North East State sworn in as Somalia’s newest federal member; wide diplomatic support

Jan 17, 2026 — Inauguration in Las Anod; federal status, regional backing

Top story

• The president formally declared the North East State a full federal member of Somalia during ceremonies in Las Anod, affirming it will "enjoy all the rights accorded to other federal member states" and that the Federal Government is responsible for security and reconstruction. (Primary source: SONNA — Declaration)
• Federal leaders, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Prime Minister, attended the inauguration of the Northeastern State president, Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw Ali (Firdhiye); ambassadors and foreign delegations were present. (Also from: SONNA — Attendance & photos)
• Several diplomatic missions and regional partners — including representatives from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and a high-level Djiboutian delegation — travelled to Las Anod to attend and to reaffirm support for Somalia’s unity and state-building. (Also from: SONNA — Diplomatic delegations)
• Why it matters: The declaration and high-level turnout signal an effort by Mogadishu to integrate the North East administratively and to marshal domestic and international backing for reconstruction and security; follow-through on the Federal Government’s commitments will be decisive. (Sources: declaration + attendance articles above)

What else happened

• Regional and international support — China’s embassy congratulated Somalia on the Northeast inauguration and reiterated commitment to bilateral engagement. (Source: SONNA — Chinese Embassy)
• Juba backs Mogadishu — South Sudan’s foreign ministry publicly affirmed full support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and aligned with AU/IGAD positions. (Source: SONNA — South Sudan statement)
• Djibouti delegation meets President — President Hassan Sheikh received a high-level Djiboutian delegation in Las Anod; Djibouti reiterated support for Somalia’s unity. (Source: SONNA — Djibouti meeting)
• Public rally in Las Anod — Thousands gathered at the Martyrs’ Monument in Las Anod in a large demonstration expressing support for Somali unity and opposing secessionist agendas. (Source: SONNA — Rally)
• Traditional leaders’ meeting — The president met North East State elders, urging them to champion unity and peace; elders pledged support for state-building and reconciliation. (Source: SONNA — Elders meeting)
• Somalia–Türkiye social cooperation talks — Somalia’s labor and social affairs minister met Türkiye’s family and social services minister and agreed to set up a technical team to draft an MoU to deepen social-sector cooperation. (Source: SONNA — Somalia–Türkiye talks)
• Presidential congratulations to Uganda — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated Yoweri Museveni on his re-election and said Somalia will strengthen bilateral ties with Uganda. (Source: SONNA — Museveni congratulation)

On the ground

• Las Anod’s central Martyrs’ Monument drew “thousands” in a high-energy rally calling for national unity; organizers included visiting youth leaders and local activists. (Source: SONNA — Rally)
• Photos from the inauguration show federal leaders alongside foreign ambassadors and country delegations in Las Anod, underlining the ceremonial and diplomatic nature of the event. (Source: SONNA — Photos)
• Traditional elders met personally with the president in Las Anod and voiced readiness to support pacification and reconciliation locally. (Source: SONNA — Elders meeting)

Watchlist

• Details and timeline for the Federal Government’s promised reconstruction and security support to the North East — look for official plans, budgets, or program announcements from Mogadishu. (Based on: SONNA — Declaration)
• Outcome of the Somalia–Türkiye technical team and the MoU: follow for formal agreements and pilot social programs. (Based on: SONNA — Talks)
• Additional diplomatic statements or recognitions from regional capitals after South Sudan and Djibouti’s positions — watch for further government communiqués. (Based on: SONNA — South Sudan & SONNA — Djibouti)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.