Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared Ethiopia’s Somali Region a new "gateway for development," citing the launch of major infrastructure projects as proof of the area's stabilisation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Shebelle Resort in the regional capital, Jijiga, Dr.Abiy contrasted the current atmosphere with previous years, noting that federal visits to the region were once strictly limited to conflict mediation and peacekeeping. The Prime Minister, who was joined by delegations from neighbouring Somalia and Djibouti, hailed the construction of thousands of kilometres of roads, new housing schemes, and the recent launch of an oil and gas refinery as evidence that the region has turned a page.
The centrepiece of the visit was the unveiling of the Shebelle Resort, a project officials say was designed to reflect indigenous Somali architectural styles while integrating green spaces with thousands of newly planted trees. Dr.Abiy used the occasion to commend Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands, Dr.Abraham Belay, for overseeing the project. He noted the significance of Dr.Abraham—a native of Tigray—leading development initiatives in both Oromia and Somali regions, describing it as a testament to the country’s capacity for cross-regional unity.
Addressing a crowd in Jijiga, the Prime Minister described the city as emerging as a "jewel of development" for the entire Horn of Africa. He praised the local culture of constructing high-quality, durable homes, suggesting it offered a model for urban planning across Ethiopia and beyond.
"Today we saw peace raining down like rain on the Somali land," Dr.Abiy told the gathering. "We do not take this lightly; it is a monumental achievement to see youth welcoming their leaders with hope rather than grievance."
The Prime Minister also issued a direct appeal to the Somali diaspora—including those in Kenya, South Africa, and the wider West—to return and invest in the region. However, he warned regional officials against complacency, characterising the current progress as merely the first ten per cent of the necessary work to fully modernise the area.
Regional President Mustafe Mohammed received praise for his administration's focus on stability and economic growth, which federal officials say has allowed for the expansion of the local airport and the introduction of a car assembly plant. The visit concluded with Dr.Abiy urging the administration to accelerate efforts to ensure the economic benefits reach the wider population.
