State sternly warns way-warders not to instigate breach of peace or infringe upon the sovereignty of the nation
By M.A. Egge
The government of the Republic of Somaliland has stepped up the efforts of safeguarding and defending the sovereignty of the nation to the hilt, especially now in the wake of the official recognition given by the State of Israel.
It has sternly warned way-warders and distracters, whether foreign or otherwise, not to instigate breach of peace or infringe upon the sovereignty of the nation.
The Israeli move has bared the foes of the essence and statehood of Somaliland, who have most recently shown marked animosity towards the recognition.
To this effect, the 52nd session of the Council of Ministers meeting, held on Wednesday 28th January 2026, has vowed to take steps that would focus on the defense of the nation from within and without.
Chaired by the President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, and flanked by his deputy the Vice President, H.E. Mohamed Ali aw Abdi, the cabinet underscored its resolve to fully protect, defend and safeguard the sovereignty of the nation as per constitutional etiquette demands.
The Head of State affirmed that recognition is a national cause, a popular demand, and a collective aspiration rooted in the right to self-determination of the people of Somaliland.
The resolution which centred on the collective responsibilities of safeguarding national cohesion, unity, solidarity and peaceful stability would see to it that the aspirations of the people to sovereignty, adherence to religious tenets and etiquettes, rule of law as per constitution, and bolstering democracy would be unhindered.
The resolve is as per state incumbency to see to it that the nation sails smoothly towards its envisioned goals.
The state warned that any individual, groups of individuals or any entity within the nation will not be allowed to cause, or facilitate the instigation of any action, that would undermine or breach the peace, unity, solidarity or cohesion of the populaces.
So, too, is the same not to be entertained from any outside or foreign entity. The state, through its security apparatus has been charged to forestall or address such scenarios as applicable, if they arise at all.
Similarly, the freedom of expression has been put on watch not to be corrosive such as rendering the peaceful stability cherished asunder.
The President stated that the Cabinet’s decision reflects the broader national interest and called on both the public and government institutions to unite in defending sovereignty, strengthening peace, and enhancing Somaliland’s image on the international stage.
In addition to issuing decisions related to the recognition of Somaliland, the cabinet discussed a number of key national matters, including the following:
National Security Situation
The Minister of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, briefed the session on the overall security situation, stating that security across the country remains stable in all respects.
He noted that the recognition by Israel has strengthened unity and solidarity among the people of Somaliland, particularly at this sensitive post-recognition stage.
The Minister warned that hostility toward Somaliland has increased, underscoring the need to further strengthen internal security and cooperation between state institutions and the public.
He called on the people of Somaliland to remain united in safeguarding national security and stability.
National Revenue and Economic Performance
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, presented a general financial report, stating that revenue growth for January 2026 is progressing as planned, reflecting positive financial development.
He added that the Ministry has unified the revenue collection system of all government institutions to enhance accountability and financial transparency.
Furthermore, the Ministry has launched accounting training and capacity-building programs for selected staff, delivered by the National Institute of Accounting Sciences. The Minister also informed the Council that, in cooperation with DP World, the government is expanding services at Berbera Port to stimulate national economic growth.
Briefing on Religious Leaders
The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Sheikh Abdullahi Bashe Dahir Jama, informed the Council that Somaliland’s religious scholars are united in defending national sovereignty and are playing a vital role in supporting and promoting the recognition of the Republic of Somaliland.
He noted that scholars regularly conduct lectures and public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of nationhood, unity, security, and the protection of Somaliland’s core national interests.
Regional Development Framework and National Annual Operational Development Plan
The Minister of Planning and National Development, Hon. Kaltun Sh. Hassan Abdi, briefed the cabinet on plans to develop a Regional Development Framework and a Country Annual Operational Development Plan.
She explained that the overall objective of the Regional Development Framework is to design, implement, and ensure balanced regional development by linking district, regional, and national plans, while actively involving communities in identifying development priorities.
She highlighted key benefits of the framework, including:
Identifying regional needs,
Aligning national development plans,
Attracting investment, and
Guiding ministries, donors, and the private sector.
National Health Situation and Fever Outbreak
The Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Xirsi, briefed the Council on the health sector, stating that the Ministry’s operations are proceeding smoothly and that national health services are functioning to the best extent possible.
He also addressed the outbreak of fever-related illnesses reported in some regions, noting that the Ministry has taken urgent preventive, treatment, and awareness measures, and has reinforced response efforts with additional medical staff and medicines.
The Minister further noted that Hargeysa General Hospital continues to provide essential healthcare services to the public.
8th Joint Review of the National Education Sector Plan
The Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Professor Ismael Duale Yusuf, informed the Council that the Ministry successfully organized and conducted the 8th Joint Review of the Somaliland National Education Sector Plan (JRES), along with the evaluation of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) project.
He stated that the review assessed achievements made in implementing the 2026 Education Sector Strategic Plan, as well as ongoing education projects, with the aim of strengthening access to and quality of education.
The objectives of the review included:
Measuring progress in implementing the annual plan,
Strengthening governance and coordination of education projects, and
Identifying challenges facing Somaliland’s education sector.
The conference concluded with key recommendations to enhance education quality, equitable access to education, and the use of modern technology to build a skilled and knowledgeable generation.
Local Government and Urban Development Update
The Minister of Local Government and Urban Development, Hon. Hassan Haji Ahmed Duale briefed the Council on completed, ongoing, and planned activities of the Ministry. He noted that the Ministry’s institutional structure has been fully finalized to improve efficiency and coordination.
He also highlighted challenges facing district and regional administrations and outlined efforts to strengthen good governance. The Minister reported that advanced training and capacity-building programs were provided to senior officials from 75 districts to enhance the effectiveness of local governments.
Training of Government Communication Directors
The Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, briefed the members of the cabinet on the importance of effective government communication and the priority placed on ensuring that all state institutions actively convey official government messages.
He emphasized the need for a unified government voice to strengthen public trust and institutional transparency, particularly during this sensitive national phase.
He further announced plans to provide in-depth training for departmental directors responsible for inter-agency communication, with the aim of unifying messaging and improving government communications.
Recognition and Cabinet Decision
In closing the 52nd Cabinet session, the President of the Republic of Somaliland addressed the Cabinet’s decision regarding national recognition, affirming that recognition is a national cause, a popular demand, and a collective aspiration rooted in the right to self-determination of the people of Somaliland.
The President stated that the Cabinet’s decision reflects the broader national interest and called on both the public and government institutions to unite in defending sovereignty, strengthening peace, and enhancing Somaliland’s image on the international stage.