MOGADISHU – The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali (Hosh), has officially reopened the ministry’s headquarters in the Bondhere district, marking the return of the institution to its original premises after 34 years of displacement.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Hosh said the building had been occupied by internally displaced families for more than three decades, while the ministry operated from offices belonging to other entities.
“Today, the reactivation of this headquarters stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts of the government and the Somali people to rebuild national institutions, promote reconciliation, federalism, and social cohesion. It also strengthens statehood and restores the dignity and prestige of government facilities,” the minister said.
Government and International Support
The minister expressed gratitude to the internally displaced families who vacated the premises, acknowledging their understanding and sense of national responsibility in recognising the ministry’s need for its own space. He also thanked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, former Interior Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, the Benadir Regional Administration, and all officials who contributed to the restoration of the headquarters.
International partners including Norway, Switzerland, and the Somalia Stability Fund (SSF) were also acknowledged for their support in the restoration process, reflecting the continued international engagement in Somalia’s state-building efforts[reference:0].
A Symbol of Recovery and State-Building
The minister said the reopening of the headquarters marks a significant achievement in the government’s efforts to re-establish state authority and improve public service delivery. He noted that Somali citizens will now be able to access essential services at the facility, while ministry staff will work in a conducive environment that promotes efficiency and service quality.
The Interior Ministry has been actively engaged in strengthening local governance and reconciliation efforts, with Minister Hosh recently opening the Third Somalia Mayors Forum in Mogadishu, emphasising that empowering local governments is “the foundation of service delivery, development and democratic participation”[reference:1].
Minister Hosh has also chaired the Third Annual National Steering Committee Meeting on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), emphasising that “a functional and inclusive CRVS system is essential for securing citizens’ rights, improving service access, and supporting national development”[reference:2].
Way Forward
The reopening of the Interior Ministry’s headquarters represents a symbolic and practical milestone in Somalia’s ongoing recovery from decades of conflict. As the government continues to rebuild state institutions and restore public trust, the return of the ministry to its original premises is expected to enhance administrative efficiency and demonstrate progress in the country’s state-building agenda.
