Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia held an extraordinary meeting today to review the country’s overall security situation, recent military operations against extremist groups, and the successful completion of local council elections in the Banadir Region.
The meeting was chaired by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and attended by the Prime Minister, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre. During the session, the President delivered a detailed briefing on the national situation, commending the Cabinet for its visible and effective role in facilitating the one-person, one-vote local elections held in Mogadishu on 25 December 2025. He described the elections as a historic milestone that many had doubted could be achieved.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also addressed what he described as a blatant assault on Somalia’s sovereignty, noting that the government has achieved tangible successes through diplomatic measures taken in response. He urged Cabinet members to stand united in defending the nation and emphasized the importance of cohesion, consultation, and collective responsibility in serving the Somali people and managing the country’s current challenges.
During the meeting, the Council of Ministers approved two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening Somalia’s international partnerships:
- An MoU between the Governments of Somalia and Uganda on security cooperation.
- An MoU between the Government of Somalia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on maritime transport cooperation.
The Cabinet also endorsed several draft laws and national policies, including:
- The Evidence Bill.
- Ratification of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978.
- The Law establishing the Somali Maritime Institute.
- Regulations related to the Public Data Protection Law.
- The National Policy on Persons with Disabilities.
In closing, the Council received a briefing from the Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Mr. Dahir Shire Mohamed, on preparations for the commencement of oil production in Somalia. The Cabinet also heard a report from the National Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) on the current drought conditions affecting parts of the country.
