Federal Government to Reopen 108 Roads in Capital After Years of Closure

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali Federal Government has announced plans to reopen 108 roads in the capital, Mogadishu, that have remained closed for more than a decade, highlighting growing confidence in the city’s improved security environment.

The decision was made during the weekly Cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, following a detailed report by a special committee formed earlier this year to address the city’s chronic traffic problems.

For years, key roads across Mogadishu were sealed off due to the threat of terror attacks, particularly near government buildings and diplomatic compounds. But officials now say the improved security situation makes it possible to safely reopen many of these routes.

The committee’s findings revealed that over 60% of Mogadishu’s road network has been inaccessible, significantly contributing to congestion and limiting public access to hospitals, schools, markets, and government services.

The planned reopening, which will begin in the next two weeks, is part of a broader government initiative to restore normalcy in urban life and strengthen public confidence in state institutions. The Banadir Regional Administration, in coordination with federal agencies, will oversee the rollout.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has prioritized urban mobility and governance reforms, with this move seen as a clear signal of security gains made under the current administration.

Officials say the decision will not only ease traffic but also enhance emergency response, stimulate local business, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Residents have cautiously welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a step toward a more open, secure, and accessible Mogadishu.