Bristol Lord Mayor Yasin Mohamud arrives in Mogadishu for official visit

Sunday August 9, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Bristol’s first Lord Mayor of Somali heritage, Yasin Mohamud, arrived in Mogadishu on Saturday for an official visit focused on strengthening cooperation between the two cities.

Mohamud was welcomed by Mohamed Ahmed Diiriye, deputy commissioner for security and politics of the Banadir Regional Administration. The reception was attended by members of Somalia’s Federal Parliament, traditional elders, civil society representatives, women and youth.

Mohamud said the visit provided an opportunity to strengthen ties between Bristol and Mogadishu and exchange experiences in local government administration, social services and infrastructure development.

On Sunday, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, governor of the Banadir Regional Administration and mayor of Mogadishu, received Mohamud at his office. The two officials discussed cooperation between the cities, local government administration, social services and potential areas for future collaboration.

Mohamud also visited several departments of the Banadir administration to observe how local government offices operate and how public services are delivered to residents.

Mohamud, a Green Party councillor for Lawrence Hill, became Bristol’s first Lord Mayor of Somali heritage when he was sworn into office in May 2026. He is serving as Lord Mayor for the 2026-27 civic year.

Mohamud came to Bristol from Somalia about two decades ago to join family members who were already living there. He initially worked as a volunteer before earning a degree from the University of Plymouth and later working in several public-sector roles, including with Bristol City Council.

He has represented Lawrence Hill since 2021, one of Bristol’s more deprived areas, and his experience as a refugee and member of the city’s Black and minority ethnic community has shaped his approach to public service.

His visit to Mogadishu comes as Somali cities seek to strengthen ties with local governments and institutions abroad and exchange experience in areas including public administration, infrastructure and community services.

What does a Lord Mayor do?

The Lord Mayor of Bristol is a largely ceremonial role that rotates between the Green Party, Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

The post involves chairing full council meetings and representing the city at civic events.

These include the Remembrance Sunday parade and the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Appeal for Children, which provides food vouchers, toys and clothing to hundreds of young Bristolians.