Mogadishu, Somalia – The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, sat down with UN Deputy Special Representative George Conway on Saturday for talks that both sides described as crucial to keeping the country’s fragile progress on track. The meeting, held in Mogadishu, brought together two institutions that have often shouldered Somalia’s recovery side by side, but are now seeking a more deliberate and coordinated approach.
Officials familiar with the discussion said the tone was pragmatic and forward-looking. The minister outlined the government’s efforts to steady areas recovering from conflict, where newly deployed administrators and security personnel are working to restore a sense of normalcy. Many of those communities, still scarred by displacement and recurring violence, continue to look to the federal government for support in rebuilding their institutions.
Conway, who has spent years working closely with Somali authorities, was said to have emphasized the UN’s commitment to helping local administrations stand on firmer ground. He and the minister explored ways to improve how the two sides share information, plan joint interventions, and respond more quickly to communities facing renewed threats or humanitarian strain.
People who observed the meeting noted that both men appeared particularly focused on the long game. They discussed how to move beyond short-term stabilization and into a phase where Somali families can rebuild homes, reopen businesses, and rely on local governments that function without interruption. In several districts, progress remains uneven, but officials framed the current moment as an opportunity to cement gains before the next planting season and the next budget cycle.
The conversation also touched on reconciliation efforts that remain central to the Ministry’s mandate. Hosh signaled that political dialogue at regional and district levels is beginning to gain momentum, though it requires steady backing from partners who understand the sensitivities and time required to rebuild trust. UN officials agreed that lasting peace depends not just on security, but on whether ordinary Somalis feel represented and supported by their local leaders.
As the meeting wrapped up, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working more closely and consistently. For communities still navigating the aftershocks of conflict, the renewed cooperation offers a measure of reassurance that Somalia’s slow but significant progress will not be allowed to stall.