On August 19, the streets of Dusamareb, Galmudug’s capital, came alive with celebration. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia arrived to a rousing welcome, marking the beginning of a historic visit. The following day, August 20, he joined Galmudug’s President, Ahmed Abdi Kariye, better known as Qorqor, to inaugurate a series of landmark projects that are reshaping governance and service delivery in central Somalia.
The highlight of the day was the grand opening of Galmudug’s new Parliament building, a modern, purpose-built home for the regional assembly. The facility, striking in both design and symbolism, represents more than brick and mortar; it is a declaration of Galmudug’s resilience, self-reliance, and democratic aspirations.
Inside its fresh walls, President Mohamud addressed the 12th session of the Galmudug Assembly, congratulating lawmakers on the milestone.
“Today, Galmudug stands at a place where it can inspire other Federal Member States,” he said. “It gives me great joy to witness not only the planning but also the execution of these projects, which will transform governance and strengthen institutions across the state.”
A People’s Project
For President Qorqor, who has steered Galmudug since February 2020, the building is especially meaningful. Standing before lawmakers, he reminded them that much of the state’s development has been powered by the people themselves.
“Some of these projects have received international support, but the majority came to life through the determination and contributions of the people of Galmudug,” he said. “This Parliament building, as beautiful and modern as it is, is the product of self-reliance. It is not easy to build such a structure without deep commitment from the community.”
Qorqor praised Galmudug’s business community and diaspora for their role in financing and supporting government projects. “From within the country and abroad, Galmudug’s people have stood up for their state,” he said. “I want to thank every trader, every professional, every citizen who believed in investing in their institutions. This is your achievement.”
The Parliament was not the only ribbon cut that day. President Mohamud also inaugurated Dusamareb’s new municipal headquarters, another state-of-the-art building designed to improve local administration and service delivery. Alongside Qorqor, he opened a Road Construction Quality Testing Laboratory, an institution that will ensure roads and infrastructure projects meet professional standards.
The two leaders also inspected the ongoing construction at Ugaas Nuur Airport, which is being modernized to serve the region’s growing transport needs. Later, they paid a visit to the 21st Division of the Somali National Army, where they were briefed on reforms and restructuring efforts within the armed forces.
The symbolism of these openings is powerful. Just five years ago, Galmudug was wracked by political fragmentation and insecurity. When Ahmed Abdi Kariye took office in 2020, he inherited a fractured state. His first achievement was political reconciliation, uniting rival factions under one administration through dialogue and an inclusive cabinet. That effort laid the foundation for stability in places like Dusamareb, Bandiraley, and Galkacyo, where peacebuilding was long overdue.
Since then, Galmudug has invested heavily in permanent government infrastructure, something unprecedented in its history. Modern offices now stand for the Presidency and key ministries, from Health and Education to Agriculture and Environment. Regional and district courts, dispute resolution centers, and a new central prison in Galkacyo have strengthened the justice sector, giving citizens better access to fair systems.
Social Services Take Root
Qorqor’s administration has also advanced education and healthcare as cornerstones of progress. Grants to 138 schools, new classrooms, and a feeding program for drought-affected children have transformed learning outcomes. Teacher recruitment and training have been scaled up to meet demand.
On the health front, 25 new facilities have been built, 31 renovated, and essential infrastructure such as an oxygen plant, central laboratory, and emergency center have been established—boosting resilience during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
A Democratic Horizon
Another hallmark of Galmudug’s transformation is its steady march toward democracy. The establishment of an Independent Electoral Commission and the rollout of voter registration are milestones in ensuring the people’s voices shape the future. As Qorqor put it, voter registration is “not just a technical exercise but a manifestation of Galmudug’s democratic aspirations.”
Meanwhile, decentralization has strengthened local administrations across districts, supported by investments in solar-powered wells, reservoirs, and street lighting, practical improvements that touch everyday lives. Financial reforms have quadrupled the state’s budget, enabling regular salaries and consistent public services, a rarity in Somalia’s fragile federal landscape.
For Galmudug, the opening of the Parliament building is more than an architectural achievement. It is a landmark of legitimacy. It sends a message that the state is not only surviving but also building institutions capable of delivering services, fostering democracy, and inspiring confidence.
In President Hassan Sheikh’s words, “These projects will change the face of Galmudug.” And in the words of its own President, Ahmed Abdi Kariye, they are proof that when a people believe in their collective strength, even the most ambitious visions can become reality.
