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Somaliland approves sweeping security and tax reforms after UAE visit


Sunday February 2, 2025


Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) walks past an honour guard upon his return to Hargeisa following a four-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he discussed bilateral cooperation and major investment initiatives. CREDIT / Supplied

Hargeisa (HOL) — 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.


Somaliland’s Council of Ministers unanimously vote to approve key resolutions on security modernization and direct digital tax collection during an extraordinary session in Hargeisa, following President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro)’s diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates. CREDIT/ Somaliland National TV


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. 

 



 





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