Somalia’s new speaker vows to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy

Somalia’s newly elected Speaker of the House of the People, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, has received congratulations from parliamentary leaders in Djibouti, Türkiye and the Arab Parliament after winning 142 votes. Jama has pledged to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, expand international partnerships and deepen cooperation between Somalia’s parliament and foreign legislatures

Somalia’s newly elected Speaker of the House of the People, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, has received congratulations from parliamentary leaders in the region and international institutions following his election in Mogadishu.
Jama, a former Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, secured 142 votes in Monday’s parliamentary election.
In his victory remarks, Jama pledged to strengthen Somalia’s parliamentary diplomacy and expand cooperation between the House of the People and foreign legislatures and international parliamentary organisations.

JAMA SEEKS STRONGER PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY

Jama said his previous experience in government and diplomacy would help broaden Somalia’s parliamentary exchanges with other countries.
He said stronger links between Somalia’s parliament and foreign legislatures could help deepen international partnerships and support the country’s wider diplomatic engagement.
The new speaker takes office as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its political institutions and international relationships.

DJIBOUTI OFFERS EARLY CONGRATULATIONS

One of the first regional leaders to congratulate Jama was Dileita Mohamed Dileita, Speaker of Djibouti’s National Assembly.
The two spoke by telephone on August 10, with Dileita congratulating Jama on his election.
Jama thanked his Djiboutian counterpart and described relations between Somalia and Djibouti as being built on longstanding ties and close cooperation.
The exchange reflects the importance of relations between the neighbouring Horn of Africa countries, which share historical, cultural and security interests.

SOMALIA AND TÜRKİYE SEEK CLOSER PARLIAMENTARY TIES

On August 11, Jama also held talks with Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly.
Kurtulmuş formally congratulated Jama, while both officials discussed ways to strengthen relations between their parliaments.
They also explored opportunities to expand wider cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye.
Jama welcomed the relationship between the two countries and expressed appreciation for Kurtulmuş’s message.
Türkiye has been an important development and diplomatic partner for Somalia, making parliamentary cooperation another avenue for strengthening bilateral ties.

ARAB PARLIAMENT REAFFIRMS SUPPORT

Mohamed Ahmed Al Yamahi, President of the Arab Parliament, also sent a congratulatory message to Jama.
The two sides discussed strengthening cooperation between the Arab Parliament and Somalia’s House of the People.
Their discussions included greater coordination on issues of mutual interest and expanding Somalia’s parliamentary engagement at regional and international levels.
Jama reaffirmed Somalia’s readiness to deepen cooperation with regional parliamentary institutions.

WHAT JAMA’S ELECTION MEANS

Jama’s election brings a speaker with previous government experience to the leadership of Somalia’s lower house of parliament.
His emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy suggests that Somalia's legislature could play a more active role in the country's international engagement.
Beyond passing laws and overseeing government activities, parliament can help strengthen diplomatic relationships through exchanges, parliamentary delegations and cooperation with regional and international institutions.
For Somalia, such engagement could provide another platform for building partnerships as the country works to strengthen its institutions and position within the Horn of Africa and the wider international community.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR SOMALIA’S PARLIAMENT

The early messages from Djibouti, Türkiye and the Arab Parliament indicate strong regional interest in Jama’s new leadership.
His ability to turn those diplomatic contacts into practical parliamentary partnerships will be an important test of his tenure.
For Somalia’s House of the People, the new leadership offers an opportunity to make parliamentary diplomacy a more visible part of the country's efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and international partnerships.