Somaliland: Council of Ministers Meeting 29.02.2024
The 125th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland was held today at the presidential palace, with President Muse Bihi Abdi presiding. The main agenda of the meeting was to discuss and analyze the security situation in the region.
Following the signing of an agreement on the 1st of January this year between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Ethiopia, the Mogadishu government has initiated hostilities against the people of Somaliland. Reports from a radio station controlled by the Mogadishu government suggest collaboration with extremist groups. In addition, Mogadishu has taken aggressive actions, such as denying entry to a medical aid plane carrying a citizen in need of urgent medical treatment abroad, a clear violation of international law. This aggression has also extended to the targeting of Somaliland citizens in Mogadishu-controlled areas, resulting in casualties, arrests, and the torture of Somalilanders.
After thorough discussion and analysis, the Council of Ministers made the following:
- The Republic of Somaliland has maintained peace since reclaiming its independence, fostering positive relations with neighboring states and actively promoting peace in the Horn of Africa region to ensure the safety and stability of its residents.
- The Cabinet of Ministers urges the Government of Somalia to cease hostilities against the citizens of Somaliland residing in the territory under its control. These individuals have suffered genocide and it is imperative for the government of Somalia to refrain from further harm. Failure to do so may result in long-term negative consequences.
- The government of Somaliland calls on the international community to prioritize the safety and well-being of the citizens of Somaliland who are being targeted in Mogadishu, as they provide security and financial support to the government of Mogadishu.
- The government of Somaliland has lodged a formal complaint against the government of Mogadishu with judicial and human rights agencies, urging them to initiate an international investigation into the killings and executions of Somaliland citizens living in Mogadishu.
- The Republic of Somaliland asserts to the international community that any agreements made by the government of Somalia do not extend to the Republic of Somaliland, as it has authority over its sea, land, and air territories.
- The government of Somaliland strongly denounces the actions taken by the government of Mogadishu that led to the disruption of air traffic, resulting in a near collision between Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. This incident, confirmed by the pilots and management of both airlines, was caused by a misguided and irresponsible order from Mogadishu, a decision that Somaliland condemns.
- The Council of Ministers urges organizations involved in air management like ICAO and IATA to engage in open communication with the air management authorities in the Republic of Somaliland.
- The Council of Ministers commends the people of Somaliland for preserving their national identity and unity, and for their dedication to protecting the nation’s interests, especially in light of the recent Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Ethiopia.
- The Council of Ministers issues a strong warning against individuals who propagate and support the schemes and deceptions of adversaries targeting the people of the Republic of Somaliland, through verbal, physical, or written means. Lastly, the Council of Ministers discussed proposed amendments and additions to the Real Estate Mortgage Act No. XX/2023 of the Bank, drafted by the Attorney General and the Governor of the National Bank and approved these changes through a majority vote.
