Establishment of the House of Elders
The House of Elders (Guurti) of the Republic of Somaliland was
established during the Somaliland liberation struggle, specifically
in 1989. Its primary purpose was to help resolve disputes within
society and within the Somali National Movement (SNM), while
also playing an important role in mobilizing support, resources,
and assistance for the movement's forces.
Following the collapse of the military regime of President
Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, the Guurti played a central role in
peacebuilding and reconciliation among Somaliland's clans and
communities. It was also instrumental in organizing the Grand
Conference of the Somaliland Clans in Burao, where, on 18 May
1991, the restoration of the independence of the Republic of
Somaliland was declared.
The Guurti Becomes a National Institution
At the Burao Conference of May 1991, the Guurti was
transformed into a formal national institution and recognized as
one of the two chambers of Somaliland's Parliament.
The first House of Elders was composed of the founding
members who had served during the liberation struggle, together
with additional representatives from clans that had not been part
of the SNM.
The first Guurti was given a two-year term, matching the term
assigned to the first House of Representatives.
The first Speaker of the House of Elders was Sheikh Ibrahim
Sheikh Yusuf Sheikh Madar, while Sheikh Ahmed Nuur
Furreserved as Deputy Speaker. Neither leader was replaced
during his lifetime.
Reorganization at the Borama Conference (1993)
The Grand Conference of the Somaliland Communities held in
Borama between January and May 1993 restructured the House
of Elders and increased its membership to 75 members.
The Guurti thereby became a constitutional institution with a
prominent role in Somaliland's emerging system of governance.
Reorganization at the Hargeisa Conference (1996–1997)
The Third National Conference of the Somaliland Communities,
held in Hargeisa from 14 October 1996 to 23 February 1997,
introduced further reforms to the House of Elders.
The number of official members was increased to 82. In addition,
the President was authorized to appoint up to five honorary
members.
Furthermore, any individual who has served as:
• President of the Republic of Somaliland;
• Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland; or
• Speaker of the House of Representatives,
may become an honorary member of the House of Elders upon
leaving office. Such honorary members may participate in
proceedings but do not possess voting rights.
Role and Powers of the House of Elders
The House of Elders serves as the Upper House of the
Parliament of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Speaker of the House of Elders also serves as the Speaker
of Parliament.
Under the Constitution, members of the House of Elders serve a
six-year term.
The Constitution grants the Guurti the authority to extend the
terms of:
• The President;
• The Vice President; and
• The House of Representatives,
when exceptional circumstances make the holding of elections
impossible.
However, the Guurti has also extended the