By Asha Elmi - Reporter
SOMALIA, Aug. 16, 2026 — The House of Elders, known as the Guurti, in the self-declared republic of Somaliland opened its 91st session on Saturday, with Speaker Saleban Mahmoud Adan pledging that the chamber would fulfil its responsibilities and support efforts to strengthen peace and security.
The Guurti is the upper chamber of Somaliland’s parliament and has traditionally played a role in mediation, reconciliation and conflict resolution.
Opening the session, Saleban called for cooperation from the administration, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and the public to enable the council to carry out its responsibilities.
He said the Guurti was prepared to undertake the duties assigned to it and would work to deliver on its mandate with the support of the administration and the public.
The speaker highlighted ongoing efforts to address security and reconciliation issues in Sanaag, saying the Guurti had prepared a nine-member delegation to travel to the region.
He said the council was waiting for ongoing consultations with community representatives from Sanaag to be completed before the delegation proceeds with its mission.
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“We are ready from our side for peace,” Saleban said, calling for cooperation among all sides to safeguard stability and resolve outstanding disputes.
Saleban also referred to peace efforts in western areas, saying a Guurti committee had previously been assigned to address the situation and had made progress in its mediation efforts.
He said the committee remained in place and that the chamber was prepared to continue its work until outstanding issues were resolved.
“Peace requires everyone to work together and protect it,” Saleban said, adding that every individual had a responsibility to contribute to maintaining peace.
The opening of the session comes as the Guurti continues its longstanding role in peacebuilding and conflict mediation. The chamber traces its origins to traditional councils of elders that played a central role in peace and reconciliation during the early years of Somaliland’s political formation.
Saleban formally declared the 91st session open, calling on members to fulfil the chamber’s responsibilities with the cooperation and support of the administration and the public.