Hornpost
What Somali Leaders Can Learn from the Development of Ethiopia’s Somali Region under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Jigjiga, Ethiopia (Horn post) The rapid transformation of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, particularly the city of Jigjiga, has emerged as a key reference point for development-driven leadership in the Horn of Africa, drawing praise and attention from regional leaders attending the inauguration of the Shabelle Resort, a major tourism and investment project.
The high-level inauguration ceremony was attended by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, President of the Somali Regional State Mustafe Mohamed Omar, President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alongside senior officials, diplomats, and invited guests.
The project is located in the Shabelle area of the Fafan Zone, under the administration of Jigjiga City, and is part of Ethiopia’s broader push to promote tourism, infrastructure development, and regional economic integration.
Jigjiga’s Transformation Draws Regional Attention
In recent years, Jigjiga has undergone visible infrastructure expansion, including road networks, energy projects, housing developments, oil and gas facilities, industrial initiatives, airport expansion, and tourism investments. Several visiting delegations noted that the pace of development reflects a broader shift in governance and stability within the Somali Region.
Observers at the event described Jigjiga as a growing example of how peace, security, and sustained political commitment can translate into tangible development outcomes in historically marginalized regions.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed: Peace and Development Go Hand in Hand
Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the gathering of regional leaders in Jigjiga symbolized the unifying power of peace and development.
“Projects, peace, and development are what bring people together,” Abiy said. “If this peace continues, it will attract more regions. I thank the Somali Region for the peace and progress achieved and warmly welcome our guests.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Somali Region, once associated with conflict and instability, is now benefiting from sustained investment and governance reforms.
“The Somali Region was once known for conflict. Today, as you can all see, peace-loving communities are benefiting from thousands of kilometers of roads, housing projects, an oil processing facility, fertilizer production, airport expansion, and now the Shabelle Resort. This is a major achievement built on peace,” he said.
Describing the newly inaugurated resort, Abiy noted that it represents more than leisure infrastructure.
“This resort is not only a recreational facility; it is a historical and cultural landmark that blends modern design with the heritage and traditions of the Somali people,” he said in a message shared on social media.
He also extended an invitation to Somalis across the Horn of Africa.
“Somalis from Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya, the Horn of Africa, and beyond are invited to visit, invest, learn, and collaborate. Jigjiga is ready to welcome you more than ever before.”
Regional Leaders Praise Development Efforts:
Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh congratulated Ethiopia on the successful implementation of development projects in the Somali Region, encouraging local communities to work closely with federal leadership for continued progress.
“We are here to celebrate a project designed to bring people together,” Guelleh said. “What we see today is the result of leadership, vision, and commitment to economic growth and national unity.”
Mustafe Mohamed Omar, President of the Somali Regional State, stated that recent reforms have enabled the region to benefit from peace, security, development projects, and greater administrative autonomy.
“The transformation of the Somali Region is rooted in stability, development initiatives, and improved self-governance,” he said.
A representative of Somali communities in Kenya, Noureddin Mohamed, also praised the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s development agenda.
“The efforts underway today were not present before. What we see in the Somali Region is real, visible, and impactful development,” he said.
Somalia’s President Highlights Cultural and Creative Vision:
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, speaking at the ceremony, described the Shabelle Resort as a project that reflects deep planning, creativity, and cultural identity.
“This is a large and beautifully designed project. It is not only about investment, but about vision and innovation. The way Somali culture—camels, cattle, milk, and heritage—has been integrated makes it a true reflection of the region,” he said.
President Hassan Sheikh also noted the significant transformation Jigjiga has undergone over the past decade, particularly in economic infrastructure and urban development.
A Broader Message for the Horn of Africa:
The joint appearance of leaders from Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Somali communities in Kenya at the event was widely interpreted as a signal of regional cooperation, coexistence, and development-driven diplomacy.
Analysts note that the Jigjiga experience underscores a broader lesson for the Horn of Africa: peace, inclusive governance, and sustained investment can drive rapid regional transformation, regardless of historical challenges.
As Jigjiga continues to position itself as a regional hub for tourism, culture, and investment, its trajectory is increasingly being cited as a case study in post-conflict development and regional integration in the Horn of Africa.
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Prepares by:
Horn Post staff reporter
Jigjiga Somali Region, Ethiopia
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