Below is an article published by Somaliland Press:

President Ahmed Mohamud Siilaanyo today addressed ministers from his cabinet along with intellectual groups and donor country members. The meeting held at the Hotel Mansoor was regarding forward planning for the next five years.

In his address, President Siilaanyo thanked the audience for attending the meeting so that they can have firsthand knowledge of the country’s planned vision for the next five years. The President also thanked the Minister of Planning and Development Dr. Saad Ali Shire and his office for their effort in preparing the country in the next five years. Mr. Ahmed Siilaanyo outlined his government’s plan for the next five years by saying “if you do not have a planned vision, no one will be able to help you when you meet with donor partners”.

Speaking after the President was Dr. Saad Ali Shire Minister of Planning and Development who was able to enlighten the audience on the country’s planned vision for the next five years. Dr. Shire highlighted the importance of having a designed vision by saying “planning for the next five years will help the advancement of Somaliland and will give direction to the country”. The plans for next five years have been priorities and are expect to cost roughly 900 billion Somaliland shillings at which 79% is expect from donor countries and the rest from Somaliland government, businesses and Diaspora.

In ensuing discussions whilst there was considerable talk about projected revenue no mention was made of the issue of the thorny issue of tax evasion and avoidance, especially by businesses based or operating in Somaliland. A number of issues emerged that have yet to be addressed: poor urban planning and infrastructure, inadequate environmental safeguards, insufficient detail concerning how funding is going to be monitored and accounted for along with concern over educational quality and skill shortages. Whilst it was acknowledged that progress had been made a number of participants, particularly a number from donor countries expressed reservations about whether the current ministerial structures had the right calibre staff and leadership to oversee a comprehensive review and carry out the limited vision thus far shared.