By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 15 August 2026 President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Friday his government aims to strengthen both the federal government and member states, rejecting claims it was undermining Somalia's federal system.
Hassan Sheikh made the remarks at a ceremony marking the establishment of Galmudug, held in the state capital Dhusamareb on Friday night.
The president said some people had accused his government of undermining the federal system and federal member states, dismissing their remarks as untrue.
He said Somalia's federal member states had developed over time into functioning administrations, citing Jubaland, South West, Galmudug and Hirshabelle.
Hassan Sheikh said the federal government should continue strengthening the system rather than weakening it.
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"Rather than weakening it, we want to continue strengthening and supporting it," Hassan Sheikh said.
He also said the government would take action when officials entrusted with responsibilities failed to perform their duties properly, saying such problems would be addressed and corrected.
The president praised Galmudug for its progress in security, development and democratic governance.
He also highlighted the development of Somalia's federal system, saying federal member states had become established and functioning administrations.
Hassan Sheikh's comments come amid continued political debate in Somalia over relations between the federal government and federal member states, including the division of responsibilities and authority between them.