MOGADISHU (SONNA) — The Federal Government of Somalia advanced its national security and foreign policy agenda on Thursday during the regular Cabinet session. Chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the executive meeting focused on accelerating military offensives, coordinating comprehensive drought relief operations, and modernizing state institutions to substantially improve public service delivery across the republic.
The Council of Ministers reviewed the latest territorial gains achieved by the Somali National Army, evaluating the successful tactical operations that recently reclaimed new strategic areas from militant control. Concurrently, the administration analyzed the ongoing humanitarian response mechanisms deployed to address the severe drought conditions, ensuring that state resources are effectively channeled to the most vulnerable populations.
During the legislative segment of the session, the Cabinet ratified a robust suite of international agreements designed to elevate Mogadishu’s global diplomatic standing and secure strategic partnerships. The executive body formally approved a memorandum of understanding establishing a visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Furthermore, the Council endorsed a strategic health sector partnership with the Russian Federation and established a new framework, complete with regulatory protocols, for political consultations with the Kingdom of Spain. The Cabinet also validated a procedural review agreement aimed at strengthening broader African regional cooperation.
Demonstrating a firm commitment to global security frameworks, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet officially ratified the agreement between Somalia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This critical accord focuses on implementing rigorous safeguards related to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), including its additional protocols. Additionally, the government adopted the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, as well as the 1965 Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), directly aligning Somalia’s maritime and border security with rigorous international regulations.
To drive internal institutional efficiency, the Cabinet passed the Unified Performance Management Policy, a directive aimed at standardizing and accelerating the operational output of all federal agencies. Concluding the session, the executive council secured a majority vote to elevate two senior officials, Adan Isaaq Ali and Abdifatah Sh. Ahmed Abdimannan, to the diplomatic rank of Ambassador, further strengthening the nation’s foreign service capabilities.
