Musa Bihi Abdi, President of the Republic of Somaliland, formally lay the groundwork for a new gasoline storage tank reservoir project being developed by the Trafigura firm in the port city of Berbera.
The new contemporary tank being built will significantly contribute to the country’s and nearby neighbours’ fuel consumption.
The Head of State hailed the proposal to establish a gasoline storage facility and stated that the government is dedicated to the security of the enterprise and its investments during a brief remark at the ceremony.
“Somaliland vouches for cooperation and close working relations, the security of the company’s assets, investments, equipment, and staff as a whole,” he stated.
He mentioned the individuals who are attempting to instill fear and destabilise national unity, describing them as enemies of the country who are plotting to destroy Somaliland’s security and unity.
He urged the people to be mindful of them and to reject their intentions of destabilising the country.
Given the reality that both good and evil activities exist in human nature, he stated that the people of the nation should always gather together for the welfare of the nation and ward against evil at all times.
“It is the enemy of Somaliland who wants to prevent Somaliland from developing economically, politically, and culturally, but I am confident that the people of Somaliland are united wherever they are to turn towards development and prevent anything that opposes peaceful stability, development, governance, and the nationhood of Somaliland, and that is what we are defending,” said the President.
He praised the country’s big corporations, whose expansions have enticed foreign corporations to follow suit, since they have made significant investments in the country.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Abdi, the manager of the oil tanks reserve, emphasised the significance of the project for the country and described it as a large investment that may attract other foreign corporations.
The governor of the Sahil area, Ali Abdi Abdilahi (Ali-‘ase), and the mayor, Abdishakur Mohamud Hassan (‘Iddin), both commented about the new oil facility being developed and stated that it will boost Berbera’s standing as a national port.
Mr. Hadi Hallouche, representing Trafigura, complimented Somaliland for its collaboration and investment commitment, and emphasised that Trafigura is committed to completing the fuel tank project.
Dr. Saad Ali Shire, Minister of Finance, and his Trade Development colleague Hon. Mohamud Hassan Saad also hailed Trafigura’s investment in oil storage in Berbera, noting that this initiative is a triumph for Somaliland.