The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has welcomed the peaceful conduct of the local council elections held in Mogadishu’s Benadir Region, describing the vote as a significant milestone in Somalia’s democratic and state-building journey.
In an official press statement released on Friday, AUSSOM praised the calm security environment in which the elections were conducted, noting that the orderly process reflected notable progress in both stabilization efforts and public confidence in democratic institutions.
AUSSOM described the elections as a historic step forward for Somalia, highlighting their importance in advancing democratic governance, strengthening local administration, and reinforcing gains made in security reform.
“The successful conduct of the Benadir local council elections demonstrates tangible progress in Somalia’s democratic transition and institutional development,” the statement said.
The African Union mission emphasized that the ability to hold direct elections in the capital—despite persistent security threats—underscores improvements in coordination between Somali security forces, electoral authorities, and community stakeholders.
The Benadir local council elections mark the first direct, one-person-one-vote local polls in Mogadishu since 1969, ending decades of indirect political arrangements dominated by clan-based selection processes. The vote is widely seen as a test case for Somalia’s ambition to restore universal suffrage nationwide ahead of anticipated federal elections.
AUSSOM reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s federal government, electoral institutions, and security agencies in consolidating peace, strengthening governance, and ensuring inclusive political participation.
The mission concluded by encouraging all Somali political actors to build on the momentum generated by the elections, stressing that dialogue, unity, and respect for democratic outcomes remain essential to sustaining long-term stability and progress.
