Minister of Livestock Care and Rural Development, Said Sulub Mohamed and the director general of the ministry, jointly laid the foundation stone for the Prosperity Project of the Ministry of Livestock Husbandry and Rural Development in Togdeer region.
It is implemented by the World Bank and is part of the Biole Prosperity Project hence undertaken by Al Karama Construction and Construction Company.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the project was also attended by the the heads of the Prosperity Project and some of the directors of the ministry’s departments, amongst other dignitaries.
Ibrahin Omar Osman and Abdiqadir Mohamed Guled of the Prosperity Project expounded on the importance of the project to the region and the nation at large. Present was the representative of the construction company Ahmed Mohamud Ismaan who promised to work within the time frame indicated.
The Director General of the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Rural Development, Mr. Abdirisaq Mohamed Mohamud, said that the building will contribute a lot to the needs of the ministry and will serve the community of livestock farmers.
The Minister of Livestock Care and Development, Hon. Syed Sulub Mohamed, while talking about the structure of the building and how they will benefit from the project, urged the community of Togdeer region to maintain the improvement of the Prosperity Project and its implementation. A new office will be established to carry out the important activities of the ministry for the nation, which the ministry needed very much.
Somaliland’s Ministry of Health Development has held a meeting to review the results of a survey conducted in the country’s universities that provide medical education, especially physicians, to ensure that they have started implementing the new curriculum.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Ministry of Health Development in Somaliland, Dr. Mohamed Abdi Xergeye, director of the Higher Education Commission, director of the HIV/ADIS Disease Control Commission, director of Health Professionals, head of THET, Head of Kings Global Health Partnership, director of the Department of Human Resources, and distinguished guests.
The officials who participated in the meeting generally praised the efforts of the data collection and the need to have a curriculum that is articulated by the societies that provide health services to improve the knowledge of the students who are studying medicine.
Dr. Mohamed Abdi Xergeye said that it was important to have a unified curriculum that is used by the different universities in the country that offer medical sciences such that able and skilled physicians may be churned out by the institutions and the country as a whole
The Minister of Water Resources Development Hon. Suleiman Yusuf Ali Koore, held a meeting with line international and local organizations that cooperate with the ministry.
The meeting, which was a consultative one, analyzed the water projects in general in the country and the water action plan for the year 2024.
Present were also the DG o the ministry Eng Abdirahman Farah Belel and the Director of the Planning Department.
Speaking on the importance of water as a basic livelihood commodity, the minister said, “You know that water is the first thing in human life hence its services ought to be the first priority of the nation and the ministry.”
He called on all the agencies that work with them to come up with a clear plan for their work, which he said will greatly contribute to the work and activities of the nation and to serve the community.
He said, “We want to work together in a way that is articulate with knowledge and planning. We also need to reach people who have little or no water. The greatest aim is that we provide people with water as much as we possibly can”.
He continued, “Our plan is to come together and discuss the plan of the ministry and the agencies that work on it. I also want everyone to know their responsibilities, and the boundaries between the ministry and the agencies that they work on should be clear”.
He elaborated further, “The law of 2011 covers the responsibility of the Ministry of Water, we will meet with the agencies separately, we will make a new plan and chart the way forward with them. Our plan is to work closely together and in areas where organizations want to implement development projects, they must consult with the Ministry of Water”.
The Vice President H.E. Mr. Abdirahman Abdullahi Ismail (Saili’i) received a delegation from the United Nations organization which has implemented various projects in the country and supported the nation in many ways.
During the meeting, the Fourth Phase of the JPLG local government decentralization project, which is expected to start in the new-year 2024, was discussed and an evaluation of the previous JPLG projects and how it worked in the local governments of the country was discussed.
The delegation from the UN has worked with or supports Somaliland in the JPLG local government decentralization project, which has improved the quality of local government administration and encouraged the community to access the basic services necessary for community life.
Review of the third phase projects including associated pros and cons were largely dwelt upon.
The meeting ended in mutual agreement in calm environment where the parties agreed to work together to bring the JPLG project to fruition, which will greatly contribute to the improvement and delivery of the local government administration to the community, so that the community access essential life services.
The commander of the National Armed Forces Major General Nuh Ismail Tani visited the camps of the National Army in Qorilugud and Maygaagle areas, where the army has been operating for the defense of the country.
The army officers in Qorilugud and Maygaagle Camps briefed the commander on their activities in as far as security stability was concerned
Commander Nuh praised the troops and officers of Qorilugud and Maygaagle stations for their role in securing the security of their areas, and urged them to redouble their efforts to the cause.
The commander is still in the process of monitoring the armed forces chores and at the same time giving them encouragement and support hence uplift and boost their morale as per cue.
The Chairman of the Civil Service Commission Mr. Khalid Jama Qodah, announced that state has absorbed into government employment the forth batch of the graduates of the National Work Programme into numerous public institutions.
The announcement reveals that the graduates who are youth numbering 483 were given employments hence directly absorbed in 29 government institutions, be they ministries or para-statal agencies.
