State committed to economic recovery and development, Somalia PM tells youths

Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to economic recovery and national development are firmly on track.

Speaking at a meeting with youth leaders in Mogadishu, the Prime Minister issued a powerful appeal, calling on Somali youth to take an active role in defending the nation and shaping its democratic future.

He urged them to also embrace national defence as both a religious obligation and patriotic duty.

“Somali youth, I have called you here today to deliver a message about defending our country. This is a duty that must not be left to a few—we must all rise to it together,” Barre said.

The Prime Minister used the occasion to review the accomplishments of his administration, the Dan-Qaran Government, over the past three years.

He pointed to significant reforms in security, economic governance, political development, and state-building.

“The arms embargo was lifted. Our national debt was forgiven. Domestic revenue increased by 25%. Somalia now holds a seat at the United Nations Security Council,” he noted.

Barre also highlighted advances in education, military capacity, and territorial integrity.

“Of the 10,000 teachers we promised to recruit, 6,000 have already been hired. We’ve built a national army and liberated areas that were once considered unreachable. We defended our maritime borders and fought diplomatic battles to protect Somalia from external encroachment.”

The forum was aimed at reinforcing the role of youth in Somalia’s ongoing stabilization efforts and preparing them for meaningful participation in the country’s upcoming one-person, one-vote elections.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s next major mission is delivering universal suffrage—an historic electoral shift Somalia has not seen in over five decades.

He described the move to one-person, one-vote elections not merely as a political reform but the restoration of a long-denied right.

Barre insisted that the election will return to the Somali people power they have been denied for more than 56 years.

“What remains now is the election, and for that, we have faced daily resistance from politicians, some of whom have even engaged foreign actors to hinder our progress,” Barre said.

“Despite these efforts to stall reform, the Somali people will have the final say. We have already overcome the hardest hurdles.”

The Somali PM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to federalism, inclusion, and equitable development.

He cited his recent historic visit to the SSC-Khaatumo region, where together with SSC President Firdhiye they inaugurated several federal development projects, including a state hospital, roads, ID registration centers, police headquarters, and a national emergency response center.

“We are committed to ensuring essential services reach all corners of Somalia. These projects will strengthen the connection between citizens and their government, and lay the groundwork for lasting economic growth,” Barre said.