Somalia gives citizens direct line to advise government

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By CGTN's Frida Fmlemwa

Somalia has launched an official email address through which the public can advise the government.

The resource, announced by Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, gives the country’s citizen a chance to speak directly to authorities and offer advice, opinion and views. It is part of an open door policy announced by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in March – following meetings with clerics, business community, journalists and civil society.

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“The government is ready with an open door policy – for all of us to work together because we all need each other. The government needs the support of the public just the same way the public needs us. What we want to achieve is a stable Somalia, return our refugees back home and let's all sacrifice to achieve this goal,” said Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, Somali president.

Locals can send messages in various languages: Somali, Arabic and English.

Mogadishu is seeking to capitalize on the massive public support it enjoys nationwide.

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President Farmajo’s win in February was seen as a public call for change, and the nationwide celebration that followed was seen as an endorsement of his leadership.

The government is also seeking to take ownership of the country’s Internet domain (.so) and the calling code (252) that’s been under private companies – due to the absence of an effective central government in Mogadishu.

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“The government will soon maintain the ownership of its country calling code, 252. It’s a national asset. We are also seeking to reclaims ownership of our domain .so that’s currently in the hands of private companies – they are both state assets,” said Abdi Anshur Hassan, minister of telecommunication.

This open door policy is aimed at bringing the country’s ownership back to its people.

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