Monday September 29, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,
who returned from the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York,
officially opened the 7th session of the country’s 11th Parliament on Monday.
In his address, President Mohamud commended lawmakers for
passing key legislation focused on politics, security, elections, economic
reforms, and army restructuring.
He praised the Somali National Army and international
partners for recent military operations against al-Shabaab, pledging continued
offensives to liberate remaining areas from the group.
“The government and its army fight militants on many
frontlines. As you know, Somali pilots are now flying our planes in these
operations, which is a big step for the army and the country,” the President
said.
The President also welcomed the newly established
Northeastern regional administration in Las Anod, describing it as the result
of the people’s will. He called for strengthened security, reconciliation with
neighboring administrations, and investment in basic services.
“The establishment of the Northeastern regional
administration does not mean neighboring regions are no longer separate. The
federal government will work to ensure coexistence and cooperation,” he added.
On the issue of prisoners, President Mohamud stated: “It is
not Somali tradition to hold prisoners. Rather, it is our tradition to honor
men captured in war and return them to their communities.”
The President further announced that Somalia will begin
drilling its first oil well in the coming months, though he did not specify the
date or location.
Addressing political divisions, President Mohamud reiterated
his administration’s commitment to dialogue with federal member states that
boycotted the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meetings, namely
Puntland and Jubbaland.
“We are working hard to talk to the brothers who rejected
the National Consultative Council. Responsibility requires us to reach out to
those with concerns, and we will continue to do so. We have chosen to resolve
conflict through dialogue and consensus,” he said.
According to Article 90 of the Constitution, the President
is mandated to open parliamentary sessions with a speech outlining the
government’s performance during the recess.
The opening of the 7th session comes a day after President
Mohamud returned from the UNGA, where he highlighted Somalia’s progress on
security, governance, and constitutional reform.