Responsive Governance: Barre Cabinet Scraps Levies, Defuses Tensions
In a remarkable turn of events, the Council of Ministers of Somalia has managed to navigate through a tense feud between the youth in Mogadishu and the federal government by swiftly responding to the demands of the protesting groups.
The crisis, which also extended to a standoff over taxation between the Ministry of Finance and the influential business lobby in Mogadishu, has shown signs of easing as PM Hamza Abdi Barre made significant concessions addressing the grievances of the youth and the business community.
The breakthrough began when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took to the podium to deliver a conciliatory and empathetic speech, acknowledging the concerns raised by the protesting youth and the Bakara Market-based businessmen.
This proactive and responsive approach by the government marked a significant step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in the capital city.
One of the key accomplishments of the Cabinet was the decision to concede to 100% of the demands put forward by the youth, signaling a willingness to listen and address the grievances of the younger generation.
By engaging with the protesters and understanding their perspectives, the government showed a commitment to inclusive governance and transparency.
Furthermore, in a bid to alleviate the impasse over taxation, PM Hamza Abdi Barre took decisive action by scrapping excessive taxations that had been a point of contention for the business community in Bakara.
The successful resolution of the feud between the youth and the federal government, as well as the progress made in easing tensions over taxation, exemplify the power of responsive governance in addressing complex socio-economic challenges.
As the country continues on its path towards stability and prosperity, the lessons learned from this episode underscore the importance of proactive leadership, open communication, and a commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of all segments of society.
The Cabinet’s approach on this saga serves as a reminder of the transformative impact that responsive governance can have in building trust, fostering cooperation, and driving positive change for the people of Somalia.
— The Roundtable
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