Ethiopia's newly elected parliamentary speaker, Ahmed Shide Mohamed, has arrived in Jigjiga, the capital of the Somali Regional State. This visit marks his first reported trip to the region since becoming the first ethnic Somali to lead the country's lower house of parliament. Shide and his delegation were welcomed at Garad Wilwal Airport by Somali Regional State President Mustafe Muhumed Omar and other senior regional officials.
The visit comes just over a month after Shide was unanimously elected speaker of Ethiopia's House of Peoples' Representatives on October 5. He succeeded Tagesse Chafo, who had held the position since 2018. Shide's election was a milestone for Ethiopia's Somali community, as he became the first ethnic Somali to lead the House of Peoples' Representatives, the federal parliament's lower chamber.
Before assuming the speakership, Shide held several senior government positions, including minister of finance, minister of transport, and minister of government communication affairs. He served as Ethiopia's finance minister from 2018 and previously held leadership roles in the Somali Regional State, including serving in its parliament. Shide is regarded as one of the most prominent ethnic Somali politicians in Ethiopia's federal government.
As speaker, Shide presides over the House of Peoples' Representatives, which is responsible for passing federal legislation, overseeing government institutions, and holding the executive accountable. His election followed Ethiopia's June 2026 general election and the formation of a new federal government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Shide's arrival in Jigjiga comes as he begins his new parliamentary responsibilities.
Although regional authorities have not announced the specific agenda for Shide's visit, it is expected to involve discussions on development, federal-regional cooperation, or other political matters. The purpose of the visit and details about the meetings Shide is expected to hold during his stay were not immediately disclosed by authorities.
Shide's visit to Jigjiga is seen as a significant event, given his new role and the importance of the Somali Regional State in Ethiopia's federal system. As one of the most prominent ethnic Somali politicians in the federal government, Shide's interactions with regional officials are being closely watched. Further details about the delegation's meetings and the outcome of the visit were not immediately available.
The visit by Shide to Jigjiga marks a new chapter in his role as speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives. With his election, Shide has become a key figure in Ethiopia's federal government, and his interactions with regional officials will likely have a significant impact on the country's Somali community and the broader federal-regional relationship.
Key points
- Ahmed Shide is the first ethnic Somali to lead Ethiopia's lower house of parliament.
- Shide's visit to Jigjiga is his first reported trip to the Somali Regional State since taking office.
- The purpose of Shide's visit and details about his meetings in Jigjiga were not immediately disclosed by regional authorities.
