The briefing was done by Somali Public Agenda, a public policy and administration research organisation based in Mogadishu. Discussions included perspectives on elections, governance and Somalia’s legislative framework for elections.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Simon Mulongo encouraged the Somali Public Agenda to continue with the search for knowledge and appropriate solutions to the challenges in Somalia.

"Development doesn’t come by accident. It’s based on research, deeper understanding of the issues/challenges and well thought-through solutions that is acceptable and workable to all stakeholders. "Your research institution comes in handy in terms of helping members of the public, civil societies and the government to find solutions,” Mulongo said.

He reiterated AMISOM’s commitment to secure the elections as we continue to work closely with the federal government and federal member states to provide peace and stability in Somalia.

Also present at the meeting was the AMISOM Police Commissioner, AIGP. Augustine Magnus Kailie, the Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Operations, Maj. Gen. Nakibus Lakara, the Head of Political Affairs, Babatunde Taiwo and other senior officials.

Somalia is to hold elections in 2020/2021, following the approval of the electoral law late last year, a significant step towards universal suffrage.