Somali leaders meet virtually to discuss unity, elections and security
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud chaired a virtual meeting of the National Consultative Council (NCC) on Saturday to discuss the country’s key challenges, including unity, security, drought response and local elections.
The session brought together Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, leaders of South West, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Puntland, and Banadir regional governor and Mogadishu mayor Hassan Mohamed Hussein.
The council praised the successful Banadir local council elections and called for accelerated elections in other federal member states. It also welcomed participation by the Future Council in the national consultative dialogue scheduled for February 1, 2026.
The meeting highlighted recent gains by Somalia’s security forces in operations against al-Shabab militants and urged urgent humanitarian aid to address drought conditions.
The NCC thanked international partners, including the United Nations Security Council, African Union, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League, IGAD, and other supporters for backing Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
GAROWE ONLINE