The students of the fourth batch of the National Work Program assigned by the Public Service Agency are 483 students, who are divided into 29 offices comprising ministries and government agencies.
They comprised of 313 men and 170 women, according to Mr. Qodah.
He said that the commission took time to categorize the students to applicable professions going by the skills they majored in hence placed them aptly to applicable institutions.
The Ministry of Justice of Somaliland revoked the licenses of some public notaries operating in the country, on Wednesday 29/11/2023, according to Article 18 of the Notaries Act, Act No: 18/2001.
The Ministry of Justice also ordered that the Notaries hand over all documents and stamps to the regional coordinator of affected areas and the director of the Department of Legal Professionals and Access to Justice as stipulated in Article 7 paragraph 3 of the Notaries Act, Rule No: 18 In 2001.
The ministry declared that it has suspended the licenses of operation Daljir, Hayat, Unity, Jamhuriya, Daldhis, Haqdoon and Ramad public notaries which operate in Marodijeh and Awdal regions.
The directive was signed by the Minister of the Ministry of Justice JSL, Mr. Suleiman Warsame Guled.
Former Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Abdullahi Omar has been appointed an Ambassador for ‘Grain from Ukraine’ Programme.
Following the appointment, Dr. Omar will be unveiled by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a food security summit in Kyiv on Saturday, November 25.
The summit will commemorate the first anniversary of the Grain from Ukraine initiative. Global leaders, including the presidents of Latvia and Switzerland and prime ministers of Lithuania, Croatia, The Netherlands, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Portugal, and Sweden, will grace the event.
“The world is facing a devastating food crisis due to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and the disruption of global food supplies. Despite all the challenges, Ukraine is committed to acting responsibly on the international stage. The Grain from Ukraine humanitarian initiative was launched by President Zelenskyy last year to tackle famine worldwide, particularly in Africa. I am proud to be appointed honorary ambassador to support the programme. In this critical role, I will do my best to support the initiative and tackle hunger in Africa,” says Dr. Mohammad Abdullahi Omar who was Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2013.
He later served as Somaliland’s Minister of Commerce until May 20, 2014, when he was fired by presidential decree due to an internal dispute within the ruling Peace, Unity, and Development Party over leadership succession.
Before becoming Foreign Minister, Mr Omar was the Kulmiye party’s Foreign Affairs Spokesman.
As a spokesman, he led the formulation of a foreign policy strategy that challenged the government in power and contributed to his party’s victory in the June 2010 elections.
He has also taught at Brunel University and the Institute of Education at the University of London in the United Kingdom.
He also worked as a Senior Education Policy Advisor for Birmingham City Council in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Omar is the latest African to be appointed to the initiative. Others who are already part of it are Christopher Fomunyoh, former Nigerian Minister for Education Obiageli Katryn Ezekwesili and ex-Malawi President Joyce Banda.
President Zelenskyy launched the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative during the International Summit on Food Security in November 2022.
The “Grain from Ukraine” initiative was launched by President Zelenskyy in November 2022 during the International Summit on Food Security. It is an international humanitarian program to supply Ukrainian grain to African and Asian countries to combat the global food crisis and counteract the humanitarian and economic consequences of the Russian war of aggression. As of June 2023, over 170,000 tons of grain have been delivered to Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yemen via six vessels.
Others expected to be unveiled as Grain Ambassadors include Neven Mimica a Croatian politician and diplomat who served as the European Union’s Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development from 2014 to 2019, Charlotte Leslie a British politician who served as a member of parliament for Bristol Northwest and currently the Director of the Conservative Middle East Council, and Manav Sachdeva who has over 25 years of experience spearheading initiatives in different environments such as Afghanistan, India, Lebanon, Somalia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Guyana, Liberia and Kosovo, as well as being located in HQ roles at UNHQ in New York City and within US entities in Washington DC.
The East African Community (EAC) stands as a beacon of regional cooperation and economic integration, fostering collaboration among member states for shared growth and development. As Somalia navigates its path to stability and progress, the question arises: Can Somalia obtain mutual benefits by joining or deepening its engagement with the EAC?
Somalia, a nation with a complex history of conflict and instability, has been on a trajectory towards stability and reconstruction in recent years. Its potential inclusion within the EAC carries both promises and challenges, presenting a dynamic landscape of opportunities and considerations.
Joining the EAC could potentially unlock various economic opportunities for Somalia. Access to a larger market comprising Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi would provide a platform for Somali goods and services to reach a wider consumer base. Increased trade facilitation and reduction in tariff barriers could spur economic growth and enhance Somalia’s economic resilience.
Furthermore, the EAC’s initiatives in infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and ports, could significantly benefit Somalia, enabling better connectivity within the region and bolstering trade efficiency.
Somalia’s integration into the EAC would necessitate reforms and improvements in governance structures, trade policies, and regulatory frameworks. This could serve as an impetus for Somalia to strengthen its institutions, align its legal frameworks with international standards, and enhance administrative capacities, ultimately contributing to sustainable development.
