Wajir leaders call for stronger support of council of elders

Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Ahmed Abdisalan/HANDOUT

Walmega Council of Elders' new chairman, Ali Fankey/HANDOUT

Leaders from Wajir have reiterated the need for the preservation and strengthening of traditional institutions that continue to play an important role in safeguarding the community’s unity and social order.

They spoke in Wajir town during the installation ceremony of the Walmega Council of Elders of the Ajuran community, the leaders who will be chaired by Ali Fankey.

They underscored the vital role played by councils' of elders within pastoral communities.

The gathering brought together respected elders, leaders and community stakeholders from across the county to inaugurate the council members entrusted with a mandate to guide and unite the Walmega Nation.

National Government Coordination PS Ahmed Abdisalan, who was the chief guest, said councils of elders remain a cornerstone of the Somali community’s cultural and governance structures.

He said beyond conflict resolution, elders play a central role in guiding social norms, promoting cohesion and safeguarding community values.

Abdisalan said the Somali community holds its council of elders in high esteem because of their historical role in maintaining unity and addressing emerging challenges through dialogue and consensus.

“The council of elders is not just a cultural symbol—it is an institution of governance, wisdom and stability. Our communities have relied on elders for generations, and it is our duty to ensure these structures are preserved and supported,” he said.

Former Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi said the structured leadership model adopted by the Walmega elders would make development and peaceful coexistence more achievable.

He also encouraged other communities across the county to follow the Ajuran example by strengthening traditional governance systems and fostering dialogue as tools for peace.

“Strengthening traditional leadership, fostering dialogue and building unity are essential pillars for development, peace and shared prosperity,” Abdi said. 

He congratulated the newly elected elders for embracing leadership grounded in unity and stability, saying their mandate paves the way for community progress.

“Their commitment to unity, stability and community progress sets a strong foundation for the Walmega people as they embark on this important journey,” Abdi added.

Other community leaders, who attended the ceremony, said councils of elders remain essential in navigating social issues, resolving disputes and promoting harmonious coexistence across clans.

The ceremony marked yet another effort by the Ajuran community to reaffirm its cultural identity and strengthen traditional leadership frameworks amid rapid social changes in the region.

During the event, the Walmega community endorsed and inaugurated the Walmega Council of Elders (WCE), issuing certificates to members who will serve a two-term mandate as the community’s supreme leadership organ.

Other notable attendees included former Wajir North parliamentary candidate Major Shabelo, former Senate aspirant Mohamed Abikar, former Woman Representative aspirant Meimuna Gabow, alongside Walmega elders.