the oppression, torture, and killing of thousands of the people of Somaliland, the SNM (Somali National Movement) was formed in London in 1981. After a long struggle, Siad Barre’s forces were defeated. The sovereignty of Somaliland was restored on the 18th of May 1991. The two celebration days of May 18 and June 26 have a historical connection. The celebration of 18th May is (regaining sovereignty Day) and the 26 June is (Independence Day). Both of them are national days.
Fifth, we also remember and are grateful for the state and the system we have rebuilt since 1991. What we have accomplished is something we and other nations in the region as a whole should be proud of. Our young people need to study and reflect on the long journey we have gone through. We, finally remember all the leadership of the successive Somaliland governments and the progress they have achieved and also reflect on the setbacks faced.
Finally, as we celebrate Somaliland’s 64th anniversary, the challenges we are facing today are huge. Because of the MOU agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia, Somaliland’s neighbors have created a diplomatic war against Somaliland since January 2024. The hostility of these two countries is increasing day by day. The November 13 election is one of the other challenges ahead. What we need today is to strengthen our unity and togetherness so that we as a nation can peacefully overcome all the challenges that are in front of us.
I wish you a happy and successful celebration
Abdirahman Abdillahi Jibril (Awliyo)
Email: jabdi35@yahoo.com
Rerefernce:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Somaliland_independence_26_June_1960.jpg: accessed 24/06/2024
Boobe Yusuf Duale (60 sano ka dib xoriyadda: Sooyaalkii Xisbigii SNL ee 1960-kii – BBC News Somali:
https://www.bbc.com/somali/war-53190048 (Last accessed 23 June 2024)
Abdirahman Abdillahi Jibril (18 May 2021) Somaliland-30th-anniversary-2021-pdf-new.pdf (horndiplomat.com) accessed 25 June 2024
Brock Millman (2014) British Somaliland an administrative history, 1920-1960: Routledge in Middle Eastern Histor
Colonial Office (1960) Report of the Somaliland protectorate constitutional conference
http://www.somalilandlaw.com/state-of-somaliland-1960.htm: last accessed 21 June 2024
By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Somaliland 8th Energy and Extractives Sector Coordination Forum was held this week (22nd and 23rd) at the Mansoor Hotel in Hargeisa.
The objectives of the 2 Day forum were to provide updates on the sector activities, development, and implementing partner’s sector support activities and to identify the sector’s key priorities for the next period.
Mr. Mohamed Said Osman’s opening remarks thanked the VP, Cabinet Ministers, Energy sector partners, local and international NGOs, and all the participants participating in the forum.
He added, “First and for most I would like to thank the distinguished guests and honorable participants of this well-attended Somaliland energy and extractive sector coordination forum, that promotes the development of the Somaliland energy sector. He further praised the Department of planning and the various arms of the ministry for the effective and participatory event. The Director General further urged the participants to exchange views and information and come up with recommendations to strengthen the energy extractives coordination forum.
Minister of National Planning in his speech at the 8th meeting of the Energy & Extractives Sector Coordination Forum said, “There is a great demand in Somaliland from all sectors and there is a great interest from development partners to invest in the energy and extractive sector of Somaliland. I would like to take this opportunity to touch on the challenges as well as the opportunities that Somaliland faces in having access to clean and affordable energy. “Somaliland’s businessmen are required to be part of the National Development Plan” Said the Minister of National Planning Toorno.
“This Council or Forum (ESWG) was established to bring together and bring together all stakeholders of Energy wherever they are” ESWG Coordinator Eng Ahmed Ubaxle.
The Director General of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Duale highlighted the need for extractive companies to observe the environmental guidelines established by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), particularly the Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline, safeguard the well-being of the environment.
“We have close cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and I thank the public for always providing information regarding the well-being of the environment.” the Director General of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Duale.
“Investing in energy, mining and oil sharing will enable a balance in import and export trade, large-scale job creation, foreign investment and economic growth for our country” Director General of the Ministry of Trade & Tourism JSL Abdirashid Ibrahim.
“Preparation of laws that guide the energy sector and adapt to the changes in the energy sector and enforce the laws” Mr. Hassan Sheik Mahmoud, Chairman of the Somaliland Energy Commission.
