Somaliland Parliament Social Affairs Committee Leadership Handover Completed.
HARGEISA — (Horn post) The Social Affairs Committee of the Somaliland House of Representatives has entered a new leadership phase after the appointment of Amina Ali Farid as its new chairperson, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the committee and the only female member of the current parliament.
The leadership transition was formally overseen on April 18, 2026, by the First Deputy Speaker of the House, Saeed Mire Farah (Gire), who is currently serving as acting Speaker. The outgoing acting committee chair, Ahmed Abdi Walhada, officially handed over responsibilities in a ceremony held at the committee’s office in Hargeisa.
The event was attended by both outgoing and incoming committee members, as well as the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives, Abdirisaq Said Ayanle, highlighting the institutional significance of the transition.
Amina Ali Farid’s appointment is seen as a notable development in Somaliland’s parliamentary history, particularly in the context of women’s representation in national politics, where female participation remains limited.
The Social Affairs Committee plays a key legislative role in reviewing and shaping draft laws that directly impact social services and public welfare. Among the major legislative files handed over to the new leadership are draft laws on national healthcare, higher education, social protection, amendments to the health professionals’ law, regulation of the National Examinations Office, revisions to the media law, and a bill aimed at combating female genital mutilation (FGM).
Officials at the ceremony emphasized continuity in legislative work, with the outgoing committee leadership briefing the new chair on ongoing parliamentary priorities and pending reforms.
The Somaliland Parliament is expected to continue reviewing these key draft laws in the upcoming sessions as part of broader institutional reforms and social development efforts.
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Horn post staff
