MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Council of Ministers convened an extraordinary session today to review the nation’s security landscape, military progress against extremist groups, and the successful execution of recent democratic milestones.
Historic Elections and Sovereignty
The meeting, chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, centered on the historic “one-person, one-vote” local council elections held in the Benadir Region on December 25, 2025. The President lauded the Cabinet for its role in facilitating the vote, describing it as a milestone that defied skeptics.
President Mohamud also addressed recent challenges to Somalia’s sovereignty. He highlighted the government’s diplomatic successes in response to these “blatant assaults” and urged the Cabinet to remain united through consultation and collective responsibility.
International Cooperation and Legal Reform
The Council officially approved two major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to bolster international ties:
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Security Cooperation: An agreement with the Government of Uganda.
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Maritime Transport: A partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, several draft laws and national policies were endorsed to modernize Somalia’s legal framework, including:
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The Evidence Bill.
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Ratification of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
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The law establishing the Somali Maritime Institute.
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Regulations for the Public Data Protection Law.
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The National Policy on Persons with Disabilities.
Resource Management and Humanitarian Updates
In the closing segments of the session, the Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Mr. Dahir Shire Mohamed, briefed the Council on upcoming preparations for the commencement of oil production in Somalia.
The meeting concluded with a report from the National Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) regarding the ongoing drought conditions currently affecting various regions of the country.
