Women Secure Three Ministries in Somaliland's New Cabinet

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 14 December 2024 18:26

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Women Secure Three Ministries in Somaliland's New Cabinet

HARGEISA, Somaliland (Kaab TV) – Somaliland's newly elected President, Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro, has today unveiled his first cabinet, expanding the government to 28 ministries, three more than the previous administration.

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Women attend the inauguration of the new Somaliland president on Thursday, December 12, 2024. | PHOTO/ OFFICIAL.

HARGEISA, Somaliland (Kaab TV) – Somaliland's newly elected President, Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro, has today unveiled his first cabinet, expanding the government to 28 ministries, three more than the previous administration.

Three women have been appointed to key ministerial roles, marking a historic milestone for gender representation in a country where women still face systematic marginalisation in the government.

Kaltuun Sheikh Hassan Abdi Madar has been named minister of planning and national development.

Milgo Mohamed Elmi (Sambalooshe) takes on the role of minister of labor, social affairs, and family.

Samsam Mohamed Salah has been appointed as the deputy minister of health development.

In a decree from the President’s Office on Saturday, significant structural changes have been introduced.

The Ministry of Interior has been divided into two entities: the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Regional Development, effectively retiring the "Interior” designation.

Additionally, the former Civil Aviation Agency has been elevated to a full ministry, and the Presidency Directorate has been upgraded to the Ministry of the Presidency, signaling President Irro’s vision for a more efficient and inclusive administration.

Historic Representation for Marginalized Communities

For the first time in Somaliland’s history, minority clans such as the Gabooye, Gurgura, Akisho, Tol Jecle, and Ayuub have been granted full ministerial roles.

The cabinet also includes four positions for clans from the previous administration’s Habar Awal coalition, ensuring their continued representation.

Eastern clans from the contested regions of Sool and Sanaag, areas with ongoing disputes involving Puntland and SSC-Khaatumo, have also been included.

President Irro, leader of the opposition party Waddani, won last month’s election with a campaign centered on inclusivity and reform.

The diverse composition of his cabinet is being hailed as a step toward social justice, addressing years of marginalization while reflecting a broad coalition of Somaliland’s political and social spectrum.