HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn Post) The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Sunday officially inaugurated the 10th National Judiciary Conference of Somaliland, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence, transparency, and equal access to justice as the country seeks to boost international confidence and attract foreign investment.
The high-level conference, held at Maan-Soor Hotel in Hargeisa, brought together senior judicial leaders, lawmakers, prosecutors, lawyers, government officials, international organizations, and other stakeholders involved in advancing Somaliland’s justice sector.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, President Irro described the judiciary and justice system as the fundamental pillars safeguarding the rule of law, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving statehood.
“Justice and the judiciary are the pillars upon which human civilization stands. No society can function without them,” President Irro said.
Somaliland Government Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Independence
President Irro emphasized that his administration fully respects the constitutional separation of powers among Somaliland’s three branches of government and remains committed to building a justice system that is secure, transparent, impartial, and free from political interference.
He said every citizen must have access to fair and unbiased justice, stressing that judicial credibility is essential for maintaining peace, social trust, and national stability.
“As a government, we are committed to protecting the independence of national institutions. We will continue supporting the judiciary so that it remains independent and effective,” President Irro said.
The Somaliland leader also announced plans to improve the welfare, security, and working conditions of judges, saying the government intends to provide stronger institutional support to allow judicial officials to perform independently.
“Guaranteeing judges’ security and livelihood is a goal of this government. We will continue addressing whatever we can to ensure they work in a safe and stable environment,” he stated.
Justice System Key to Somaliland Investment Ambitions
President Irro linked judicial reform directly to Somaliland’s economic ambitions, arguing that international investors evaluate the strength and credibility of legal institutions before committing capital.
“Many investors are now looking toward Somaliland. What they assess first is our judiciary and justice system. If they trust our institutions, they will invest in the country,” Irro said.
President Irro urged national institutions to strengthen legal frameworks in order to improve Somaliland’s international competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment.
Parliament Speaker Calls Judiciary Foundation of Nationhood
Yasin Mahmoud Hiir Faratoon, Speaker of House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland, said justice and judicial independence remain central to building strong state institutions.
Faraton stressed that professional and impartial judiciary forms the basis of public trust and protects citizens’ constitutional rights.
“Justice and the judiciary are the first pillars of nation-building. Judicial neutrality is essential, and strengthening justice institutions must remain a national priority,” he said.
Supreme Court Chief Highlights Judicial Sector Progress
Aadan Haji Ali Ahmed, Chief Justice of Somaliland’s Supreme Court, presented achievements made by the judiciary in recent years, highlighting institutional reforms aimed at improving legal services and strengthening accountability.
He described the judiciary as the backbone of national governance and said continued reforms remain necessary to enhance public trust.
“The judiciary is the most important pillar of the nation,” Aadan Haji Ali said.
Somaliland Officials Stress Link Between Security and Justice
Abdalle Mohamed Arab Sandheere, Somaliland’s Minister of Interior and Security, underscored the direct connection between justice and national security.
“Security and justice are two inseparable foundations of statehood,” the minister said.
He argued that justice creates the foundation for security, while security provides the environment necessary for implementing genuine justice.
Meanwhile, Khadar Hussein Abdi, Minister of the Presidency, said justice remains central to peace, stability, and national development.
Khadar also linked Somaliland’s international recognition campaign to what he described as longstanding global injustice toward Somaliland.
“If genuine justice exists, security follows naturally. Somaliland itself has faced international injustice because its existence continues to be denied,” he said.
Judiciary Conference Focuses on Reform and Institutional Development
The 10th National Judiciary Conference is expected to focus on institutional reforms, strengthening court systems, improving prosecutorial efficiency, enhancing legal services, and increasing public confidence in Somaliland’s justice institutions.
The gathering comes as Somaliland continues broader governance reforms aimed at reinforcing democratic institutions and strengthening its case for greater international engagement.
Pictures of officials addressed the Conference
Pictures of the Conference
Prepares by:
Horn Post Staff
Horn Post News Desk.
Hargeisa, Somaliland
