Wednesday 14,May 2025 {HMC} Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and the Presidents of Southwest, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and SSC-Khaatumo were among top leaders who attended the official launch of a new political party, Justice and Unity, in Mogadishu on Monday evening.
The founding congress marked the party’s first national convention and formal entry into Somalia’s political arena. President Hassan Sheikh was unanimously elected as the chairman and presidential candidate of the new party. Other key figures elected as deputy chairmen include Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Southwest President Abdiaziz Laftagareen, the first Deputy Speaker of the House of the People, and the Deputy Prime Minister as vice-chairpersons. Abdirahman Odowaa, a prominent politician, was elected secretary-general.
Thousands of attendees from Mogadishu participated in the launch, signaling strong support among public and political elite segments. The presidents of Galmudug, SSC-Khaatumo, and Hirshabelle also backed the formation of the conservative party, which is seen as aligning closely with the federal leadership.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Hamza called on Somalis to “move past tribalism and embrace democratic governance,” while President Hassan Sheikh emphasized the party’s commitment to implementing one person, one vote elections and completing the long-delayed Transitional Federal Constitution.
Despite the enthusiastic launch, critics have characterized the party as a political alliance between the Federal Government and select regional states. Notably, Puntland and Jubbaland were absent from the launch, reflecting ongoing tensions with the federal administration.
Justice and Unity joins a growing number of political parties preparing for Somalia’s anticipated universal suffrage elections, as the country eyes a democratic transition after decades of indirect electoral models.
Source Hiiraan online
