Somalia owes a remarkable debt of gratitude to Italy for giving birth to our economy. Through the construction of the Mogadishu-Villaggio Duca degli Abruzzi railroad in 1914, Italy allowed us to export our products, laying the foundation for our economic strength. This was a time of opportunity and progress for our nation.

Yet, the cruelty of British colonisation in 1941 dismantled this vital economic infrastructure, effectively crippling our country’s potential for large-scale trade and transport. The rail system, which could have been expanded into Ethiopia by 1939, was ripped away, leaving Somalia without a critical means of commerce. This historical episode must never be allowed to repeat itself.

Today, we stand at a crossroads. We must act now to restore Somalia’s economic power. My mandate is clear: rebuild the railroads and restore the vital transport infrastructure that once made Somalia a key player in the region. This cannot be achieved through empty promises but through the empowerment of the people. The way forward is through the One Man, One Vote System, where every Somali has a voice and a stake in our future.

Somalia’s economy can be revitalised with the rebuilding of infrastructure. The investments being made in Ethiopia for their rail system show that there is a clear pathway for Somalia to follow. With the right investments, we can re-establish a strong economy, tapping into our abundant resources – fish, livestock, and other natural resources – and exporting them to Africa and beyond. We will also be able to collect revenues from the goods that are exported by our neighbours, further solidifying our role as a key economic hub.

The benefits of this project would be life-changing for local communities. Rebuilding our railroad will not only create jobs, but will also reinvigorate Somalia’s position in the global economy, restoring our pride and potential as a nation. The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure Somalia’s prosperity for future generations.