Borama-Baki road foundation stone laid in Somaliland

On 21 February 2025, Somaliland Standard reported that President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro laid the foundation stone of the main road connecting Boorama and Baki during a working trip to the Awdal region.

Somaliland Standard said the road was one of the major promises made by the President during the presidential election. The report does not record a cost, a contractor, a funding source, technical specifications, or a completion date.

The groundbreaking ceremony, launched by the President, was attended by the Chairman of the WADDANI Party, the Second Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives, several cabinet members, top officials of the Somaliland Roads Development Authority, the Governor of Awdal Region, Mr. Muhumed Hassan Jama (Hodey), the Mayor of Boorama district, Mr. Mustafa Farah Qabille, traditional leaders and regional dignitaries, according to Somaliland Standard.

Somaliland Standard quoted the President as saying: "This road will increase the production of the region, whether it is agricultural or mineral." The President also said that the largest projects his government would implement during its term are planned for the Awdal region, and that the road from Boorama to Lowya-Ado through Fardo is part of projects he has in store for the region, the report said.

The Chairman of the Road Development Authority, Mr. Mohamed Farah, said the President is committed to completing this road, Somaliland Standard reported. The Minister of Transport and Roads, Hon. Osman Ibrahim Afgaab, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, and the Minister of Information, Hon. Ahmed-Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle, also spoke at the event, according to the report.

Somaliland Standard noted that a week earlier the President had "made good his promise of embarking on" the Hargeisa-Balligubadle road, another campaign pledge. The report did not say whether construction had begun on either road beyond the ceremonies.

The Somaliland Standard article does not state the length, design, route or specifications of the Borama-Baki road. It does not name a funder, financing source or procurement record, and it names no contractor, consultant or implementing firm. No timeline, target completion date or construction schedule is given, and no evidence of construction progress, earthworks, equipment or workforce since the ceremony is provided. The report does not establish whether the road is a new build, an upgrade or a rehabilitation.