Somaliland Roundup: Somalia talks, election, secessionist group

Somalia – Somaliland talks

The House of Elders in Somaliland has excluded plans for reviewing prospective talks between Somalia and Somaliland from their current session agenda. The House says it is premature to reach conclusive decisions on the talks, given the absence of ongoing discussions and the government's commitment to resuming negotiations that are yet to be officially confirmed, local news media Somaliland reported.

President Bihi restructures cabinet

President Bihi of Somaliland has implemented changes to his cabinet, dismissing three ministers and appointing two new members. The restructuring came with the removal of the ministers of Technology and Telecommunication, Endowment and Religious Affairs, Investment, and Agriculture. The President has appointed the current spokesperson of the ruling party and the former Director of Somaliland's Insurance Agency to the cabinet. The decision to dismiss the three ministers is attributed to their failure to fulfil their roles effectively, as reported by local news media Somaliland Chronicles.

Somaliland elections

The National Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Somaliland has initiated preparations for the upcoming elections. The election agency has announced in a press release that it had conducted a meeting to discuss the completion and issuance of the final voters' list and to address various aspects related to the preparation of the impending election, Somaliland Standard reported.

SSC Group

The secessionist armed SSC group advocating for an independent Khatumo state within Somaliland has called for a peaceful co-existence. According to reports from local media Somaliland Sun, the leader of SSC-Khatumo, Abdukadir Firdhiye has emphasized the significance of peace and stability for Somaliland, indicating a shift in the group's approach toward resolving the longstanding conflict.

Appointment of intelligence chief

Somaliland's President Muse Bihi Abdi has appointed a new intelligence chief, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the appointee has served in various capacities with the US military overseas. Speculation surrounds the appointment, hinting at potential efforts by Somaliland to strengthen ties with the United States and other Western countries to enhance counter-terrorism measures, Somaliland Chronicles reported.