MOGADISHU — The National Consultative Council (NCC) convened a high-level virtual summit on Saturday, January 24, presided over by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The meeting brought together Federal and State leadership to address critical national issues, including electoral timelines, security challenges, and the humanitarian situation.
The summit was attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, and the leaders of the Federal Member States: President Abdiaziz Laftagareen of South West, President Ahmed Qoorqoor of Galmudug, President Ali Gudlawe of Hirshabelle, and President Abduqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali of North Eastern State. The Governor of Benadir and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab), was also in attendance.
Accelerating Elections
A primary focus of the deliberations was the country’s democratization process. The Council commended the successful conduct of the recent local council elections in the Benadir region, citing the experience as a valuable model for the rest of the nation.
Building on this momentum, the leaders mutually agreed to accelerate the preparation and implementation of one-person-one-vote elections for local councils across the Federal Member States.
Political Dialogue and Unity
In a significant political development, the NCC officially welcomed the acceptance by the Somali Future Council to participate in the upcoming National Consultation platform. The Federal Government had previously scheduled these talks for February 1, 2026, aimed at fostering inclusive dialogue on the country’s future.
The Council reiterated its full support for the Federal Government of Somalia in fulfilling its constitutional mandates, specifically regarding the protection of the nation’s sovereignty, dignity, and territorial integrity.
Security and Humanitarian Crisis
On the security front, the leaders lauded the Somali Armed Forces for their recent victories against Al-Shabaab (referred to as Kharijites) and commended the public’s cooperation in these liberation efforts.
The Council also addressed the severe drought conditions affecting parts of the country, issuing a call for immediate emergency response to aid affected communities.
The communiqué concluded with an expression of gratitude to international partners, including the UN Security Council, African Union, Arab League, and IGAD, for standing with Somalia in its defense of sovereignty and adherence to international law.
