Somalia, 18 October 2025 — The capital city, Las Anod, is witnessing heightened activity as preparations intensify for the inauguration of the newly elected President and Vice President of the North East State of Somalia, the country’s sixth federal member state.
The ceremony, scheduled for next week, follows the regional election held on August 30, in which Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Aali (Firdhiye) was elected President and Abdirishiid Yusuf Jibril as Vice President.
According to sources, invitations have been extended to national and regional leaders, including Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. It remains unclear whether both leaders will attend the event.
Banners and posters featuring the images of the national leaders have been placed across the main streets of Las Anod, as the city prepares for the occasion. If confirmed, the visit would mark President Mohamud’s first visit to the region, while Prime Minister Barre’s would be his second since the federal government recognized the North-East State administration.
The federal member state was officially formed and recognized by the federal government in July 2025, with Las Anod as its capital. Other federal member states are Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West and Jubaland.