Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State parliament has reappointed Mustafe Omer as president, extending his leadership after nearly eight years at the helm of the region.
JIGJIGA, Ethiopia (Somali Report) — Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State parliament has re-elected Mustafe Omer as president, extending his leadership of the eastern region for another five-year term.
The decision was taken during a session of the seventh regional parliament, whose lawmakers approved Omer to continue leading the Somali Regional State, also known as the Somali Region.
Omer first assumed office on August 22, 2018, during a major political transition in the region that followed the removal of then-president Abdi Mohamoud Omar.
He has since remained at the helm of the Somali Region for nearly eight years, making him one of the region’s longest-serving leaders in recent years.
In October 2021, the Somali Regional State parliament again elected Omer as president after his party won the regional election.
His latest reappointment comes as the Somali Region continues to pursue development and public service programmes while facing challenges linked to security, infrastructure and access to basic services across its vast territory.
During his time in office, Omer’s administration has highlighted security, social services and development projects as key priorities. Regional authorities have also promoted investment and infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving economic activity and living conditions.
The administration has sought to expand public services in areas including education, healthcare, roads and water infrastructure, while encouraging investment in sectors considered important to the region’s economy.
Somali Report · Newsletter
Your morning briefing on Somalia's biggest stories — politics, security, business, and the people shaping the region's future.
Omer’s tenure has also coincided with efforts by Ethiopia’s federal government to strengthen regional development and administrative institutions, including in the country’s eastern border areas.
The Somali Region is Ethiopia’s second-largest regional state by area and is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Somalis. It shares borders with Somalia and Djibouti, giving it strategic importance in the wider Horn of Africa.
The region’s capital, Jigjiga, has developed into an important administrative and commercial centre, while cross-border trade and livestock remain significant to the local economy.
Omer’s continued leadership is expected to see his administration pursue its existing development agenda, with regional officials likely to focus on infrastructure, public services, security and investment.
His reappointment also gives continuity to the regional government at a time when Ethiopia is managing broader political and security challenges in several parts of the country.
The Somali Regional State parliament did not immediately provide further details on the new administration’s priorities or whether there would be significant changes to the regional cabinet.
Omer’s return to office marks another chapter in the political transition that began in the Somali Region in 2018 and brought him to power following the departure of Abdi Mohamoud Omar.
With the latest parliamentary approval, Omer is set to continue leading the Somali Region as its authorities seek to balance security concerns with economic development and the expansion of public services.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
Ethiopia Plans to Withdraw More Than 3,000 Troops From Somalia Amid Tigray Fighting