However, Somalia’s journey towards integration into the EAC is not without hurdles. Internal challenges, including political stability, security concerns, and institutional weaknesses, could impede its ability to fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by the community. Additionally, disparities in economic development among member states might pose challenges in ensuring equitable benefits for all parties involved.
Moreover, the EAC itself faces its own set of challenges, ranging from trade imbalances to regulatory issues, which could impact Somalia’s integration process. Somalia’s integration into the EAC presents various trade-related hurdles. Historically, the country has encountered trade imbalances due to its economic disruptions caused by conflict, inadequate infrastructure, and limited industrial development. Joining the EAC could further expose these imbalances unless concerted efforts are made to address them. Regulatory issues, including differences in trade policies, standards, and administrative procedures, may pose challenges. Harmonizing these regulations across member states is essential for facilitating smoother trade activities.
Somalia’s comparatively lower education levels and smaller population size could impact its immediate contributions to the EAC. A less educated populace might hinder Somalia’s ability to fully engage in certain sectors of the economy, potentially slowing down its integration process. Additionally, the smaller population might limit the country’s market size and production capacity, affecting its leverage within the EAC framework.
However, it’s important to note that while these factors present initial challenges, they also highlight areas where support and collaboration from other member states can significantly benefit Somalia. Investment in education and skill development, coupled with technical assistance and knowledge sharing, can elevate Somalia’s capacity to actively participate in the EAC.
Despite these challenges, Somalia’s inclusion offers various opportunities for the broader EAC region. The country’s strategic geographical location could enhance regional trade routes, promoting economic growth and connectivity. Access to Somalia’s vast natural resources, including potential untapped oil reserves and marine wealth, presents prospects for mutually beneficial partnerships within the bloc. Moreover, Somalia’s participation can foster cultural exchange, and cooperation in security matters, and contribute to the EAC’s diplomatic influence on the global stage.
Other member states could leverage Somalia’s unique position to bolster their trade and investment prospects within the Horn of Africa. By supporting Somalia’s development initiatives, member states can foster stability, economic growth, and regional integration, which will ultimately benefit all parties involved. Somalia’s entry into the EAC signifies both challenges and opportunities. While trade imbalances, regulatory hurdles, education levels, and population size pose initial obstacles, concerted efforts and collaborative measures can transform these challenges into opportunities for mutual growth. Other member states stand to benefit from Somalia’s integration through expanded markets, enhanced regional connectivity, and shared prosperity, emphasizing the need for collective support and inclusive policies to maximize the potential benefits for all stakeholders within the East African Community.
The prospect of Somalia obtaining mutual benefits within the East African Community is promising but multifaceted. Economic integration holds immense potential for Somalia’s growth, but it requires concerted efforts from both Somalia and the EAC to overcome existing challenges. Strengthening governance, addressing security concerns, and fostering inclusive policies are pivotal steps towards harnessing the full potential of integration.
As Somalia continues its journey towards stability and development, strategic partnerships with regional blocs like the EAC could serve as catalysts for progress, fostering mutual benefits and contributing to the collective prosperity of the region. In the pursuit of integration, the collaborative spirit, flexibility, and commitment of both Somalia and the East African Community will play a pivotal role in shaping a future where mutual benefit becomes a reality.
The road ahead may be challenging, but the potential rewards of Somalia’s integration into the EAC could be transformative, offering not only economic prosperity but also contributing to the collective stability and development of the region.
Yousef Timacade is lawyer, legal analyst and commentator. He has a master’s degrees in law and executive management, and has been working with national and international non governmental organizations for the last ten years in the areas of program management, research, and human rights
The governments of Somaliland and South Africa have discussed several issues, including the issues of transportation, trade, investment, energy and mining and on how the South African government would accept Somalilanders would enter that country using Somaliland’s.
A delegation from the Republic of Somaliland led by the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation together with the Ambassador of Somaliland to the country Mr. Ahmed Jama, who is on a business trip to South Africa, was received by the South African Deputy Minister of the Presidency Mr K Morolong.
Other points they raised included; strengthening diplomatic relations, education assistance and the development of water services.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland that noted;
“It is a great pleasure for me while I was in the country of South Africa that we had an important meeting with the Ambassador of Somaliland to South Africa Ahmed Jama and various heads of the South African Government. All of those meetings ended in success and mutual understanding.
Amongst the leaders we met were;
Deputy Minister of State in the Presidency of South Africa Mr. K Morolong.
Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Mr Obed Bapela,
Vice President of Sothwane South TVET college Mr. Molesi Ramashala.
Mr. Abner Musaasa – Member of the International Affairs Committee of the ANC ruling party. (Member of ANC international subcommittee).
Various traders and investors.
Mr. Patt – CEO Director of UTHO capital.
Among the things we discussed were:-
How the South African government would accept the Somalilanders with passport to enter the country.
Trade and Investment
Energy and Minerals
Security Cooperation
Diplomatic Relations
Education
and Water
I thank all the people and the government of South Africa for the warm welcome they have given us.” END.
