The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has extended his congratulations to the government and people of Somalia following the successful completion of municipal elections in Mogadishu, describing the exercise as a milestone in the country’s journey toward democratic renewal.
In a statement released from Addis Ababa, Youssouf commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the electoral process, noting that it reflects a growing commitment to democratic governance within Somalia. He stated that the municipal elections represent “an important initial step” in the nation’s continued efforts to build inclusive political institutions and foster local participation in governance.
The African Union Chairperson emphasised that the elections not only enhance participatory democracy at the municipal level but also serve as a foundational experience as Somalia works towards its first direct national elections in more than five decades. He reiterated the AU’s unwavering support for Somalia’s nation-building efforts, affirming the continental body’s commitment to accompany the Somali people in their pursuit of peace, stability and inclusive governance.
According to the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Somalia, over 500,000 registered voters in Mogadishu participated in the elections held on Thursday. The polls involved 1,604 candidates from 20 political parties competing for 390 seats across district councils. The process has been widely recognised as a significant move toward dismantling Somalia’s long-standing clan-based political system, an issue that has historically influenced the country’s political and social structures.
Observers across Africa have described the elections as a reaffirmation of Somalia’s gradual but determined shift toward a democratic dispensation rooted in national ownership and resilience. The exercise is also viewed as a reflection of a broader continental aspiration for self-determined governance frameworks that move beyond externally defined templates of democracy.
Youssouf urged Somali political actors to continue engaging in constructive dialogue and inclusive consultations to consolidate national unity and foster long-term stability. He also highlighted that Somalia’s progress offers important lessons for the continent on the possibilities of peace-building and state reconstruction through sustained domestic commitment and regional solidarity.
The African Union remains a key partner in Somalia’s state-building process through initiatives such as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, which continues to support the Somali government in maintaining security and facilitating political processes.
Somalia’s municipal elections mark an important moment in the nation’s modern political evolution, underscoring the resilience of its citizens and the shared African vision of governance that centres local agency, inclusivity and collective advancement.
