On January 9, 2025, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Somaliland administered the Constitutional Oath to the newly appointed Council of Ministers. The ceremony, conducted in accordance with the Constitution, was attended by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), the Vice President, and the Chief Justice, who also serves as Chairperson of the Constitutional Court.
In alignment with Article 94, Section 3 of the Constitution, members of the Council of Ministers must take the constitutional oath within 30 days of their approval by the House of Representatives. Article 129 of the Constitution stipulates that this oath must be administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in the presence of the President and Vice President.
During the ceremony, each member of the Council of Ministers placed their hand on the Quran and recited the solemn oath, affirming their commitment to faithfully serve the Islamic religion, the nation of Somaliland, and its citizens, and to govern with justice and equality throughout their tenure.
Following the administration of the oath, His Excellency the Vice President addressed the newly sworn-in ministers. In his remarks, he underscored the gravity of the responsibility entrusted to them and the sacred nature of the oath they had taken. The Vice President emphasized that their pledge signifies a profound obligation to uphold justice, integrity, and service to the people of Somaliland. He reminded the ministers of the weight of their duties, urging them to approach their roles with humility, accountability, and a deep sense of purpose.
The President also delivered a keynote address, highlighting the critical importance of the oath and the responsibilities that accompany it. He reiterated that the citizens of Somaliland expect the government to fulfill its promises and deliver essential services, including education, healthcare, water, roads, and justice. The President called upon the ministers to embody the principles of fairness, diligence, and transparency in their work, ensuring that the reforms and commitments pledged to the people are reflected in every aspect of governance.
The President concluded by emphasizing the collective responsibility of the government to meet the needs of the nation. He reminded the ministers that the Constitution mandates an eight-hour workday and stressed the importance of visible dedication to their roles. The government, he affirmed, will uphold a culture of accountability and performance, with a commitment to serving the people of Somaliland effectively and equitably.