The Ministers Speech- stated as follows-
It is indeed an honor for my Ministry to host this important meeting as the Minister of Energy and Minerals and the eighth time since it has been initiated. Much credit and thanks go to my Ministry staff, the event organizers, who with the support of ESRES made this event, happen here in Hargeisa, Somaliland.
This is a very important forum which enables us to share our ideas, coordinate our efforts and synergize our important activities, both the ones that are currently going on in the energy and the extractive sector as well as those that are in the pipeline, through this forum we will be capable, in identifying who is doing what and we can come up with a clear division of labor among our reputable institutions, similarly we will promote and encourage meaningful energy and extractive development projects in Somaliland.
The government needs to focus and concentrate in creating opportunities, working in partnership with the development partners, to lead and guide the advancement of the energy and extractive sector in Somaliland based on our needs.
Electricity generation is mostly done through diesel generators the installed capacity is under 200mW, consequently the country has one of the highest electicity rates in the world $1.kwh with an average of $0.79/kwh, thanks to ESRES project which reduced the cost of electricity in some of Somaliland towns to $0.5/kwh.
Somaliland is currently an energy poor country; but, it is a renewable energy resource rich country.
The country is bestowed upon a year-round sun that provides an average of 12hrs sunshine per day.
Somaliland also posts one of the highest wind speeds in the continent. If these two renewable energy resources are tapped they can supply ample quantities of clean affordable energy to the nation that can mitigate the harmful environmental impact effects of biomass. It is also out priority to develop infrastructures which will enable us to promote the production as well as the usage of energy for sustainable economic, social development. This can only be achieved through tremendous support provided by our international and development partners.
Despite the above challenges, Somaliland has been doing all it can in developing the energy and extractive sector.
Hydrocarbons:
Somaliland is one of the most potential countries when it comes to hydrocarbons and it has all the indications to be an oil producing country. Somaliland hopes to be part of this growing East African oil patch. For the past years, the Ministry invested a great deal of effort and time in marketing Somaliland’s petroleum potential and attracted international oil companies. There are now a number of international oil companies that are operating in Somaliland and have a production sharing agreement with the government of Somaliland.
Mineral
Somaliland is part of the highly productive Mozambique belt and has even greater potentiality in minerals. The known minerals in Somaliland include base metals, precious metals, coal, rear earth and gemstones, as well as industrial minerals such as cement material, gypsum, feldspar, quartz, mica and many others.
Energy
The energy policy was approved in 2010 and it is currently being reviewed and updated by the Ministry, the Somaliland Energy Policy promotes in fostering international partnership in trade and investment in the Energy Sector, while the Somaliland Electrical Energy Bill was developed by the Ministry and has been passed by the Legislature, but dug to missing important chapters, the President suggested for an amendment and currently the amended version of the act has been sent back to the parliament for final approval. The Ministry developed interim sets of regulations such as licensing, minimum technical health and safety standards and electrical power distribution network expansion guidelines.
As a result of many workshops conducted by the Ministry and consultative meetings held for the private electricity service providers (ESPs), their level of education and awareness has increased and that resulted in the ESPs to merge to get economics of scale in order to provide better service to customers.
The Ministry has also established a well-organized coordination mechanism among the Energy Sector stake holders to develop the institutional, regulatory as well as infrastructural requirements of the energy sector.
Under the Ministry’s direction and oversight, multiple energy programs are ongoing in the country that include a major program called Energy Security and Resource efficiency program (ESRES) funded by DFID. The main purpose of the ESRES project is to improve the access of affordable electricity for vulnerable communities through the promotion and usage of renewable energy technologies.
Targeted rural communities were supported with the installation of solar-powered pumping systems for shallow wells and boreholes, many schools and healthcare centers (MCH) were also powered with Solar PC system to provide electricity.
The Ministry is implementing a Power Master Plan for the entire country and in particular the capital city, Hargeisa. The objective of the Project which is funded by the World Bank is to produce credible power master plan for Somaliland to guide the introduction and establishment of modern cost-effective reliable electricity supply systems for the country over a 20 year planning period.
