An academic forum analyzing the successes of the Megabit 24 reform program and the future directions of the Barwaaqo Party was held in the city of Jigjiga. The discussion was attended by the President of the Somali Regional State, Mustafe Muxummed Cumar, senior government officials, traditional elders, and representatives from civil society organizations.

Megabit 24 is a date in the Ethiopian calendar that corresponds to April 2 in the Gregorian calendar. It is commemorated in Ethiopia as a day of reform and transformation, and it holds particular significance for the Somali Regional State as it marks the day Mustafe Muxummed Cumar was appointed president of the region in 2018.

President Mustafe Muxummed Cumar deeply reflected on the progress achieved during the Megabit 24 reform period, emphasizing that his administration succeeded in building strong public institutions, improving social services, and strengthening the region’s security.

Similarly, the Head of the Barwaaqo Party Office for the Somali region, Eng. Maxammed Shaale, and the Head of Political Affairs of the party, Abdirahman Ahmed Hassan, jointly highlighted the new strategic directions the party is focusing on. These include building a strong political party, economic development, justice delivery, and fostering a shared national identity.

Traditional elders who participated in the forum stated that the reforms in the region have led to tangible development but stressed the need to sustain and genuinely promote these achievements.