Prime Minister Hamza Launches Reopening of 52 Roads in Mogadishu After 15 Years

 

Somalia to Reopen 52 Roads in Mogadishu After 15 Years of Closure

Somalia’s Prime Minister, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, has launched a landmark initiative to reopen 52 key roads in Mogadishu that have remained closed for more than 15 years due to security challenges and persistent threats from extremist groups.

The announcement marks a turning point for the capital, where road closures have long symbolized the impact of insecurity on daily life, disrupting transport, trade, and social activities.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Barre emphasized that the reopening is not just a logistical measure but a reflection of the improving security situation in the city.

“Over the past 15 years, tough circumstances forced the closure of these roads. The real solution, however, is not to close roads but to defeat terrorism and eliminate the threat it poses,” he said.

The Prime Minister underscored the government’s determination to restore normalcy to Mogadishu, highlighting the success of the DanQaran administration in implementing security reforms. These reforms include enforcing strict laws to prevent the possession of heavy weapons, cracking down on illegal checkpoints, and dismantling armed groups that threaten the safety of civilians.

Barre also commended the role of Somalia’s security forces, the Benadir Regional Administration, and the city’s residents in supporting efforts to stabilize the capital. He stressed that achieving long-term security is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between the government and the public.

The reopening of the roads is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve access to markets, hospitals, and schools, and boost economic activities in Mogadishu. It also signals a broader shift in the government’s approach — from defensive measures such as closures and restrictions, to proactive strategies aimed at eliminating the root causes of insecurity.

For many residents, the announcement offers hope that Mogadishu can finally move past years of isolation and restricted mobility. The government has pledged to continue investing in security, infrastructure, and public services as part of its vision to rebuild the capital and strengthen state institutions.