By Bakar Osman - Reporter
JIGJIGA, October 1, 2026 Mustafa Muhumed Omer has been sworn in for a new term as President of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State at a ceremony held at the Shabeley Tourism Forum on Thursday.
The inauguration brought together regional officials, lawmakers, political organizations, traditional elders, community leaders, academics, development organizations and representatives of different sections of society.
Omer first assumed leadership of the Somali Region in August 2018, following the removal of former regional president Abdi Mohamoud Omar, widely known as Abdi Iley. He was formally elected president by the regional council in October 2021.
In his address, Omer said his administration would build on ongoing development and government programmes, while placing greater emphasis on security, freedom of expression and public services.
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He also acknowledged existing gaps and challenges, saying the regional government would focus on addressing shortcomings and improving services and living conditions for residents.
Omer's latest re-election follows the start of the Somali Region's seventh legislature. Regional lawmakers also re-elected Ibrahim Osman Farah as vice president.
The Somali Regional State is one of Ethiopia's federal regions and occupies a strategically important position in the Horn of Africa, sharing borders with Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti.