Tuesday January 6, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting on Monday to review the country’s security situation, assess recent military operations against extremist groups and mark the successful completion of local council elections in the Banadir region.
The meeting was chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, underscoring the political weight of the session as the government confronts security, governance and diplomatic challenges.
President Hassan Sheikh briefed the Cabinet on the overall national situation, praising ministers for what he described as their visible and effective role in facilitating Mogadishu’s one-person, one-vote local elections held on Dec. 25, 2025. He called the vote a historic milestone, noting that many had doubted such elections could be carried out in the capital.
The president also addressed what he described as a “blatant assault” on Somalia’s sovereignty, saying the government had achieved tangible results through diplomatic measures taken in response. While not naming specific countries, he urged ministers to remain united in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and emphasized cohesion, consultation and collective responsibility in confronting the country’s challenges.
Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland has sparked sharp reactions across Somalia and the wider region, with critics warning it violates international law and could further destabilize the Horn of Africa.
During the session, the Cabinet approved two key memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening Somalia’s international partnerships. These included a security cooperation agreement with Uganda and a maritime transport cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Ministers also endorsed several draft laws and national policies, expanding the government’s legislative agenda. Approved measures included the Evidence Bill; ratification of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers of 1978; a law establishing the Somali Maritime Institute; regulations linked to the Public Data Protection Law; and the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities.
The Cabinet also received a briefing from Petroleum and Minerals Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed on preparations for the start of oil production in Somalia, a sector the government views as critical to future revenue and development. Ministers were also briefed by the National Disaster Management Agency, known as SODMA, on worsening drought conditions affecting parts of the country.
Next month, Turkey will deploy a drilling vessel to Somalia in February as part of its first deepwater energy exploration project abroad, according to the Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Bayraktar said the operation will involve the Cagri Bey drilling vessel and will focus on offshore areas within Somali territorial waters. He did not disclose details regarding potential reserves or the scale of investment.