In conclusion, it is the aspiration of Somaliland as a nation and the priority of the current government to enhance our meager economy and increase production by exploiting our natural resources for the benefit of our people. This will largely require investment of foreign companies and the support of international development partners. Hence, Somaliland has established transparent and conducive arrangements to attract investors and development partners. We must appreciate the importance of this journey and understand the transformative effect in that harnessing renewable energy resources, developing an outstanding electrical power infrastructure (transmission and distribution), and finding oil or a vast deposit of minerals can have on our economy. It is, therefore, vital for us to get the support of international development partners in the development of the electrical power sectors, harnessing renewable energy resources, and the exploration efforts for oil and minerals to unearth the natural wealth buried beneath our soil.
HE Abdurrahman Abdullah Ismail, “Saylic” the Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland speaking during the launch of the 8th energy and extractives coordination forum urged fellow citizens to start engaging with and accelerating the adoption and utilization of renewable energy resources, such as Geothermal, Solar, and Wind power in the country.
The VP added, “The diversification of Somaliland’s energy mix, and the strengthening of energy security will help address the high costs of electricity which is a significant barrier to growth.
Eng. Liban Mohamed, the director of the energy department presented the ongoing activities of Somaliland’s energy sector, starting with the current review process of the national energy policy, giving an overview of the policy, the energy policy goal, and its objectives. After the director of energy department briefed the participants of the key achievements since the launch of ESCF 3 that included the update of the electrical energy act emphasizing the new structure of the proposed act development of the best practice guidelines for electrical distribution system, ERC establishment, coordination activities (working groups. The director also presented other achievements of the sector which includes the energy sector strategy for NDP IIl 2021-2025, enhancing the level of awareness and education for ESPs and government coordination to development partners funded programmes and project.
The director of planning department at MoEM presented the prioritized outcomes of the energy and extractives sector of the national development plan II, the draft of the prioritized outcome, which are broken down into outputs.
By Mohamed Ibrahim
In the recent allegations made by Hon Fawsia Yusuf Adam about her candidacy to the African Union Chairwoman or leader – who stated that the Somali Government’s leadership requested she pull out of the contest in favour of the Djibouti candidacy even after she received verbal and formal assurances from the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This incident reveals far more substantial shortcomings about Somalia’s place in the Horn of Africa and beyond. It demonstrates a lack of confidence and ambition to protect our national interests. This is not the first time this has occurred under this administration. In October 2023, the Somalia government requested that candidate Hon Marwa Abdi Bashir, another woman, withdraw from the International Parliamentary Union contest held in Angola in favour of Tanzania’s candidacy.
In these particular allegations, one has no issue with Djibouti securing their own core national interest through these African Union elections. This is to be commended strategically and politically. However, what has been a pattern of behaviour after the Arta Somali Reconciliation Conference in 2000 is the expectation Somalia should always play the victim or the subordinate entity to Djibouti in the face of its own unique challenges. This is not the first time Djibouti has pulled this political trick or card against Somalia’s interest in the international arena politically and economically. One may understand Somalia may well be under an indirect trusteeship through a United Nations Security Council Resolution. However, I was not expecting Somalia to play second fiddle or forfeit its national interest to a regional government that has its own core political and strategic interest at heart. I can also tell you that Djibouti is not striving or seeking this seat of power to safeguard Somalia’s interests at the table.
In the World Bank’s recent Somalia briefing in February 2024, the prevailing developmental challenges Somalia faces are enormous and require intelligent policies in the areas of industrial economics, infrastructure, and diplomatic outreach, both politically and economically. Rebuilding Somalia’s energy, ports, roads, education and health sectors should be a priority for policymakers. “Only one-third of men and 12% of women participate in the labour market. Almost half of those employed are living below the poverty line, indicating that jobs are of low productivity. Therefore, accelerated momentum in building institutions and developing resilience is fundamental for growth, poverty reduction, and transition from fragility” (World Bank February 2024). Furthermore, according to Somalia’s own National Economic Council, lack of infrastructure, standardization, trade barriers, and friction in cross-border trade have been highlighted as a contributory factor in Somalia’s under-development (Somalia National Economic Council March 2022).
