Hargeisa (SLpost) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), accompanied by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Cabdi, chaired the 78th session of the Republic of Somaliland’s Council of Ministers at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, with national security, Ebola preparedness, diplomatic engagement and control of the country’s airspace among the key issues discussed.
According to press release by the presidency, the council of ministers reviewed the country’s overall security situation, public health preparedness in response to Ebola concerns in the region, recent diplomatic developments and measures to safeguard Somaliland’s aviation administration.
Government reports stable security situation
Minister of Interior and National Security Abdalle Mohamed Arab briefed the Cabinet on the country’s overall security situation, describing conditions across Somaliland as stable and stating that there were no significant security concerns.
He said national security institutions remained prepared to protect peace, public order and national security. The minister also stressed the importance of coordination among security agencies and continued public vigilance in maintaining stability.
Somaliland strengthens Ebola preparedness
Minister of Health Development Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi briefed ministers on the public health situation, with particular attention to Ebola concerns and the risk of infectious diseases spreading across the Horn of Africa.
According to presidential spokesman, Hussein Deyr, no Ebola cases had been reported in Somaliland at the time of the meeting. However, he warned that regional disease transmission risks, particularly those associated with air travel and population movements, required heightened vigilance and sustained preparedness.
The minister outlined several measures being undertaken by the Ministry of Health Development, including establishing a standing committee dedicated to Ebola prevention, training healthcare personnel in outbreak control, and strengthening health screening and response capacity at Hargeisa’s airport and in border towns.
The ministry is also coordinating with other government institutions, including the ministries responsible for interior affairs, aviation, information, religious affairs and education, as well as the Immigration Department, the Marodi Jeh regional administration and Hargeisa Municipality, according to the press release.
The measures are intended to strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve the country’s ability to respond to potential public health threats.
Diplomatic engagement with the United States
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Adan presented an update on Somaliland’s foreign policy, highlighting what he described as growing international interest in the country and an improvement in its diplomatic visibility and standing.
He specifically referred to President Irro’s recent working visit to the United States, which he said had generated diplomatic gains and opened opportunities for new international relationships.
According to the press release, the minister also highlighted remarks attributed to the US president distinguishing Somaliland from Somalia, saying the comments had drawn greater international attention to Somaliland and strengthened its efforts to advance its national interests and aspirations.
The foreign minister further informed the Cabinet that his ministry was preparing formal guidelines governing diplomatic protocol for senior Somaliland officials travelling abroad on official assignments.
The proposed guidelines are intended to ensure consistent procedures and appropriate national representation in line with Somaliland’s stated interests, dignity and institutional standing.
Position on Somaliland’s airspace administration
The Cabinet also discussed the administration of Somaliland’s airspace and the International Air Transport Association’s Billing and Settlement Plan (IATA-BSP).
Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation and Airport Development Yusuf Keyse Abdillahi briefed ministers on the IATA-BSP system and reiterated the government’s position that Somaliland’s aviation administration and flight-related arrangements should remain under its independent control.
He said Somaliland opposed any external intervention or arrangements that it considers capable of undermining its management of airspace, aviation systems or national interests.
The deputy minister linked airspace administration to the government’s broader position on protecting its territorial integrity, maritime and land boundaries, aviation safety and citizens’ interests.
Following the briefing, the Council of Ministers agreed that the government should take appropriate measures in response to what it described as interference by Somalia in Somaliland’s airspace administration.
The issue remains a significant point of contention between Somaliland and Somalia, particularly concerning aviation governance and the respective authorities’ claims over airspace management.
