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OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MOHAMUD: Urgent Concerns Affecting the Somali People

Storyline:Columnists, Opinions

By Ali Mohamed Ali

Dear Mr. President

I write to you on behalf of concerned Somali citizens who seek urgent attention to the pressing challenges affecting our country. Your leadership was expected to usher in a new era of unity, stability, and progress. However, the Somali people continue to face economic hardship, political instability, and insecurity, which demand immediate action.

1. Excessive Taxation on Mogadishu/Banadir Residents

The people of Mogadishu and the Banadir region are burdened with excessive taxation and levies, despite limited access to public services. The small business community, Bajaj (tuk-tuk) drivers, and vendors face constant financial pressures due to frequent tax increases. Meanwhile, roads are frequently blocked, limiting movement and economic activities.

Your Excellency, the public understands the importance of revenue collection for national development, but unfair taxation without visible public service improvements is fueling frustration and economic distress. We urge your administration to reassess taxation policies and provide relief to struggling citizens.

2. The Need for a Unified and Inclusive Government.

National reconciliation and federal unity remain unresolved, with continued tensions between the Federal Government and Federal Member States (FMS), particularly Puntland and Jubaland. A divided Somalia weakens governance, security, and economic growth.

Your administration must prioritize genuine dialogue and work toward an inclusive federal system that respects power-sharing, autonomy, and national cooperation. Without a cohesive and unified approach, instability will persist, and the dream of a strong federal Somalia will remain elusive.

3. Security and Public Safety Concerns.

Despite efforts to defeat non-government actors, the security situation remains fragile, Somalia’s security forces need better coordination, training, and community trust to ensure long-term stability. The people of Somalia deserve effective law enforcement, a functioning justice system, and security policies that prioritize citizen safety over temporary military victories.

4. Electoral Vision and Public Trust in 1P1V

Your government has committed to implementing a One-Person-One-Vote (1P1V) electoral system, a historic move toward democracy. However, with limited time and resources, achieving this goal requires urgent, transparent, and inclusive efforts with the two main states of Jubbaland and Puntland.

To ensure the success of this transition, public trust in the electoral process must be restored. This includes:

  • Clear electoral laws and frameworks
  • Fair political representation across all regions and parties.
  • Security for voters and election staff
  • Independent institutions to oversee the election process

Somali people need an assurance that their votes will count and that democracy will prevail over manipulation and influence.

5. The Dire Unemployment Crisis Among Youth.

Somalia’s youth are facing unprecedented levels of unemployment, forcing many to either risk migration or turn to self-employment. However, those who try to make a living like Bajaj drivers and small traders face constant harassment, new taxes, and road closures that limit their ability to work.

With over 70% of Somalia’s population under 30, the country is at risk of losing an entire generation to hopelessness. Urgent investments in job creation, vocational training, and youth empowerment are needed to prevent economic collapse and brain drain. A country without opportunities for its youth is a country that cannot sustain itself.

6. Political Instability and Constitutional Uncertainty

The political landscape remains deeply fragmented, with ongoing disputes over power-sharing, the constitutional review process, and federal-state relations. Instead of bringing unity, your re-election has been met with deepening divisions and clan-based struggles.

For Somalia to move forward, your government must:

  • Ensure an inclusive constitutional review process
  • Strengthen dialogue with FMS leaders
  • Guarantee fair political representation and power-sharing

A divided Somalia benefits no one except those who wish to see the country remain weak and unstable.

7. Failing Public Services in the sectors of Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure

The healthcare system in Somalia remains severely underdeveloped, with a critical shortage of quality medical facilities, trained professionals, and emergency response services. As a result, many Somalis, particularly the poor and vulnerable, struggle to access life-saving care. The absence of well-equipped hospitals, a lack of medical supplies, and insufficient healthcare personnel further worsen the crisis. Urgent reforms and investments are needed to strengthen the healthcare sector and ensure that all citizens receive the medical attention they deserve.

The education sector is also in crisis, with millions of Somali children out of school due to inadequate funding and a lack of proper institutions. Education is the backbone of any nation’s future, yet it continues to be neglected. Without access to quality schooling, Somalia risks losing an entire generation to illiteracy and unemployment. To secure long-term national progress, there must be a strong commitment to expanding educational opportunities, training teachers, and improving school infrastructure across the country.

Furthermore, infrastructure challenges continue to hinder economic and social development. Poorly maintained roads, frequent electricity shortages, limited access to clean water, and weak public services make daily life unbearable, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. Without proper infrastructure, businesses cannot thrive, communities remain disconnected, and essential services cannot function effectively. A strong and well-developed infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth and national stability, and it must be prioritized in Somalia’s development agenda.

Mr. President, It Is Time for Action!

Your re-election was a call for hope and change, but today, many Somalis feel disappointed and left behind. We urge your government to:

  • Listen to the people’s grievances
  • Prioritize security, economic growth, and federal unity
  • Ensure a fair and transparent electoral process
  • Invest in Somalia’s youth and future generations
  • Improve public services and infrastructure

Somalia is at a critical crossroads. The decisions made today will shape the future for generations to come. Leadership is about listening, uniting, and delivering results and this is what the Somali people expect from you.

The author is Deputy Director at GREDO.
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