Somalia: Leaders Unite on Elections and Drought Relief

25 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

Somalia briefing: National consultative meeting focuses on unity, elections, drought

Jan 24, 2026 — Top leaders back government action; elections, drought, security in focus

National Consultative Council meets (Jan 24) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud chaired a virtual NCC meeting with federal and state leaders to review national developments, including safeguarding unity, tackling drought, intensifying the fight against terrorism, and accelerating local council and federal member state elections. The Council issued a set of resolutions endorsing support for the federal government, commending the Banadir Regional Council elections, and calling for urgent drought assistance. (Source: SONNA)
Why it matters: the meeting brings federal and state leaders together around a common agenda — elections, security operations against militants, and an urgent humanitarian response for drought-affected communities. (Source: SONNA)

NCC urges faster local council and federal member state elections — the Council resolved to expedite local council elections after commending the Banadir Regional Council process. (Source: SONNA)

Parliament approves law creating National Meteorological and Climate Services Agency — the new agency will handle weather forecasting, climate monitoring and provide scientific data to support planning for farmers, pastoralists and fishers. (Source: SONNA)
Interior minister visits Pakistan to strengthen national ID systems — Minister Ali Yusuf Ali-Hosh met NADRA leadership in Islamabad to advance cooperation on Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). (Source: SONNA)
Chief Justice attends African constitutional jurisdictions conference in Algiers — Bashe Yusuf Ahmed joined peers at the CJCA meeting to discuss constitutional justice and judicial cooperation. (Source: SONNA)
Ambassador to South Africa raises sovereignty concerns at envoys’ meeting — Somalia’s envoy warned against actions undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity and highlighted regional stability risks. (Source: SONNA)

Mogadishu mayor hands over medical equipment to 16 health centres — equipment aimed at improving services for mothers, children and vulnerable groups across Banadir districts. (Source: SONNA)
NCC calls for urgent drought assistance — leaders highlighted worsening drought and requested immediate support for affected communities. (Source: SONNA)

Banadir governor lays foundation for Abdiqasim Road, orders removal of encroachments — the project aims to modernize Mogadishu’s infrastructure; occupants on the road’s right of way were given one week to clear structures. (Source: SONNA)
Somalia presents heritage and investment potential at tourism fair in Spain — delegation showcased cuisine and culture and held talks with potential investors to revive tourism. (Source: SONNA)

President Hassan Sheikh shared refreshments and took part in recreational activities while meeting youth in Mogadishu, praising their role in peacebuilding and reconstruction. (Source: SONNA)
Graduation ceremony at the University for Peace: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre congratulated Somali PhD and Master’s graduates and urged them to use their training to strengthen institutions. (Source: SONNA)
Mayor Muungaab handed medical equipment intended to benefit mothers, children and other vulnerable groups across 16 Banadir health centres. (Source: SONNA)
Young Mogadishu residents are active in the citywide cleanliness campaign, including promoting civic responsibility on social platforms like TikTok, officials said. (Source: SONNA)

National Consultations (Feb 1) — the NCC welcomed an invitation to National Consultations convened by the government on Feb 1; watch for agenda and outcomes. (Source: SONNA)
Local council and federal member state election plans — follow announcements on timetables and implementation after the NCC resolution to accelerate elections. (Source: SONNA)
Implementation of the National Meteorological and Climate Services Agency — track how the new agency is staffed, funded and rolled out to support climate resilience. (Source: SONNA)
Abdiqasim Road clearance and construction — the one-week deadline for removing encroachments will determine the start date and scope of the project. (Source: SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.