MOGADISHU: The Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia’s Federal Government, Salah Ahmed Jama, on Friday chaired a high‑level bilateral meeting in Mogadishu with ambassadors of European Union member states supporting Somalia. The talks focused on key national priorities, including security, constitutional completion, ongoing one‑person‑one‑vote elections, economic development, and broader state‑building reforms.
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama noted that certain regions are currently conducting direct integrated elections, with residents of the South West State selecting their leaders. He characterised this process as evident progress in Somalia’s democratisation and the development of an inclusive electoral system. The South West State elections, which officially opened on Sunday, represent the first large‑scale direct voting in the federal member state and a significant departure from decades of indirect, clan‑based electoral models. The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has confirmed that more than 376,000 voters were registered for the polls and that 394 parliamentary candidates and 1,297 local council aspirants are contesting the seats.
The Deputy Prime Minister also acknowledged the European Union’s sustained support for Somalia, particularly in the areas of security, institution‑building, economic development, and democratic processes. The EU has been one of Somalia’s largest development partners, channelling resources into governance reforms, democratic transition, humanitarian aid, and resilience‑building programmes. In recent months, the EU has reiterated its commitment to back the new African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), describing it as a critical bridge for Somalia’s security transition. The bloc has also signalled continued support for efforts to build consensus around a nationwide “one person, one vote” system.
The meeting took place as Somalia prepares for the conclusion of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term on May 15, with ongoing political consultations and electoral processes unfolding across the country. Friday’s engagement reflects the federal government’s broader strategy to coordinate with international partners on security, governance, and the consolidation of democratic institutions. No further details on specific commitments or follow‑up actions were released.
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