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Somali prime minister rejects clan-based elections, orders urgent reforms at Mogadishu airport

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Tuesday September 16, 2025

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre speaks during a public town hall meeting in Mogadishu on Sept. 16, 2025, where he defended his government’s push toward one-person, one-vote elections and addressed public concerns about governance. (SONNA)
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Tuesday the country will no longer allow a clan-based parliament to elect national leaders, while also ordering immediate reforms at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport after travellers raised concerns about poor services.
Hamza told a town hall meeting in Mogadishu that the government is preparing for universal suffrage, moving away from a decades-old system in which lawmakers were selected by clan elders or federal member state leaders. Instead, he said representatives should be chosen directly by Somali citizens.

“We are moving away from lawmakers appointed by clan elders or regional administrations. We want representatives elected directly by the Somali people, who will in turn choose the country’s leaders,” Hamza said.
The prime minister noted that 53 political parties are already registered to participate in future polls and said the time remaining in his government’s term is sufficient to prepare for both parliamentary and local elections under a direct voting system. He added that preparations for one-person, one-vote elections, long demanded by the Somali public and international partners, are already underway.
Hamza also pushed back against accusations that the government had abandoned its earlier commitment to allow citizens to directly elect the president. He clarified that the matter remains before parliament, which has yet to make a final decision.
Earlier in the day, Hamza toured Mogadishu’s airport after Somali travelers repeatedly complained about poor hygiene and outdated facilities. He said conditions were worse than reported and criticized management for failing to improve services.
“I came here because of public outcry. What citizens described is visible here. I don’t know how the director and the minister remain in charge when conditions are like this,” he said during the inspection.
Hamza instructed the Ministry of Civil Aviation and airport management to renovate all restrooms and adapt services to meet the needs of Somali travelers. “The airport’s facilities must suit Somali culture and needs. People should not suffer here. All the toilets must be rebuilt,” he said, promising to revisit the site within a week.
Somali travelers have long voiced frustration over cleanliness, customer service and infrastructure at Aden Adde International Airport, the country’s busiest hub and its main international gateway.

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre tours Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on Sept. 16, 2025, speaking with aviation and security officials after passengers complained about poor hygiene and outdated facilities. (SONNA)

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