Thursday 1 May 2025 {HMC} The Second Deputy Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Abdullahi Omar Abshir (Abshirow), presided over the 10th session of the Standing Committee on Thursday. The session focused on reviewing bills under the Committees’ agenda and setting the schedule for next week’s parliamentary sessions.

During the meeting, members of the Standing Committee resolved to prioritize the proposed bills, recommending their inclusion in the first agenda of the upcoming House plenary session.

Additionally, the committee addressed the recent incident that occurred in the House the previous day, though specific details were not disclosed in the official statement.

In his closing remarks, Abshirow urged committee members to expedite their legislative duties in service of the nation, emphasizing efficiency and dedication.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to advance Somalia’s legislative agenda amid the country’s political developments. Further updates on the bills and parliamentary proceedings are expected in the coming days.

Thursday 1 May 2025 {HMC} In a ceremony presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama, Somalia’s Ministry of Defense witnessed a formal handover of leadership on Thursday. The outgoing Minister of Defense, Hon. Jibril Abdirashid Hajji, officially transferred responsibilities to the newly appointed Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, marking a significant transition in the nation’s security leadership.

During his inaugural address, Minister Fiqi outlined his vision for the ministry, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The Ministry of Defense stands as a pillar of our nationalism – the institution charged with protecting our independence, unity, and statehood,” he declared. The new minister identified three immediate priorities for his tenure: intensifying the fight against Khawarij groups, enhancing the capacity and professionalism of Somalia’s armed forces, and implementing comprehensive defense policies to consolidate recent security gains.

Minister Fiqi issued a passionate appeal to the Somali people, calling for unified national support in the ongoing campaign against terrorism. “I urge all patriots who love this nation and oppose the Khawarij to join hands in supporting our armed forces in this just war,” he stated, while also expressing gratitude to international partners supporting Somalia’s security efforts.

Deputy Prime Minister Jama commended the seamless transition, highlighting it as evidence of growing institutional maturity within Somalia’s government. The ceremony concluded with acknowledgments of outgoing Minister Hajji’s contributions, particularly his role in recent military successes against al-Shabaab. Observers note that Minister Fiqi’s extensive diplomatic experience, including his previous role as Minister for foreign affairs and Ambassador to Ethiopia, positions him well to navigate both the military and diplomatic dimensions of Somalia’s complex security challenges.

The leadership transition comes at a crucial moment as Somali forces, supported by international partners, continue operations against al-Shabaab while simultaneously completing the phased drawdown of ATMIS peacekeeping troops. Minister Fiqi’s appointment signals continuity in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s comprehensive approach to national security, combining military pressure with institutional reform.

Thursday 1 May 2025 {HMC} A mix of national and local matters were covered today during a meeting between the leader of Somalia’s Federal Member State of Galmudug and the top United Nations official in the country.

“On the national side, with Somalia requiring decisive action on a range of security and political matters, I emphasised the importance of unity and inclusive dialogue among the country’s political and community leaders,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.

“I echoed the statement earlier this month from Somalia’s international partners,” he added.

Mr. Swan made the comments in press remarks soon after meeting with President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoor Qoor’ and members of his team at Galmudug’s state house in the capital, Dhusamareb.

In early April, a group made up of 28 of Somalia’s international partners – including the United Nations – issued a statement in which they welcomed a proposal made during Eid-al-Fitr in late March by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

In it, the country’s president proposed to organize a platform for Somali political and community leaders to ensure their views and efforts form part of the fight against terrorism and the establishment of a democratic and federal system of government.

“A unified and inclusive strategy is indispensable to achieving success against Al-Shabaab and advancing Somalia’s state-building priorities. We welcome the reported positive responses from leading Somali political figures to this initiative” the partners said in the statement.

“We urge,” they continued, “the Government, Federal Member State leaders, and political and societal stakeholders to meet expeditiously to ensure a unified, effective response to the ongoing Al-Shabaab offensive as an urgent national security priority.”

Local developments

On local matters in Galmudug, the UN Special Representative and the Federal Member State’s leader discussed the ongoing severe humanitarian situation there, which has left more than 600,000 people in need of assistance.

“In view of recent reductions in donor funding, it is necessary for Somali leaders, for donors, and for the United Nations, to prioritise now the most vulnerable people to receive aid. The United Nations remains firmly committed to helping populations in need, in keeping with our humanitarian mandate,” Mr. Swan said.

On plans to hold direct elections for local councils in Galmudug, the UN official encouraged that the process be inclusive, consultative and based on broad consensus to ensure it reflects the aspirations of the Somali people.

“We also discussed ongoing efforts in reconciliation among communities in Galmudug, and I welcome the President’s continued engagement in resolving inter-clan tensions.” Mr. Swan added.

Security was also covered, especially efforts to sustain momentum in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

“We noted continued work to strengthen cooperation with local defence forces in an effort to keep the fight going and advancing against Al-Shabaab,” Mr. Swan said. “And to that end, I pay tribute to those troops and local defence forces here in Galmudug who continue the fight against Al-Shabaab.”

The UN Special Representative ended his press remarks with a reaffirmation of the world body’s support for Galmudug and its state-building priorities, and appreciation of the strong collaboration of the President and his administration.