Somalia Opens Mayors Forum amid Push to Strengthen Local Governance

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Interior Minister, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh has opened the third Somalia Mayors Forum in Mogadishu, underscoring the role of local authorities in responding to security, humanitarian and development challenges across the country.

The forum brings together mayors and district administrators from across Somalia to discuss local governance, service delivery and efforts to strengthen cooperation between federal, state and local institutions.

Speaking at the opening session, Hosh said local administrations remain at the forefront of responding to challenges affecting communities, including drought, displacement, climate-related shocks, resource disputes and local conflicts.

“Empowering local governments is not a policy choice; it is the foundation of service delivery, development and democratic participation,” the minister said.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to decentralisation and strengthening local governance structures, urging participants to share experiences and develop practical solutions to improve public services and resilience at the district level.

The meeting comes as Somalia continues efforts to expand local governance and state-building initiatives following years of conflict and political instability. International partners have long argued that stronger local administrations are critical to improving service delivery, fostering citizen participation and extending government authority beyond major urban centres.

Local governments also play a key role in responding to recurring humanitarian crises. Somalia remains vulnerable to droughts, floods and displacement, with millions of people requiring humanitarian assistance despite improvements in security in some parts of the country.

The forum is expected to focus on governance reforms, urban development, revenue generation, climate resilience and cooperation between municipalities as Somalia advances it’s broader

Strengthening district administrations could remain central to Somalia’s long-term efforts to promote stability, development and democratic governance.