By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, July 14 2026 – Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama pledged government action to advance official recognition of Somali Sign Language, saying relevant institutions would be encouraged to address the issue as quickly as possible.
Speaking at the opening of the Third Somalia Development Forum (SDF2026) in Mogadishu on Tuesday, Jama said the government would engage the Ministry of Education and institutions responsible for human rights to expedite work on the issue.
“We promise that we will encourage the relevant government institutions to address this matter as quickly as possible,” Jama said.
His remarks followed an appeal by Muse Hassan Ahmed, a representative of people with disabilities, who said the lack of official recognition for Somali Sign Language prevented deaf citizens from fully participating in elections and public life.
Ahmed said a proposal to recognize the language had remained before the Ministry of Education for three years.
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Jama said people with hearing disabilities should be listened to and included in Somalia’s development. He said around 2,500 students with hearing impairments currently had access to education, describing the figure as evidence of progress.
Somalia’s National Disability Report estimates that 3.5% of adults aged 18 and above have difficulty hearing, including 4.1% of women and 2.7% of men. The report cautions that its findings apply only to adults and do not measure the prevalence of hearing disabilities among children.
“That success is a victory for the Somali people,” Jama said, referring to expanded educational opportunities. “It reflects the peace and progress achieved in the country and belongs to all of us.”
The Somalia Development Forum 2026 was jointly organized by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies and City University of Mogadishu.
Jama said the government will continue supporting people living with disabilities and ensure their inclusion in the country's development agenda.