Sunday 2, Feb 2025 {HMC} Somaliland’s government approved sweeping measures on security and tax reforms on Sunday following high-level meetings between President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) and senior officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The resolutions were announced during an extraordinary cabinet session Friday and unanimously endorsed by the Council of Ministers.

President Irro, joined by Vice President Yusuf Mahmud Abdi, convened the meeting to brief the Council of Ministers on the outcomes of his four-day visit to the UAE, where he held more than ten meetings with top officials. Officials say the discussions focused on expanding partnerships in key sectors, including economic development, security, education, and energy, with the UAE’s DP World set to expand its Berbera port operations.

Under the newly adopted plan, Somaliland will restructure its security apparatus, enhancing training, equipment, and coordination to address emerging threats.
“The Council approved a resolution to enhance the structure, capacity, and operational effectiveness of Somaliland’s various security forces. All 38 members present voted in favour, with no abstentions or objections,” said Hussein Adan Igeh (Deyr), the spokesperson for the president.

The government also approved a significant overhaul of its tax collection system, introducing direct digital payments to minimize revenue losses. Taxes will be applied to mobile money transfers, bank and mobile wallet transactions, telecom and internet payments, and utility services. Funds will be deposited directly into the national treasury, reducing potential leaks and delays.

The new system targets key financial platforms, including Zaad, eDahab, MyCash, DahabPlus, and PremierWallet, as well as major telecom providers such as Telesom and Somtel.

To ensure the smooth rollout of the tax system, the government assigned key oversight responsibilities to several ministries, including Finance, Telecommunications and Technology, Civil Aviation, and Energy. These ministries will monitor compliance and address any challenges during implementation.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. President Irro’s visit to the UAE underlined Somaliland’s strategy of securing foreign investment despite its lack of international recognition.

Sunday 2, Feb 2025 {HMC} Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre met with the newly appointed Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Rowaid Adil Mohamed, at his office in Mogadishu on Sunday to discuss enhancing ties between Somalia and Palestine.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Barre congratulated Ambassador Rowaid on his new role and reaffirmed Somalia’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people. He emphasized Somalia’s commitment to the historical right of Palestinians to freedom and independence, while condemning the displacement and suffering of the Palestinian population.

“Somalia has always stood by the Palestinian people, and this commitment will not change,” Barre said.
Ambassador Rowaid expressed gratitude to the Somali government for its unwavering support and acknowledged the deep historical connection between the two peoples. “The Palestinian people are well aware of the value of Somalia’s consistent support,” said the ambassador.

Last month, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed emphasized Somalia’s stance on the Palestinian cause at the United Nations Security Council’s 9841st meeting, which addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Fiqi praised the recent ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, reaffirming Somalia’s solidarity with Palestine.

Sunday 2, Feb 2025 {HMC}Somali government has on introduced mandatory vaccination requirements for all travelers entering or leaving the country to curb the spread of infectious diseases, including yellow fever, poliomyelitis, and meningitis.

The directive, announced on Sunday by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, took effect immediately and will remain in place until February 10, 2025. The initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), which set global standards for disease prevention and cross-border health control.

Officials stressed that the policy is necessary to prevent disease outbreaks and safeguard public health amid rising global risks of pandemics.

Under the new policy, all travelers, regardless of age or nationality, are required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate at ports of entry and exit. The ministry emphasized that travelers should receive the vaccine at least 10 days prior to travel to ensure immunity.

Designated vaccination centers, including facilities at international airports, seaports, and public hospitals, have been established to accommodate travelers. Medical exemptions will be granted to individuals unable to take the vaccine due to specific health conditions, provided they present an official medical waiver.

Travelers who fail to meet the vaccination requirements face public health interventions, including possible quarantine or denial of entry.

Yellow fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, can lead to severe illness and death if untreated. According to the World Health Organization, vaccination is the most effective measure to combat the disease. Somali health officials said the mandatory vaccination policy is part of ongoing efforts to prevent cross-border transmission and protect the population.

In addition to the yellow fever requirement, travelers must present proof of vaccination for oral poliomyelitis and quadrivalent Neisseria meningitis.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services urged travelers to adhere to the directive to foster safer international travel.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services urged travelers to comply with the directive, highlighting its role in fostering safer global travel. “Together, we can prevent the spread of yellow fever and other contagious diseases,” the ministry stated.