Under the leadership of President Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia has made significant strides toward achieving universal suffrage, marking a pivotal shift from clan-based power-sharing to a more inclusive democratic governance. This progress has been supported by notable political reforms, improved security conditions through successful military operations against Al-Shabaab and economic stabilisation measures. The government has worked closely with federal member states and international partners to lay the institutional groundwork for one-person, one-vote elections. This allowed for the establishment of the National Elections Commission and the passage of key electoral laws. These reforms, supported by improved political stability and enhanced security conditions, reflect a decisive break from the long-standing clan-based electoral model. Somalia is now moving closer to conducting inclusive, transparent and democratic elections that empower all citizens equally with a clear roadmap and growing national consensus.

The Bigger Picture

Somalia has reached a critical milestone on its path to universal suffrage with the commencement of voter registration in Mogadishu. This development signifies a significant advancement in the nation’s effort to reestablish direct electoral democracy. Spearheaded by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the voter registration campaign forms a key part of a broader political agenda to introduce one-person, one-vote elections for the first time since 1969. This electoral milestone marks the fulfilment of a key pledge made by President Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his 2022 campaign, which proposed to restore direct voting and finalise amendments to the provisional constitution. The president has consistently highlighted the value of democratic legitimacy and inclusive political engagement in building a strong state. With concrete progress now underway, his dedication to electoral reform offers renewed optimism for a more representative and stable political future.

Today in Mogadishu, that commitment is being brought to life by its citizens. Large crowds gathered across the capital, patiently lining up at voter registration centres as the city prepares for its landmark local elections slated for the end of June. The government has officially kicked off the registration process in Shingani District, one of Mogadishu’s most historic and symbolic neighbourhoods, marking the start of a city-wide initiative that will extend to all other districts in the coming days. This forms part of a broader national strategy to conduct Somalia’s first local elections in over 50 years, reaching every region.

This week also witnessed a significant national declaration by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who, during his visit to Lasanod, officially announced that SSC-Khaatumo is now recognised as a Federal Member State of Somalia. While addressing local leaders and community members, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s steadfast dedication to promoting unity, inclusivity, and fair federal representation across all Somali communities. The announcement was widely welcomed in the region and signifies a hopeful step forward in the national reconciliation process. President Dr Hassan Sheikh has invited SSC leaders to participate in the forthcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) summit to support this inclusive approach.

Other Achievements Under President Dr Hassan Sheikh’s Leadership

Somalia has made historic progress in federal state-building under President Hassan Sheikh’s leadership. He is the only head of state to have contributed directly to forming and recognising most Federal Member States—Jubbaland, Southwest, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and now SSC-Khaatumo. This highlights his long-standing vision for a balanced and unified federal system. In the realm of national security, Somalia’s offensive against Al-Shabaab has been accelerating. In recent months, particularly over the last week, the Somali National Army has successfully reclaimed numerous towns and key strategic areas across South West, Galmudug, Banadir and Hirshabelle. These achievements highlight the growing strength of Somalia’s security forces, enhanced operational coordination, and a firm national commitment to defeating terrorism.

Moreover, the United Nations Security Council’s decision to lift the decades-long arms embargo on Somalia is widely regarded as both an acknowledgement of the country’s progress and a significant step toward bolstering its autonomous defence capabilities. With the freedom to acquire modern weaponry and essential military equipment, Somalia is now better positioned to safeguard its territory and ensure the security of its citizens. Somalia has significantly strengthened its global and regional ties during President Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s tenure. The country’s formal entry into the East African Community (EAC) marks a significant step toward enhanced regional integration, boosting opportunities for trade and collaboration. In parallel, Somalia achieved the Completion Point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, leading to significant debt relief and improved international financial standing. Diplomatically, Somalia secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term—a historic milestone allowing it to shape international peace and security efforts actively.

Further, earlier this week, the government issued an operational license to Starlink, enabling satellite internet coverage across Somalia. This move is expected to reduce costs, expand rural connectivity and support broader digital transformation in public services, education and commerce. In addition, Somalia’s energy collaboration with Turkey continues to advance, marked by formal agreements enabling organised offshore and onshore oil exploration. The two countries have deepened their partnership in the defence sphere through new accords to enhance the Somali National Army, incorporating specialised training, aerial capabilities such as drones and helicopters, and upgraded logistics infrastructure.

What Next?

These developments reflect a comprehensive approach to state-building. Under President Dr Hassan Sheikh’s leadership, Somalia demonstrates that progress is possible and achievable when driven by strategic planning, political will and public engagement. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has distinguished himself as the first Somali president to deliver on a long-standing national pledge to hold one-person, one-vote elections. President Dr Hassan’s government has recorded several landmark achievements, from nationwide voter registration and formal recognition of federal states to reclaiming strategic regions, advancing regional integration, and boosting Somalia’s standing on the international stage. These successes represent a pivotal shift in the country’s governance and security. Under his leadership, Somalia is entering a transformative period guided by democratic principles, institutional reforms, and a renewed sense of national cohesion.

As Somalia moves closer to realising universal suffrage, the road ahead remains both promising and challenging. Recent political, security and economic achievements will require continued commitment to inclusive governance, institutional strengthening and international cooperation. This significant milestone can be sustained by strengthening the capacity of the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) to manage nationwide elections effectively, deepening security sector reforms to safeguard the electoral environment and mobilising sustained donor and diaspora support for development programs that reinforce democratic governance and economic resilience. Somalia’s progress reflects a pivotal moment in its state-building journey. With strategic focus and coordinated effort, universal suffrage could mark a transformative leap toward long-term peace, prosperity and democratic legitimacy.

By Abdullahi M Hassan (Abdullahi Yabarow)

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