HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) Somaliland’s top fire and rescue officials have begun strengthening coordination with the newly elected leadership of the capital after Commander of the Somaliland Fire and Rescue Force Brig. Gen. Ahmed Mohamed Hassan “Sawaaxili” held a high-level meeting Saturday with newly elected Hargeisa Mayor Eng. Abdirisaq Mohamed Farah “Wiwa.”
The meeting, held at the Somaliland Fire Brigade Headquarters in Hargeisa, focused on expanding cooperation between the Hargeisa Municipality and the national emergency response agency as authorities seek to improve public safety systems, disaster preparedness and emergency response operations across Somaliland’s largest city.
The discussions come at a time when Hargeisa continues to face growing urban challenges linked to rapid population growth, infrastructure pressure and seasonal emergencies, making stronger coordination between local government institutions and emergency services increasingly important.
During the meeting, Brig. Gen. Sawaxili formally welcomed Mayor Wiwa following his recent election and congratulated him on assuming leadership of Somaliland’s capital, expressing confidence that the new administration would continue supporting institutions responsible for protecting public safety.
The Fire Brigade commander emphasized the importance of maintaining close institutional cooperation between the municipality and emergency response agencies, saying effective coordination remains essential in responding to fires, road accidents, rescue operations and natural disasters affecting residents.
Officials familiar with the discussions said both sides explored ways to improve operational coordination between municipal authorities and fire and rescue teams, particularly in areas involving emergency planning, rapid response systems and strengthening disaster management capacity within the capital.
For his part, Mayor Abdirisaaq “Wiwa” praised the Somaliland Fire and Rescue Force for what he described as its critical role in protecting communities and saving lives during emergencies.
The mayor specifically acknowledged the fire brigade’s work during seasonal heavy rains, rescue operations and emergency incidents that regularly affect neighborhoods across Hargeisa, saying the institution remains one of Somaliland’s most important public service agencies.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting institutions responsible for public safety and improving essential services for residents of the capital.
Government officials noted that cooperation between the Hargeisa Local Government and the Somaliland Fire Brigade has historically played an important role in protecting the city, with both institutions regularly working together during emergency situations and disaster response operations.
The meeting is viewed as one of the first major engagements between the newly elected mayor and key national institutions, with sources indicating that strengthening public service delivery, including emergency response systems, remains among Mayor Wiwa’s immediate priorities after taking office.
As Somaliland’s capital continues expanding rapidly, authorities say stronger partnerships between municipal leadership and emergency institutions will be critical in ensuring faster response times, improving disaster preparedness and protecting residents from future emergencies.
The Somaliland Fire and Rescue Force has increasingly become one of the country’s most vital institutions, regularly responding to fires, road accidents, flood emergencies and rescue operations across major cities.
The latest meeting signals a renewed commitment by both the Hargeisa Municipality and Somaliland’s emergency services to work together in building safer and more resilient capital.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