On the above backdrop, to have a Somalia candidacy leading the African Union is a timely intervention that will serve the strategic needs of Somalia and the continent. The key objectives of the African Union is to implement the Agenda 2063 infrastructure in the area of energy, transport, road, information and technology. It also has the mandate to enhances cooperation and development in the area of economic development, trade industry as well as peace and security.
With the enormous challenges Somalia faces today, one needs to ask oneself: Who urgently needs this candidacy, Somalia or Djibouti? In my opinion, probably both countries. However, do you see the error of polltical judgments our leaders are making in forfeiting a diplomatic leverage and opportunity at the cost of 15 million people’s urgent needs.
This incident or allegations demonstrate a lack of coordinated development agenda and political vision aligned with Somalia’s key priorities. It has also shown a Somalia that is playing second fiddle to others at the cost of Somalia and its people. It is time for a paradigm shift in Somalia’s politics, away from minimal horse trading to a coordinated progressive agenda with foresight that puts Somalia’s interest at every platform locally, regionally and internationally to serve our common interest. No doubt, Djibouti is a brotherly nation. However, they will not serve Somalia’s interests when they matter most. Our needs are urgent; every opportunity represents a tool to move Somalia from fragility to recovery. With this incident, It seems we have dropped the ball again at our own costs, politically and economically.
Mohamed Ibrahim, BA/MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science, is a London-based writer and social justice campaigner. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) at @Mi_shiine.
By Abdirahman Abdilahi
Somaliland’s Institute of Agricultural Research (SIAR) is partnering with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to obtain improved varieties of chickpeas and groundnuts. This initiative builds on ICRISAT’s successful contribution of enhanced sorghum, pearl millet, and pigeonpea seeds, which have already helped boost crop yields and food security in the region.
SIAR recognizes the importance of chickpeas and groundnuts for local farmers. Unlike some crops currently grown, chickpeas and groundnuts are legumes, known for their nitrogen-fixing abilities. This means they can enrich the soil, reducing reliance on fertilizers and potentially improving overall agricultural sustainability. Additionally, both chickpeas and groundnuts are drought-tolerant, making them well-suited to Somaliland’s climate.
By introducing improved varieties of these crops, SIAR believes they have the potential to significantly improve livelihoods and combat malnutrition rates.
To allow for proper evaluation during the 2025 growing season, SIAR has requested that ICRISAT ideally provide the improved chickpea and groundnut varieties by November 2024. This timeline will ensure enough time for planting and data collection.
The introduction of these new varieties is expected to bring multiple benefits:
SIAR is committed to working within formal seed access procedures to ensure the responsible introduction and distribution of these improved varieties.
This collaboration between SIAR and ICRISAT holds promise for the future of agriculture in Somaliland. By introducing improved chickpea and groundnut varieties, the project aims to enhance food security, nutrition, farmer income, and sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Abdirahman Abdilahi
Head of field Crops and Researcher for Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research
The government, political parties, and society must work together to prevent the traps that Somalia is plotting
By M.A. Egge
The government of Somalia has revealed the role they significantly played in the war of the allied groups last year in the town of Las Anod, which caused an untold number of deaths and injuries.
The reliable sources confirmed to us that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia Mr. Ahmed Maalin Fiqi, held a secret meeting with a group of clerics living in the United States of America beseeching them to help thwart the implementation of the MoU agreement that was signed earlier in the beginning of this year by both the governments of Somaliland and Ethiopia.
Mr. Fiqi reportedly told the clerics that it has prioritized the forestalling of the MoU hence briefed them on the virulent efforts his government had gone as far as the clandestine efforts was concerned.
It is noteworthy to state that he told the clerics that the MoU signing was an event that totally came to them as a surprising shock, contradicting Somalia’s own testament that they were all along privy to the bilateral agreement hence had cautioned Somaliland’s President from going ahead with it.
He notably pointed out that Somalia had luckily had to supportively strengthen the Las Anod war, without which, the United States was on the verge of recognizing Somaliland.
“Luckily, if we do not win the battle of Las Anod, Somaliland was on the verge of being recognized by the United States”, he reportedly beamed.
