Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has congratulated newly elected Galmudug leader Liibaan Ahmed Hassan and his deputy, urging them to prioritise security, reconciliation, unity and development.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday congratulated newly elected Galmudug regional leader Liban Ahmed Hassan and his deputy, Abdiwali Ibrahim Garyare, following their election by lawmakers in the regional capital, Dhusamareb.
In a statement, the president congratulated the two officials on securing the confidence of members of the Galmudug parliament and wished them success in carrying out their responsibilities.
He urged the new leadership to prioritise security, resolve internal conflicts and strengthen social cohesion across the central Somali state, which has faced persistent security and political challenges.
Hassan also called on the incoming administration to focus on developing economic infrastructure and improving public services to address the needs of local communities and support sustainable development.
The president described the election as a historic milestone, saying it involved hundreds of thousands of people across Galmudug's major towns and rural communities.
He said public participation reflected the role citizens play in advancing democratisation and strengthening state institutions in Somalia.
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The election comes as regional administrations remain important to Somalia's federal system, with state governments responsible for local governance, security coordination and the delivery of essential services in cooperation with the federal government.
Galmudug, one of Somalia's federal member states, is located in the country's central region. Its administration faces challenges including insecurity, localised clan conflicts, limited infrastructure and gaps in access to basic services.
The new leadership is expected to face pressure to consolidate peace, strengthen governance and respond to the needs of communities across the region.
In his message, Hassan prayed for God to ease the responsibilities entrusted to Liban and Garyare, expressing hope that they would fulfil the aspirations of Galmudug's population for peace, effective governance and development.
The president's remarks also highlighted the importance of public participation in political processes, as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its federal institutions and expand democratic governance.
The election of the new regional leadership marks a new chapter for Galmudug, with expectations that the administration will work to promote stability, improve public services and advance development across the state.
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.
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