Mogadishu — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday chaired a virtual meeting of Somalia’s National Consultative Council (NCC), bringing together senior federal and state leaders to review key national priorities amid ongoing political, security, and humanitarian challenges.
The meeting, held on January 24, 2026, was attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre; Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama; the presidents of South West State, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Northeastern Somalia; as well as the Governor of the Banadir Regional Administration and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab).
Council members discussed recent national developments, focusing on the Federal Government’s efforts to safeguard Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, address the worsening drought, intensify counterterrorism operations, and accelerate the rollout of local council and federal member state elections under the one-person, one-vote framework.
Following deliberations, the Council reaffirmed its full support for the Federal Government in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to protect Somalia’s sovereignty, dignity, and national unity. Members praised the conduct of the Banadir Regional Council elections in Mogadishu, describing them as an important learning experience, and agreed to fast-track similar local council elections across the federal member states.
The Council also welcomed the Somali Future Council’s endorsement of the government’s call for a National Consultative Forum, scheduled to convene on February 1, 2026, viewing it as a positive step toward inclusive political dialogue.
In addition, participants commended the Somali Armed Forces, working in cooperation with local communities, for recent operations against extremist groups. The Council called for urgent humanitarian assistance to respond to the escalating drought affecting communities across the country.
In a joint statement, the National Consultative Council expressed gratitude to the United Nations Security Council, the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and international partners for supporting Somalia’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to continued coordination and consultation to advance peace, stability, and democratic governance as Somalia approaches critical political milestones in the months ahead.