Mr. Fiqi said that the non-permanent seat of the Security Council occupied by Somalia “will be of great help in confronting the opposition to the agreement and the recognition of Somaliland”.
.Mr. Fiqi urged the clerical groups to gather their resourcefulness and strength to persuade the officials and leaders of the United States of America in being against the Somaliland – Ethiopia agreement.
As for perpetuating clandestine insurgency within Somaliland, Minister Fiqi is quoted as claiming that Somalia have made a lot of efforts in Somaliland in virulently prevailing upon the communities across the board to vehemently oppose the MoU, efforts whose activities, he said, are going on smoothly.
The government, the opposition parties and all the populaces at large, are required to work in solidarity and togethers to thwart the gross flouting of the integrity and the security of the nation and preserve the unity of the nation.
The government is said to be concerned and wary of the statement of the Mr Fiqi and the new policy of the President of Somalia who had publicly said that he will enter into dialogue with the al Shabaab terrorist group and seek their support, a matter that Somaliland will deal with through diplomatic channels with friendly countries and the world at large.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H. E. Muse Bihi Abdi, has inaugurated the kicking-off of the national certificate examination for the fourth grade of secondary schools and the eighth grade of primary and middle schools which officially started Saturday morning in the whole country.
The Head of State who flanked by the education department dons who included the Head of the National Examinations Council and heads of university institutions who have this year been co-opted into coordinating and bolstering the invigilation unveiled the test papers and distributed them personally to the candidates seated at a classroom in Farah Omar High School.
This year will witness a total of 38,489 students seating for the fourth grade certification exam this year, thus 15,542 students in high schools and 22,947 students in elementary and middle schools all over the country.
Initially before the unveiling of the test papers exams, the President underscored the imperativeness of examinations in education describing it as a step in life that all leaners have to go through, while explaining the subsequent similar stages destined in the pursuit of education.
While hailing the candidates and wishing them well in the exams, the President coaxed them to be confident and have a positive attitude of bravery and determination towards the exams saying that he hoped that they would all excel.
He gave a recap of the stages of development the education services and system has undergone in the nation for the past over three decades to where it is cherished today with almost 40k students seating at once all over the country for their mandatory primary and secondary exams.
The chairman of the national examination office, Mr. Daoud Ahmed Farah said in his brief inaugural speech that they have taken a big responsibility as an office to protect and safeguard the official copies of the exam and have full confidence in the process water-tight nature against loop-holes of the exam.
Education minister Dr. Ahmed Aden Buhane, on his part said that the examination test papers have been safely transported hence have reached all the designed examination centers in the country, this year consisting 129 locations.
Earlier on in the week the President H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi, inspected the new building built for the National Museum, which is nearing completion.
He was received at the site in the city center by the Director General of the Presidency, Mr. Mohamed Ali Bile, who was entrusted with the construction of the museum.
The DG briefed the President about the status of the construction of the museum and its components.
The president toured all the different parts of the museum which is currently in the final stage and will soon be opened.
The President also praised the director for his efforts to implement the concept of the national museum and become a legacy that will go down in history.
The President was accompanied by various officials including Ministers, the Mayor of the capital, the Regional Governor, senior civil servants and other politicians
By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with Collaboration UNDP’s National Adaption Plan SupportProgram (NAPSP)which is supported by the Green Climate Fund
held capacity-building training for the ministry staffers, line ministries, and other organizations in Hargeisa.
The workshop aims to build the capacities of representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and other key line ministries, as well as from non-government and civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector to better understand the complexities of climate change and effective strategies for adaptation to their impacts.
The training aims to equip key stakeholders in Somaliland with the knowledge and tools to understand climate risks and plan effective adaptation strategies to build climate resilience and develop actionable adaptation plans at the community level.
By Goth Mohamed Goth
The U.S. Congressional Staff Delegation on Thursday visited the University of Hargeisa, Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies Faculty. The delegation had an academic discussion with the university community about Somaliland education and the role it played in state and peace-building processes.
Also, the discussions covered the changing political dynamics of the Horn of Africa, the role Somaliland plays in securing waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, and Somaliland’s strategic importance in an era of emerging New Cold War.
