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JOWHAR – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held key meetings in Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle State, with security officials and traditional leaders to discuss strengthening security and enhancing cooperation between communities and security institutions.

The President received briefings from commanders of the Somali National Armed Forces operating in Hirshabelle on the progress made in the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists and ongoing efforts to maintain security. He commended the security forces for their dedication and sacrifice in achieving tangible results in counterterrorism operations, safeguarding public safety, and supporting local communities in areas under their responsibility.

President Mohamud arrived in Hirshabelle specifically to mobilize ongoing military operations against extremist groups, underscoring the federal government’s dedication to reclaiming territory still held by Al-Shabaab. The President encouraged both federal and regional forces to strengthen ongoing operations in the Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions, describing the fight against the militant group as “a national priority.”

Community Engagement and Electoral Preparations

President Hassan Sheikh also met with traditional elders from across Hirshabelle, where discussions focused on their role in supporting the inclusive elections scheduled to take place in the state, advancing Somalia’s democratization process, and reinforcing state-building efforts. The President praised the elders for their constructive contribution to peace, development, national unity, and governance.

His visit comes as Hirshabelle State continues its final preparations for historic one-person, one-vote local elections, scheduled for June 20, 2026. During his stay, the President is expected to hold consultative meetings with community leaders, intellectuals, local residents, and Hirshabelle regional officials, focusing on the election, security, development of social services, and strengthening the regional administration.

Traditional elders have been actively engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts in Hirshabelle, with the United Nations recently collaborating with the Hirshabelle Ministry of Interior and Local Government to organize a two-day workshop in Jowhar, bringing together 50 elders from the Middle Shabelle region to enhance clan mediation processes.

Institutional Development and Infrastructure Projects

Accompanied by the President of Hirshabelle State, Ali Abdullahi Hussein, President Hassan Sheikh toured the Hirshabelle House of Representatives complex, where construction work is nearing completion. The tour followed a series of recent high-level infrastructure and governance initiatives in Jowhar.

President Hassan Sheikh recently inaugurated the newly renovated Villa Hirshabelle, the regional Presidential Palace, along with new buildings for the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education. He also cut the ribbon on the newly constructed Hanti-Wadaag Road, a critical infrastructure project representing a direct federal investment into the economic arteries of Hirshabelle, facilitating faster transit for agricultural goods to broader national markets.

The President also laid the foundation stone for the future headquarters of the Hirshabelle Civil Service Commission and other government facilities, which officials said would contribute to improving governance, enhancing institutional efficiency, and accelerating public service delivery. Officials said the planned buildings are expected to support better governance and increase transparency in public institutions.

Strengthening Federal-Regional Collaboration

The President’s working visit to Jowhar underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting Hirshabelle’s institutional development and democratic transition. The joint inauguration of key infrastructure projects by the Federal President and the Hirshabelle State President served as a clear demonstration of cooperative governance delivering tangible public utilities to the citizenry.

President Mohamud has signaled his intention to proceed with elections in allied regional states before initiating broader federal electoral negotiations, with Hirshabelle being one of the key states where elections are scheduled to take place. This phased approach is seen as critical to addressing the country’s prolonged electoral deadlock.

Security Briefings and Anti-Terror Operations

During the security briefings, officials highlighted that improved security is a prerequisite for successful elections. Security officials presented updates on the stabilization of areas recently liberated from Al-Shabaab control, emphasizing the need for continued coordination between federal forces and local self-defense units.

Hirshabelle President Ali Guudlaawe has previously visited the frontlines to assess ongoing operations against terrorist groups, praising the efforts of the Somali National Army and local militias for their bravery and commitment. He emphasized that Hirshabelle State must not become a safe haven for terrorists and reiterated the importance of unity and collaboration among security forces and local communities.

The President’s visit coincides with heightened security in Jowhar, with security forces intensifying operations to ensure safety in the city and surrounding areas. As the federal government continues troop movements and military preparations across parts of Hirshabelle, officials have pledged to reclaim territories currently held by Al-Shabaab, with Somali authorities repeatedly stating that expanded military operations remain central to efforts aimed at restoring security and state authority.