From war to the ballot: Somalia’s democratic dawn

[Deeq A.]

Just before dawn in Mogadishu, I stood quietly and watched something I once believed I would never see in my lifetime. Long, orderly lines of Somali citizens, women and men, young and old, waited patiently to cast their ballots in the city’s first local council elections by universal suffrage in more than fifty years.

The moment was overwhelming. I felt a tightness in my chest and, for a brief second, I nearly shed a tear.

I am in my forties, and this was the first time I participated in a direct national vote. That fact alone speaks volumes about Somalia’s history, and about how far we have come.

My personal journey is inseparable from my country’s story. I grew up during the civil war, when violence, displacement, and the collapse of public institutions defined daily life. Education was uncertain, security was fragile, and hope often felt like a luxury. Yet like many Somalis, I held onto a belief that our nation could rise again. That belief carried me through hardship and into public service, where I now have the honor of helping rebuild Somalia’s healthcare system.

For my generation, voting was once unimaginable. Decisions about our lives were made through force, clan negotiations, or external interventions. To see citizens peacefully exercising their constitutional right, standing in line with dignity and patience, is nothing short of historic. It is proof that Somalia is turning a page.

The local council elections in Mogadishu were not just a political event; they were a statement. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud rightly called on residents of the Benadir region to participate peacefully and responsibly, reminding us that democratic participation is both a right and a responsibility. The response was inspiring. Across all 16 districts of the capital, from Karaan to Kahda, Shangani to Deyniile, people showed up early and in large numbers. They showed faith in the process and belief in the future.

What struck me most was the calm. For someone who grew up amid checkpoints, explosions, and fear, the peaceful atmosphere was powerful. Somalia today is not the Somalia of my childhood. Terror threats have significantly declined. Investment is returning — from international partners and from Somalis in the diaspora. Economic activity is growing. In Mogadishu, it is now common to see cafés, shops, and small businesses run not only by Somalis but also by neighbours, including Kenyans, who are seeking opportunity here. A decade ago, this would have been unthinkable.

As Director General at the Ministry of Health, I see progress every day in another essential pillar of statehood: healthcare. Maternal and Child mortality is declining. Immunization coverage is expanding. Treatment for Tuberclosis, malaria other preventable infectious diseases is improving and Medical facilities infrastructures is reviving too. These gains are modest and fragile, but they are real. They reflect a state that is slowly regaining the trust of its people. He who knew where we came from, will recognise the progress.

Democracy, peace, and development are deeply connected. Without accountable governance, health systems fail. Without stability, services cannot reach those who need them most. The ballot box, therefore, is not separate from the clinic or the hospital, it is part of the same foundation.

The long lines of voters I witnessed were more than a sign of political participation. They were a symbol of resilience. After decades of conflict, Somalis are choosing their future peacefully, with dignity and patience.

This vote is not the end of our journey. It is a beginning. But for the first time in many years, that beginning feels real, and within our grasp.

Guled Abdijalil is the Director General, Ministry of Health, Federal Republic of Somalia

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