SOMALIA’S FEDERAL PARLIAMENT elects speakers, deputy speakers

Newly elected Somali parliamentarians have concluded the election of the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Upper and Lower Houses of the federal Parliament. The three-day exercise to elect the speakers took place in Mogadishu, secured by the Somali security forces supported by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

On Tuesday, the legislators re-elected veteran lawmaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi as Speaker of the Senate, the Upper House of the bi-cameral Parliament.

In his victory speech, Abdi hailed the senators for participating in the election. He also reminded them of the duty to effectively draft laws to address national challenges.

“There are challenges our country faces, such as the prevailing drought situation. I am certain we will address these challenges since we have established the House leadership,” Abdi noted.

The senators also elected Ali Shaban Ibrahim and Abdullahi Ali Tima’adde as first and second deputy Speakers, respectively.

On Thursday, lawmakers chose Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, alias Madobe, as Speaker of the House of the People, which is the Lower House of the federal Parliament.

The House of the People also elected Sadiya Yasin Samatar as the First Deputy Speaker. She became the first-ever woman to hold the position. Abdullahi Omar Abshirow was also elected Second Deputy Speaker of the House of the People.

In a speech after his election, the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Adan, noted the security and political challenges facing Somalia and pledged to promote inclusive politics.

“We are committed to leading the country towards reforms, restoring order and ending the suffering of the Somali people,” he said.

The election of the country’s parliamentary leadership paves the way for presidential elections and the conclusion of the electoral process.