MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala, conducted an extensive tour of Mogadishu’s Hodan District and the bustling Bakara Market, highlighting a tangible improvement in stability that is paving the way for the upcoming local council elections.
During a visit that spanned four hours, the Deputy Minister engaged directly with the business community and residents to assess their readiness for the polls scheduled for the 25th of this month. The tour offered a firsthand look at the capital’s changing security landscape and its positive impact on civic participation.
Speaking from the heart of Bakara Market, Deputy Minister Al-Adala emphasized the dramatic shift in the area’s atmosphere. Historically a flashpoint for instability, the market has seen a restoration of order that has allowed commerce to thrive without fear.
“The situation in Bakara Market has improved visibly,” Al-Adala stated. He noted that merchants, who in previous years operated under the shadow of intimidation by extremist groups, are now conducting business freely. The Deputy Minister pointed out that the fear of “Kharijites” has subsided, replaced by a cooperative relationship between the business community and government officials. This open interaction stands as a clear indicator of the government’s success in reclaiming and securing vital economic hubs.
The improved security environment has directly correlated with increased public enthusiasm for the democratic process. During his interactions, the Deputy Minister observed that a large number of citizens had already collected their voting cards.
“We observed that the majority of the people we met have already secured their voter cards, while others are in the process of doing so in the coming days,” Al-Adala remarked. He cited this high level of engagement as proof of the Mogadishu public’s alertness and their desire to play a central role in the implementation of the electoral system.
The Deputy Minister urged those who have not yet collected their cards to do so immediately, emphasizing that the peace secured in the capital offers a unique opportunity for residents to exercise their democratic rights safely.
Concluding his tour, Deputy Minister Al-Adala credited the Somali Security Forces for the transformation. He praised their bravery and dedication, noting that their relentless efforts to secure Mogadishu have been the foundation upon which this new era of confidence is built. It is this security umbrella that has enabled the National Consultative Council and election officials to move forward with the district elections, allowing citizens to fulfill their constitutional duties with confidence.
