Hornpost
Somaliland Cabinet Reviews Recognition Momentum, Drought Impact, and National Priorities.
Hargeisa (Horn post) The 49th session of the Somaliland Council of Ministers, chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), convened this week at the Presidential Palace, focusing on political, social, and development priorities amid what officials described as a “historic phase” of growing international recognition for Somaliland.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the Cabinet received a series of briefings from key ministries covering religious affairs, regional inspections, local governance, youth and sports, information policy, and land administration.
The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Sheikh Abdullahi Bashe Dahir Jama, presented a comprehensive report on the ministry’s role in public awareness, particularly in relation to Somaliland’s international recognition drive. He praised Somaliland’s religious scholars for what he termed as their responsible and principled support for the national cause.
The minister strongly condemned what he described as politicized interference by clerics from Somalia, accusing them of exploiting religion for political ends. He stressed that Somaliland’s right to self-determination and foreign relations is legitimate and irreversible, adding that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland does not contradict Islamic principles or undermine the faith of the Somaliland people.
The Minister of Public Works, Housing and Land, Hussein Ahmed Caydiid, briefed the Cabinet on a high-level government delegation’s inspection tour of the Hawd region. He said the team assessed living conditions and urgent needs across several districts, holding consultations with local authorities and residents. Key concerns included water shortages, healthcare, education services, and the severe impact of drought on both communities and livestock. Priority needs, he said, will be forwarded to relevant ministries and agencies for immediate action.
Similarly, the Minister of Local Government and Urban Development, Hassan Ahmed Yusuf (Macallin), reported on an extensive nationwide tour covering 63 districts. His assessment highlighted widespread challenges related to water access, health, education, infrastructure, and the worsening effects of drought. He urged the Somaliland government and the National Drought Relief Committee to accelerate emergency responses as conditions continue to deteriorate.
On sports and youth affairs, Minister Ahmed-Yasin Mohamed Farah informed the Cabinet that the National Champions League football tournament currently underway in Berbera is proceeding smoothly. He cited strong coordination among security agencies, regional and district authorities, and sports officials to ensure safety and fair competition. The tournament, he noted, has attracted significant domestic and international attention, with viewership exceeding 2.5 million.
Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Awareness, and Acting Minister, Muse Askar Guuleed, outlined the ministry’s role in coordinating official messaging related to Somaliland’s recognition. He said the ministry is closely monitoring international media coverage and has worked to ensure unified, responsible reporting by both state and independent media outlets supportive of Somaliland’s sovereignty. He also referenced cultural productions and artistic works aimed at strengthening national unity and countering narratives opposed to Somaliland’s statehood.
The Cabinet session also continued deliberations on national land management policy, with ministers debating frameworks intended to establish a transparent, fair, and modern land administration system capable of addressing the country’s growing demographic and development pressures.
The Presidency said discussions would continue in subsequent sessions, with implementation and follow-up to be coordinated across relevant institutions.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
Hargeisa Somaliland
