By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Somalia, 8 December 2025 — Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Salah Ahmed Jama has commended the civil society for role in Somalia's state-building process describing them as pillars of good governance and guardians of vulnerable groups.
Jama made the remarks during the inauguration of the Somali Civil Society Conference in Mogadishu today.
The conference aims to develop a five-year strategic plan that will strengthen the role of civil society as a key partner in national development and institutional reform. It brings together a wide range of civil society actors, government officials, experts, and representatives of international partners.
Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that civil society organizations constitute one of the most essential pillars of stability and progress in Somalia.
He noted that their role has expanded significantly in recent years—from humanitarian relief and social support to becoming central players in governance reform, promoting transparency and accountability, and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
He highlighted the vital contributions civil society makes to peacebuilding, local mediation efforts, conflict resolution, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups across the country.
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Jama also commended the relevance of the recommendations presented at the conference, affirming that the government will carefully review the proposals and work to integrate them into its policies, especially in areas such as strengthening local governance, empowering youth and women, and expanding citizen participation in decision-making.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that enhancing cooperation between the government and civil society will lead to stronger, more responsive public institutions capable of addressing the needs of all Somalis and advancing the country’s long-term vision for stability and sustainable development.
The opening session was attended by several Cabinet ministers, leaders of civil society organizations, and representatives of international agencies and diplomatic missions.
Many participants reiterated their support for Somalia’s efforts to build a vibrant civic space and foster partnerships that promote inclusive development.
The three-day conference will feature thematic sessions addressing governance, peacebuilding, human rights, social accountability, and the development of a unified strategic framework to guide civil society initiatives in the coming years.
