HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn Post) Somaliland has advanced its participatory budgeting process by engaging citizens and local stakeholders in consultations for the preparation of the 2027 national budget, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency, fiscal accountability, and inclusive economic governance.
The Ministry of Finance, in partnership with Sanaag University, convened an annual public consultation in Erigavo, Sanaag Region, bringing together government officials, civil society representatives, academics, community leaders, and local authorities.
The forum forms part of the budget preparation process required under Somaliland’s Public Financial Management Law (Law No. 75/2025), which promotes public participation in fiscal planning.
Finance Minister Abdillahi Hassan Aden, Director General Mohamed Hassan Saleebaan, and senior ministry officials attended the meeting alongside representatives from the Office of the Auditor General, regional and district administrations, and Sanaag University leadership. Participants exchanged recommendations on development priorities, public spending, and resource allocation that will be considered during the drafting of the 2027 state budget.
During the consultation, Finance Minister Abdillahi Hassan Aden highlighted the government’s broader development agenda, stating that since President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) took office, the administration has implemented measures aimed at accelerating national development. He said the government’s first priority was strengthening security by integrating previously civilian-based armed units and their vehicles into the national security structure, while also increasing salaries for members of Somaliland’s security forces by 50%. According to the minister, these reforms were intended to improve national stability and create a stronger foundation for economic growth and public investment.
Sanaag Regional Governor Mohamoud Rage Ibrahim called for greater emphasis on development in public discourse, urging that Sanaag should be recognized not only for its security and stability but also for its economic progress and ongoing development initiatives. “We hope Sanaag will be known not only for peace and security, but also for development, the projects taking place here, and the progress we are making,” he said.
These remarks reinforced the government’s message that improved security, fiscal reforms, and citizen participation are interconnected pillars of Somaliland’s long-term development strategy, with the 2027 budget consultation serving as an opportunity to align national priorities with local development needs.
The consultation reflects Somaliland’s broader effort to institutionalize citizen engagement in public financial management. By incorporating views from civil society and local communities, the government aims to improve budget responsiveness, strengthen public trust, and align fiscal priorities with regional development needs.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance welcomed the recommendations presented during the discussions and pledged to assess them as part of the government’s budget forecasting and expenditure planning for the next fiscal year.
Participants also praised the ministry for providing an open platform for public input into one of the government’s most significant annual policy processes.
The annual consultations illustrate Somaliland’s continuing emphasis on good governance, transparency, and accountability in public finance. As fiscal pressures and development demands continue to grow, broader stakeholder participation in budget formulation is increasingly viewed as a key mechanism for improving policy effectiveness and ensuring more balanced national development across Somaliland’s regions.
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
