UNPOS (Somalia): Historic year for Somalia’s political progress

It was an historic moment. On 10 September 2012, a new Somali Federal Parliament sitting in Mogadishu elected a President — the first such democratic exercise in over 20 years. The transitional period had ended peacefully following an inclusive, transparent, legitimate, participatory and Somali-led process. Considered by many to be a hopeless, failed state just months ago, Somalia now has its best chance for peace in a generation. In Mogadishu, long tarred with the moniker of “most dangerous city on Earth,” the sound of gunfire and explosions has been replaced with the noise of construction and the hum of commerce. Flights into the city are booked months in advance. New restaurants and hotels open every day and the city’s real estate boom produces frequent concrete shortages. Hope and progress have returned to Somalia.

Related Subject(s): Peacekeeping and Security

Countries: Somalia