Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Abdillahi Osman Jama Geeljire, delivered a comprehensive briefing to the Council of Ministers on the recent wildfire that devastated parts of the Sanaag mountain range, including the ecologically significant Daalo forest.

During the cabinet session, which was chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, Geeljire provided a detailed account of the wildfire’s impact, response efforts coordinated by government agencies, and ongoing post-disaster assessments. The blaze, which affected a large swathe of forested terrain, posed a serious threat to biodiversity, local livelihoods, and the fragile mountain ecosystem.

The minister outlined the immediate containment strategies deployed, including firefighting mobilization and local community support, as well as partnerships with regional and environmental stakeholders. He praised the cooperation of area residents and environmental officers who worked tirelessly to control the spread.

Looking ahead, Geeljire proposed a framework for strengthening Somaliland’s national preparedness for environmental emergencies. This includes enhanced early warning systems, investment in rapid-response capacity, and the development of a national fire management strategy. He also emphasized the need for legislative support and inter-ministerial collaboration to build long-term climate resilience.

The Council commended the ministry’s efforts and urged further action to safeguard Somaliland’s natural heritage amid the growing threats posed by climate change and human activity.