DHUSAMAREB, Somalia — During a high-profile working visit to Dhusamareb, the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, conducted a late-night tour of the city’s burgeoning recreational areas, signaling a vote of confidence in the region’s security.
Strolling through the capital of Galmudug State, the Prime Minister lauded the “visible transformation” of the city, noting that the proliferation of public spaces and commercial activity serves as a tangible metric of progress. During his walk, PM Hamza engaged directly with residents and local business owners, characterizing the city’s vibrant atmosphere as a direct result of the partnership between the public and the state.
In his address to the community, the Prime Minister emphasized that the current peace is not a static achievement but a foundation to be built upon. He urged residents to deepen their involvement in “consolidating peace and fostering social cohesion,” framing local participation as the primary engine for Galmudug’s long-term economic development.
“The stability we see tonight in Dhusamareb is the essential bedrock for everything else—from education to commerce,” PM Hamza noted. He specifically commended the local business community for their investment in the city’s reconstruction, highlighting that private-sector resilience is key to Somalia’s broader stabilization goals.
The visit comes at a critical time as the Federal Government continues to coordinate with regional states to harmonize development roadmaps and security strategies across the country.
Somalia’s Road to Recovery (2023–2025)
The progress witnessed in Dhusamareb is part of a broader national trend defined by significant fiscal and security milestones over the last two years:
- Debt Relief & Economic Sovereignty (December 2023): Somalia reached the Completion Point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, resulting in the forgiveness of $4.5 billion in debt. This milestone has allowed the government to re-engage with international financial institutions and increase social spending.
- Lifting of the Arms Embargo (December 2023): The UN Security Council’s decision to fully lift the decades-old arms embargo on the Somali government has empowered the Somali National Army (SNA) to modernize its equipment and lead offensive operations against extremist groups.
- East African Community (EAC) Integration (March 2024): Somalia officially joined the EAC, opening new corridors for trade, labor mobility, and regional investment, further integrating the Somali economy into the regional bloc.
- Security Transition: As the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) continues its phased drawdown, the Federal Government has intensified its “stabilization” efforts in liberated areas, focusing on establishing local governance and basic services to prevent insurgent re-entry.
The Prime Minister’s presence in Dhusamareb underscores the government’s shift from purely military objectives to “stabilization 2.0,” where economic recovery and social confidence—symbolized by the city’s nightlife and public spaces—become the primary indicators of success.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister / Federal Government of Somalia