In a colourful ceremony, Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, launched the regional football games in Mogadishu Stadium.
Senior government officials, including NISA director Mahad Salad, Mogadishu mayor Madale and renowned musicians Big Moha and Dayax Dalnurshe, also graced opening ceremony
The first match of the tournament ended in a stalemate between Galmudug and Hirshabelle State.
The Premier underscored the instrumental role regional games play in enhancing the integration and cohesion of Somali people.
He added that the games would also act as a source of entertainment for the public. The tournament is being participated in by four regional member states and the Banadir region, excluding Puntland, which has had a sour relationship with the federal government .
Notably, also absent from the competition is SSC-Khatumo, which was recently recognized as a state in Somalia by the federal government after seceding from Somaliland.