The Somali ambassador to Türkiye has credited security cooperation with Ankara for the successful local elections held on Thursday in Somalia’s Banadir region, which includes the capital, Mogadishu.

Ambassador Fathudin Ali Ospite said Turkish support played a “vital role” in securing the capital and enabling the first direct election to be held in the city in over five decades.

He described the election as a “decisive step” toward reclaiming the nation’s democratic legacy.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Republic of Türkiye, a trusted and brotherly nation, whose continued support, particularly in securing our capital in recent years, has played a vital role in enabling this democratic process,” the ambassador told TRT Afrika.

“Their solidarity with Somalia has strengthened public confidence and safeguarded this important moment.”

Thursday’s election marked the first time since 1969 that residents of Mogadishu cast ballots in a direct, one-person-one-vote system, moving away from the clan-based selection models used in recent decades.

Hundreds of thousands of registered voters queued at various polling stations to cast their ballots.

Many of the voters were young people born after the country’s civil war and who were voting for the first time, according to Ambassador Ospite. He said the atmosphere across the capital during voting day was one of unity and resilience.

“For decades, our people yearned for the right to freely choose their leaders, beyond division, beyond imposed systems and beyond fear,” the ambassador said. “That fear has steadily been lifted.”

The diplomat characterised the election as a foundational move toward broader national stability.

“Through peace, democratic rights and the freedom to choose our leaders, Somalia is laying the foundation for long-term progress — economic growth, social development, and national prosperity,” he said.

Congratulations for milestone

Somali missions globally have congratulated President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the government and the public on the milestone.

The mission in Ankara underscored that the logistical and security success of the day was a testament to both national determination and international partnership.

“As a nation once defined by peaceful transfers of power, we have taken a decisive step toward reclaiming that legacy,” the ambassador said.

The Somali embassy in Tanzania also sent in congratulatory message for the peaceful conduct of the capital’s local elections.

In a statement, it characterised the day as a triumph of national will. The mission holds accreditation to the East African Community (EAC) and serves as the non-resident mission to the DRC, Malawi, Rwanda, Comoros, and Mauritius.

“This is a truly historic day for Somalia, as our nation is peacefully conducting its first One-Person One-Vote election in more than 57 years,” the statement read.

The embassy attributed the success of the elections to the “resilience of the Somali people” and the “steadfast leadership” of President Mohamud.

“This achievement marks a renewed step toward democracy, stability and prosperity for our beloved nation,” the embassy stated.