After the elections. Key priorities for the new Somali government

The current federal election process is the fifth one since the formation of the first transitional Somali government in 2000. It has been marked by pronounced delays, controversies within the country’s political leadership, as well as numerous reports and allegations about irregularities and vote-rigging. Violence has escalated several times since the beginning of 2021.

While creditable progress has been achieved in Somalia with regard to peace- and statebuilding in the past decade, structural impediments continue to inhibit advances in key policy areas such as inclusive politics, constitution-making, security, federalization, rule of law and the reform of public financial management. Further challenges include an increasingly severe humanitarian situation that already pays witness to the effects of climate change.

It remains to be seen when the obstacles that have led to delays in the elections will be overcome. Nonetheless, the expected change of political leadership in Mogadishu provides another opportunity to tackle many urgent issues the country continues to face, particularly with regard to security, peacebuilding, and governance. This discussion will shed light on the challenges to achieving progress in key priority areas, and highlight what the new Somali government should focus on during its first year in office.