The Somali Cabinet held its weekly meeting today, during which various reports were presented concerning security, health, elections, trade, and other important national issues.
The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre.
The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation presented a report on the one-person-one-vote elections held in the Federal Member States of Galmudug and Hirshabelle, which were successfully completed. The Cabinet praised the democratic participation of the people in the elections, describing them as part of the government’s efforts to implement the Constitution of the Republic through different stages.
The Cabinet was also presented with a report on the benefits Somalia has gained from joining the East African Community (EAC).
These benefits include Somali students being able to attend universities at the standard East African fee rate, while tourists are not charged the higher fees applied to other foreigners.
Somali businesspeople and professionals have also gained opportunities to avoid certain new regulations in some member countries that restrict foreigners.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated that Somalia’s membership in the EAC has made matters related to residency, travel and healthcare easier for Somali citizens.
It also said that, for the first time, Somalia has been allocated a quota for permanent staff positions within the East African Community.
The Ministry of Health and Social Care presented a report on the Ebola situation and measures to prevent the disease from reaching Somalia. Following the report, the Cabinet approved a decision to prepare for a possible Ebola outbreak.
A committee consisting of six ministries was established and will be chaired by the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Jibril Haji Abdi.
The ministries are Health, Security, Foreign Affairs, Transport, Information, and Livestock.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry also presented a report on Somalia’s progress toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), a process that has been ongoing for about 10 years.
The process is reportedly nearing completion, with Somalia finalizing the remaining requirements, including setting tariffs on imported goods and establishing administrative institutions.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre urged the Cabinet to accelerate the government’s priority tasks and strengthen cooperation among national institutions in order to achieve the government’s plans for this year, particularly the services intended to be delivered to the Somali people.
Finally, the Cabinet approved the Board of the National Fisheries Company, consisting of nine members, following a proposal from the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy.
