Somali president opens Parliament’s eighth session, pledges security and democratic reforms

Saturday August 1, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday inaugurated the eighth session of the Federal Parliament, urging lawmakers to continue advancing legislation, strengthening state institutions and supporting the country’s security and democratic transition.

The session opened during a joint sitting of the House of the People and the Upper House at Villa Hargeisa, marking Parliament’s return after a recess and setting the stage for the election of a new Speaker of the House of the People.

Addressing lawmakers, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised members of both chambers for their role in strengthening governance, holding government institutions accountable and passing legislation aimed at supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts.

“You have played an important role in building the country, strengthening the accountability of government institutions, developing laws that serve the national interest and representing the Somali people,” the president told Parliament.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud used the address to outline his administration’s priorities, highlighting progress in military operations against al-Shabab and reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving security, promoting economic development and strengthening public institutions.

He said Somali security forces, backed by local communities, continue to make gains against the militant group as the government seeks to expand state authority across the country.

The president also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing one-person, one-vote elections, describing direct elections as essential to broadening political participation, strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that citizens directly choose their leaders.

The eighth parliamentary session opens at a pivotal moment for Somalia’s legislature following the resignation of former House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Aden Madobe), who stepped down after being elected president of Southwest State.

Lawmakers are expected to elect a new Speaker of the House of the People during the session, a vote that will shape Parliament’s leadership as it considers key legislation related to constitutional reforms, elections, security and governance.

The new session also comes as Somalia faces mounting political and security challenges, including efforts to finalize the country’s electoral framework, sustain military operations against al-Shabab and navigate uncertainty over the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).