By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, September 22, 2025 – The Governor of Banadir region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein “Muungaab,” has officially joined the Justice and Unity Party (JSP), led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The announcement was made late Sunday during a ceremony at the party’s headquarters in Mogadishu, attended by senior officials including Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who also serves as the party’s deputy chairman, and Secretary-General Abdirahman Mohamed Osman (Odawaa).
Muungaab described his decision as a natural step reflecting both his role as governor and his long-standing political engagement with the party.
“The efforts I personally invested, the role I played in strengthening the youth now in the party, for me, this moment was destined by Allah Almighty. I believe I have earned it. Praise belongs to God, and I am very pleased today,” he said.
Muungaab was appointed Banadir Governor by President Hassan Sheikh on May 28, 2025. He had previously been a member of the National Vision Party (Himilo Qaran), led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, now one of the government’s leading opposition figures.
His shift to the pro-government party adds to the growing ranks of federal member state leaders from Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Galmudug who have already joined JSP
Somalia has yet to fully transition to a multi-party political system, though the federal government has announced plans to hold the 2026 elections under a party-based model — a process still facing strong resistance from opposition groups.
