About

Golaha Guurtida Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland

About Guurti

The House of Elders safeguards Somaliland’s traditions and guides its future with wisdom and respect.
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A group of people is gathered in a well-lit conference room, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire. One woman is wearing a headscarf and a uniform with an official insignia. They appear to be engaging in a conversation, surrounded by tables and chairs with other attendees in the background.
A traditional structure made of mud bricks with wooden elements. A carved wall is featured, and a window with a red and white cloth draped over the ledge. In front of the building, there is a wooden chair and a small table. Hanging next to the door is a dark woven garment with blue and red patterns.
A group of people is gathered in a well-lit conference room, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire. One woman is wearing a headscarf and a uniform with an official insignia. They appear to be engaging in a conversation, surrounded by tables and chairs with other attendees in the background.

Our Roots

The House of Elders stands as a pillar of wisdom, rooted deeply in Somaliland’s rich heritage and guided by tradition.

Our Role

We safeguard laws and nurture peace through respectful dialogue.

Guided by Tradition

Constitutional Role

The House of Elders (Golaha Guurtida) is the upper chamber of Somaliland's bicameral Parliament, established under the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland. The Guurti represents a unique blend of traditional governance and modern democratic institutions, rooted in Somaliland's rich heritage of conflict resolution and consensus-building.

Composition

The House of Elders comprises 82 members drawn from all regions and major clans of Somaliland. Elders are selected through traditional mechanisms that ensure representation, wisdom, and community trust. Members serve to provide legislative oversight, mediate conflicts, and maintain national unity.

Regional Representation

  • Maroodi Jeex Region
  • Awdal Region
  • Togdheer Region
  • Sanaag Region
  • Sool Region
  • Saaxil Region

Powers and Functions

1. Legislative Review

All bills passed by the House of Representatives must be reviewed and approved by the House of Elders before becoming law. This ensures broad consensus and constitutional compliance.

2. Mediation and Conflict Resolution

The Guurti plays a critical role in resolving inter-clan disputes, regional conflicts, and national political disagreements through traditional reconciliation methods.

3. Constitutional Authority

The House of Elders has exclusive authority to extend presidential and parliamentary terms, initiate impeachment proceedings, and make decisions during national emergencies.

4. Oversight and Accountability

Elders exercise oversight over government institutions, review budgets, and ensure executive accountability to the people of Somaliland.

Historical Background

The Guurti system has deep roots in Somali traditional governance. Following the Somali National Movement's (SNM) liberation struggle and Somaliland's restoration of sovereignty in 1991, traditional elders played a pivotal role in:

  • The Borama Conference (1993) - Establishing the Constitution
  • The Hargeisa Conference (1996-1997) - National reconciliation
  • Mediating the 1994-96 civil conflicts
  • Facilitating peaceful power transitions

"Wisdom • Unity • Peace"

The House of Elders embodies Somaliland's commitment to inclusive governance, traditional wisdom, and sustainable democracy.

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Presiding Officers

Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and former leadership

Constitutional Mandate

Full powers and responsibilities under the Constitution

Secretariat

Administrative structure and support staff