MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has officially launched the Bulsho Project in Mogadishu, a major initiative aimed at strengthening inclusive governance, enhancing service delivery, and advancing peacebuilding efforts across the country.
The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation was first founded on June 3, 1962, and currently operates under the provisional constitution ratified on August 1, 2012. The Ministry’s mandate includes overseeing federal affairs, reconciliation efforts, and local governance across Somalia’s federal system.
Minister Outlines Project Significance
The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, emphasized that the Bulsho Project marks a significant milestone in advancing Somalia’s state-building efforts, with a strong focus on strengthening communities and local government institutions.
He stated that the initiative comes at a critical time, addressing the urgent need for impactful and well-targeted interventions that support recovery and stabilization nationwide. The project is implemented in partnership with the World Bank and brings together federal, state, and local authorities along with key development partners.
Strengthening Local Governance and Peacebuilding
Speaking at the launch, Abdulkadir Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, described the Bulsho Project as a significant milestone in Somalia’s journey toward sustainable peace, reconciliation, and national unity.
He emphasized that the initiative is fundamentally a peacebuilding program aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict, strengthening social cohesion, and fostering a shared national identity through a long-term, nationally driven approach.
The Director General further stated that the country is transitioning from the design phase to full implementation of the project, marking a critical step toward building stronger institutions, advancing inclusive governance, and achieving durable peacebuilding outcomes nationwide.
World Bank Partnership
The World Bank Country Manager for Somalia, Hideki Mori, highlighted that the Bulsho Project advances decentralization, strengthens local institutions, and reinforces trust between citizens and the state across Federal Member States.
He stressed that sustainable livelihoods and job creation are anchored in inclusive governance, effective local systems, and strong state-society relations — core pillars embedded within the design of the Bulsho Project.
Commitment to Service Delivery
The Bulsho Project aims to reinforce the social contract by expanding participatory planning and improving access to services at the district level, while promoting resilience and sustainable development. The initiative supports the federal government’s broader strategy of strengthening local governance structures and improving service delivery across Somalia’s Federal Member States.
The project comes at a time when Somalia continues to navigate complex federal-state relationships, with the Ministry of Interior playing a central coordinating role in reconciliation and governance reform efforts across the country.
