Somalia’s Leaders Chart New Path on Security and Elections, Welcome SSC-Khaatumo as Federal State

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s top political leaders concluded a pivotal round of talks in Mogadishu on Wednesday with renewed commitments to unify efforts on national security, fast-track the electoral process, and formally recognize SSC-Khaatumo as a new federal member state – a move hailed as a milestone in Somalia’s federalization journey.

The National Consultative Council (NCC), chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, convened at Villa Somalia amid mounting national priorities and complex intergovernmental dynamics. Absent from the meeting, however, were representatives from Puntland and Jubbaland.

In a joint communiqué issued late Wednesday, the Council pledged full political and logistical support to the Somali National Army’s counter-terrorism operations, describing unity in the fight against Al-Shabaab and other armed groups as a national imperative.

The leaders emphasized closer collaboration between federal and state security institutions as essential to consolidating recent gains.

Equally urgent on the Council’s agenda was Somalia’s electoral process. Leaders agreed to intensify voter registration efforts, which recently launched in Mogadishu and are expected to expand to other federal member states in the coming weeks.

The National Independent Electoral Commission was tasked with scaling operations, while regional authorities were urged to ensure smooth local coordination.

A breakthrough came with the NCC’s official recognition of SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state.

The Council committed to supporting the completion of the region’s state formation process under the framework of the provisional constitution – a significant moment for residents of the contested territory and a bold step in Somalia’s state-building efforts.

“The recognition of SSC-Khaatumo signals a broader commitment to inclusive governance and political reconciliation,” said a senior Somali official. “It sends a clear message that no region will be left behind in the federal journey.”

Addressing continued political friction, the Council tasked the Ministry of Interior with developing a legal framework to help resolve the impasse in Jubbaland, where disagreements over constitutional reforms have disrupted coordination on national priorities.

While the talks saw strong participation from the presidents of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West, SSC-Khaatumo, and the Banadir regional administration, the absence of Puntland and Jubbaland underscored the delicate nature of Somalia’s evolving federal model.

The NCC, established as Somalia’s premier intergovernmental forum, remains a vital mechanism for aligning national strategies on governance, security, and democratic development. Its latest session reflects a cautious but determined push to move the country forward — despite lingering divisions.