
MOGADISHU, Somalia (HornPost) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has congratulated newly elected leaders of the Galmudug and Hirshabelle regional states, urging them to prioritize security, reconciliation, governance and public services.
The president issued separate messages following leadership elections in Dhusamareb and Jowhar on Oct. 22 and 24, 2026, according to statements from the presidency.
Galmudug Elects New Leadership
Members of the Galmudug regional parliament elected Liibaan Ahmed Hassan as the state’s new leader and Abdiweli Ibrahim Garyare as deputy leader on Oct. 22 in Dhusamareb.
President Hassan Sheikh congratulated both officials on securing the lawmakers’ confidence. He urged them to strengthen security, resolve internal conflicts and promote social unity.
He also called on the new leadership to improve infrastructure and public services across Galmudug.
The president described the election as a significant step in the state’s political development. He said public participation in the electoral process reflected the role of citizens in advancing democratization and strengthening state institutions.
He wished the new leaders success in fulfilling their responsibilities and meeting the public’s expectations for peace, effective governance and development.
Hirshabelle Re-Elects Its Leaders
In a separate development, Hirshabelle lawmakers re-elected Ali Abdullahi Hussein as state leader and elected Abdifitah Hassan Afrah as deputy leader on Oct. 24 in Jowhar.
President Hassan Sheikh congratulated the two officials and called on them to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
He urged the leadership to accelerate efforts to promote peace, reconciliation, state-building and improved public services across Hirshabelle.
The president also commended the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of democratic development, stronger state institutions and public participation in Somalia’s political affairs.
Security and Governance Remain Priorities
The president’s messages highlighted common priorities for both regional administrations, including peace, political stability, reconciliation and economic development.
Galmudug and Hirshabelle are among Somalia’s federal member states. Their administrations play a role in local governance, security coordination and the delivery of public services.
The newly elected leaders face expectations to address local conflicts, strengthen government institutions and improve services for residents.
HornPost Staff Reporter
Email: info@hornpost.com
Website: www.hornpost.com
Mogadishu, Somalia
Abdikarim Saed Salah
Abdikarim Saed Salah is Editor-in-Chief and Founder of HornPost.com, an independent Hargeisa-based news platform covering Somaliland, the Horn of Africa, East Africa, the Red Sea and international affairs. A journalist, television presenter, producer and geopolitical analyst, he has more than 15 years of experience in broadcast journalism, digital media, reporting and diplomacy. He works with Horn Cable TV and focuses on politics, elections, security, foreign policy and conflict. He holds a BA in Journalism and an MA in International Relations.

