President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo's Plans for Somalia

Somalia's Newly Elected President Promises Change

Erin Worley 

Feb. 22, 2017 

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, dual U.S.-Somalia citizen, hopes to make some major reforms in Somalia. President Mohamed plans to revamp the military, fix the humanitarian issues in the country, and overcome the issues caused by the country's famine. President Farmajo believes it will take 20 years or more to fully implement these changes or truly fix the country, but it seems as though he has a good head on his shoulders and is up to the challenge. 

Somalia has been in need of a strong leader for a long time. In addition to the famine wreaking havoc on the country in recent years, Transparency International recently named Somalia as the most corrupt country in the world. This, coupled with the pushback from the two extremist groups with a foothold in the country, al-Shabaab and the Islamic State, means that President Farmajo must be vigilant in working towards his campaign promises.

This is the first time in decades Somalia has democratically elected a new leader. While celebrations are being held all over the country, my only hope is that this country is able to come together and stand behind their leader even after the extravaganza of this election wears down. After all, in a country so strongly divided by clans and harsh ideologies, life for this new president may be incredibly difficult once people forget about the glamour of the election. I think the U.S. and the U.N. need to continue to support Somalia, and not let the newfound hope that this election brings simmer into chaos or discontentment.