It’s a new year, 2026, but for Somalia it marks a major milestone as the Federal Republic of Somalia officially takes charge of the rotating presidency at the helm of the United Nations Security Council.

Somalia last held the presidency position in 1971-1972, and Ambassador Adulrahim Abby was at the helm, addressing issues around decolonization and apartheid in South Africa.

The recent development is seen as the rise of Somalia’s diplomatic influence and leadership on the global platform, and it will be key in resolving conflict in the Horn of Africa.
Under the leadership of Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, the Somali presidency is expected to push the agenda of African voices with global solutions.

Sources have revealed that Somalia’s presidency will champion counterterrorism frameworks and will draw international solutions in neutralizing groups like the Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa.

Climate security: Somalia is one of the most hit and affected regions with environmental shocks. It’s expected that Somalia will push for a UN solution to areas affected by droughts and flooding. Somalia is also advocating for African-led peace operations.

The presidency comes amid an ongoing diplomatic spat between Somalia and Israel, after it officially recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, a move that has resulted to massive protests across Somalia.

Although the United Nations Security Council denounced Israel’s declaration, Somalia has a powerful position to champion for its sovereignty.