Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, is experiencing its highest level of security in more than ten years, even as government forces continue to confront the Al-Shabab militant group, according to Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Jama highlighted a marked drop in violent incidents across the country, noting that the city’s overall safety has improved despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.
“Challenges still exist,” he acknowledged. “However, Somali security forces, backed by key international partners—including the United States, Türkiye, the African Union, and others—are steadily strengthening the country’s security framework.”
Jama praised the determination of Somali citizens, describing them as remarkably resilient in their fight against one of the world’s most dangerous extremist organizations.
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Push Toward Democratic Elections
The deputy prime minister emphasized that a long-awaited shift to a direct voting system—where every citizen casts a ballot on the principle of “one person, one vote”—remains a central national objective.
He explained that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made democratic reform a top priority since taking office, aiming to accelerate the country’s political modernization.
“Without strong, credible institutions, attracting foreign investment or reshaping Somalia’s global image is extremely difficult,” Jama said. “Politics provides the foundation for building our future, and the move toward one-person-one-vote is no longer just an ambition—it’s a process already underway and a shared dream of the Somali people.”
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A Decade of Transformation
Jama also pointed to visible changes across Somalia over the past ten years, citing growth in real estate, infrastructure, and foreign engagement as clear signs of progress.
“Economic ties and diplomatic relationships have evolved significantly,” he said. “The way the world views Somalia has changed, and the country itself has been transformed.”
New roads, residential projects, shopping centers, and office buildings rising across Mogadishu serve as tangible proof of improved security and growing confidence in the nation’s stability, he added.
