MOGADISHU – Somalia is entering a new phase of reforms aimed at holding democratic elections for the first time in three decades, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia Salah Jama has said.

Speaking at the opening of the Somalia Civil Society Summit 2025 in Mogadishu, Jama stated that the country is shifting from short-term fixes to long-term, resilience-based national transformation plans.

“We have a renewed sense of purpose to transform our institutions, and young people who are not interested in the dubious practices of the past but are looking for a new, bright and progressive Somalia,” he said.

The deputy prime minister noted that democratic elections in Somalia were long overdue, but confirmed that plans and preparations are now underway for local democratic elections.

He added that Somalia is increasingly focused on development imperatives and strategic objectives, now being championed through the Ministry of Planning under the National Transformation Plan.

Jama also acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia, largely caused by recurrent droughts, and said the government is working to address these challenges alongside its broader reform agenda.