President Mohamud Heads to New York For UN General Assembly

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to travel to the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to use the gathering to press for greater international support for Somalia’s security, humanitarian needs and economic development.

The president’s planned visit comes as Somalia seeks to make use of its position on the UN Security Council, where it is serving as one of 10 elected members until the end of 2026.

During his address to world leaders, President Mohamud is expected to highlight Somalia’s security situation and efforts to strengthen the country’s armed forces and combat Al-Shabaab, while also appealing for continued humanitarian assistance and greater international investment.

The 81st General Assembly session formally opens on September 8, with the high-level general debate scheduled to begin on September 22. The UN says this year’s session will focus on restoring trust, managing global transformation and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

The New York meetings will give Somalia an opportunity to engage directly with senior UN officials, US officials and other world leaders on issues affecting the country and the wider Horn of Africa.

Security is expected to remain a central issue. Somalia is continuing efforts to strengthen its security institutions and take greater responsibility for national security as international support arrangements evolve.

The country is also facing significant humanitarian pressures, including food insecurity, displacement and the risk of climate-related emergencies. The government is expected to seek continued international support while highlighting efforts to strengthen state institutions and the economy.

The president’s visit also comes as Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is in the United States, adding another dimension to the diplomatic environment surrounding Somalia’s participation in international meetings.

President Mohamud is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly, seeking to strengthen diplomatic relations and advance Somalia’s interests on security, investment, development and regional stability.

The gathering offers Somalia an important platform to present its priorities at a time when the country holds a seat on the Security Council and is seeking greater international support for its transition towards stronger national institutions and security capacity.