HARGEISA (SD) – Somaliland’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Shukri Haji Ismail Bandare, explained the causes of drought recurrence in the country.

The Minister said that the frequent droughts in our land due to a disregard for the land and establishing new settlements.

Minister Shukri Haji Ismail Bandare, also said that since 1997 until now there have been more than 12 droughts in Somaliland.

Droughts and environmental degradation are expected to continue in the future, due to the negative effects of global climate change.

The minister said planning is needed to prevent and not exacerbate further drought.

Somaliland’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Shukri Haji Ismail Bandare, made the remarks in a speech in Burao, where she is on a visit to assess the extent of the drought in the eastern regions of the country.

The minister also pointed out that the land administration law has been approved by the Somaliland cabinet and is expected to help.

The law aims to address and protect land and curb environmental degradation.

The Minister warned that if the environmental damage is not stopped, the reoccurrence of droughts will continue, adding there is a direct link between man made environmental degradation and the recurring droughts.