Hargeisa- The 61st session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland was convened at the Presidential Palace, chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) and attended by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Cabdi.
The Council deliberated on a range of key national issues, including security, economic conditions, public health, and development initiatives.On the general security situation, the Minister of Interior and National Security, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, reported that Somaliland remains largely stable, with no major security incidents recorded.
He highlighted ongoing government-led peace efforts in the Awdal and Selel regions, which have significantly reduced tensions and strengthened social cohesion.
The Minister commended the leadership of the Vice President and senior officials for their role in advancing reconciliation and consolidating peace.Addressing the economic situation, the Minister of Trade and Tourism, Abdirahman Hassan Noor, noted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has driven up global fuel prices, contributing to a rise in the cost of living and slowing market activity.
He assured the Council that the government is closely monitoring price fluctuations and remains in constant engagement with the business community, confirming that Somaliland maintains adequate reserves of essential food and fuel supplies.
On public health, the Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, reported outbreaks of measles and diarrhea in some regions.
He outlined measures taken by the Ministry, including strengthening disease prevention and control systems, verifying health data, and deploying rapid response teams.
He also highlighted recent field visits aimed at improving healthcare services, including the launch of new medical facilities at Borama Regional Hospital, such as CT scan and dialysis services, and the laying of the foundation stone for Boon District Hospital.
The Minister of Investment Promotion and Industry, Said Sheikh Mohamed Buraale, presented plans for the establishment of industrial zones in Awdal and Gabiley regions.
He described the initiative as a strategic move to attract investment, create jobs, enhance domestic production, and drive economic growth.
Progress has already been made in identifying and securing suitable sites for these zones.On population data, the Minister of Planning and National Development, Kaltuun Sheikh Hassan Abdi, emphasized the importance of conducting an accurate population census.
While current estimates place Somalilandโs population at over 6.2 million, she stressed that reliable data is essential for effective planning, resource allocation, and policy development.The Minister of Energy and Minerals, Ahmed Jama Barre, briefed the Council on the electricity situation, noting that rising fuel costs have directly impacted electricity prices, placing additional financial strain on citizens.
He stated that the Ministry is working on measures to stabilize energy costs and diversify energy sources.
In his remarks, Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Cabdi reported the successful conclusion of a 20-day peace mission in Awdal and Selel, which resulted in reconciliation and improved stability.
He cautioned that continued vigilance is necessary to prevent potential instability driven by both internal and external actors.In conclusion, the Vice President underscored the importance of government institutions fulfilling their responsibilities with transparency and commitment to strengthen peace, unity, and state-building efforts.
