Mogadishu — Mohamed Abdullahi Jama (Sugaal Macalin), Chairman of the Somali National Disability Agency, has called for immediate action to implement the newly established 5% political quota for persons with disabilities across all levels of government, while highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing drought on disabled communities.
In an exclusive interview on Somali National Television's 'Raadraac' program aired on February 14, 2026, Jama outlined significant legislative progress achieved over the past five years since the agency's establishment. He noted that the National Disability Rights Protection Law, signed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on December 30, 2024, represents the most important disability legislation in Somali history. The law, comprising 39 articles, entered into force on December 31, 2024, just before International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
"This is a foundational law that will remain as long as the world exists," Jama stated, emphasizing that Article 7 of the legislation mandates a 5% quota for disability representation in all government councils at federal, state, and district levels. He revealed that the agency is currently developing implementation guidelines to operationalize this quota, with plans to present them to the Council of Ministers for approval before the upcoming elections.
The agency has also successfully launched the National Disability Policy in January 2026, aligning with the government's National Transformation Plan (NTP). Jama confirmed that the agency participated extensively in the preparation of the NTP's four pillars—social affairs, economy, infrastructure, and good governance—to ensure disability inclusion in national development strategies.
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Regarding electoral participation, Jama acknowledged that while the recent Banadir regional elections saw two disabled candidates elected to district councils, the absence of specific implementation mechanisms prevented broader participation. He disclosed that the National Electoral Commission has now consulted with disability organizations multiple times to establish procedures ensuring the 5% quota is reflected in future federal and regional elections.
Jama identified societal attitudes as the most significant barrier facing people with disabilities, describing widespread stigma that views disabled individuals as dependent burdens rather than productive citizens. "The disabled person is a Somali citizen, a family member, a community member who can learn, work, and contribute if supported," he emphasized, calling for nationwide awareness campaigns to change these perceptions.
The Chairman also addressed the humanitarian crisis, noting that persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the current drought. He explained that displacement and aid distribution systems often exclude disabled individuals, with approximately 70% of aid failing to reach them during emergencies. Jama has formally requested the National Disaster Management Agency to establish specific quotas for disabled persons in drought relief efforts and to ensure accessibility in aid distribution centers.
Constitutional reform remains another priority, with Jama confirming the agency's active participation in constitutional review committees to ensure disability rights are explicitly protected in Somalia's permanent constitution.
The interview concluded with Jama urging the government and Somali society to recognize that disability rights are human rights, requiring not charity but empowerment and equal opportunity. "We need to implement these laws, fulfill these rights, and ensure that persons with disabilities are supported to become self-sufficient contributors to our nation," he stated.
