This year’s independence celebration was nearly marred by the continued delay of the national elections. But with a new timetable in place, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
No matter who wins the vote, though, there are major challenges like taking on the Al-Shaabab Islamist rebels, providing security so that millions of refugees and internally displaced people can return home and supporting the economy to create jobs and deliver on development.
Back on track?
Somalia is once again stabilising and Mogadishu is experiencing relative calm after a turbulent start in first four months of 2021. The delayed national elections put the country on edge, and there was fear of a return to civil war.
In Mogadishu, the six-day festivities saw the city turned into a sea of blue, as Somali youth in their thousands were draped in the national flag. The national colours surrounded the Tomb
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