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Somali security agencies have confirmed that close to 10,000 police officers are fully prepared to secure Mogadishu’s local council elections scheduled for December 25, as the country takes another step toward restoring democratic governance in the capital.
Speaking to the media, Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, widely known as Farataag, said the Somali Police Force has completed extensive security preparations to ensure the elections are carried out in a peaceful, orderly, and credible manner. He stressed that the protection of civilians remains the highest priority before, during, and after the voting process.
According to the minister, police officers will be deployed across all districts of Mogadishu to safeguard polling stations, voters, election officials, and key public infrastructure. He said the security plan has been carefully designed to prevent disruptions and to allow residents to participate in the vote without fear or intimidation. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary resources are in place and that officers assigned to election duties are fully briefed on their responsibilities.
The upcoming elections are widely seen as a historic moment for Mogadishu, as they represent the first direct one-person, one-vote local council elections in the capital in more than five decades. For many residents, the vote marks a long-awaited opportunity to directly choose their local representatives after years of conflict, indirect political processes, and instability.
Given the significance of the elections, security agencies have increased patrols across the city and strengthened coordination among intelligence units. Checkpoints have been reinforced in strategic locations, and law enforcement officers are maintaining a heightened state of alert to deter any attempts by armed groups to disrupt the process. Officials say these measures are aimed at ensuring that election day proceeds smoothly and that any potential threats are addressed quickly.
At the same time, the National Independent Electoral Commission has announced that nearly 5,000 election workers will be deployed across polling stations in the Banadir region on December 25. The commission said these workers will play a crucial role in managing the voting process, guiding voters, and ensuring that procedures are followed in accordance with the law.
Commission Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan said most of the election staff are young Somalis who have undergone thorough training in election administration. The training covered voter rights, polling procedures, vote counting, and ethical responsibilities, all aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process. He noted that well-trained election workers are essential for building public confidence in the outcome of the vote.
Abdikarim emphasized that the Banadir elections carry national importance, as they could set a strong example for future elections across Somalia. He said a successful and peaceful vote in Mogadishu would demonstrate the country’s growing capacity to organize credible democratic processes despite ongoing security challenges.
Both security officials and election authorities have urged residents of Mogadishu to participate peacefully and to cooperate with law enforcement officers on election day. They also called on political actors to respect the rules and outcomes of the process, stressing that stability and public trust depend on a calm and lawful vote.
As December 25 approaches, expectations remain high among citizens who see the elections as a chance to have their voices heard at the local level. With thousands of police officers and election workers mobilized, Somali authorities say they are committed to ensuring that the historic vote takes place in a safe environment and reflects the will of the people of Mogadishu.
The future steps will depend on how quickly the stabilization force can be organized, whether all parties cooperate with its deployment, and how negotiations progress in the months ahead. For now, the resolution stands as one of the strongest international signals calling for a permanent ceasefire, rebuilding efforts, and a political process that could eventually lead to lasting peace in the region.