The transitional government in Somalia is seeking to boost public dialogue through its new website - http://www.tfgsomalia.net/ - that allows citizens to speak directly to government officials.

The launch ran in conjunction with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s August visit to Africa when, while in Nairobi, she stated that the United States will continue to expand and extend its assistance to Somalia.

NDI provided technical and strategic support for what is the first official website of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG), the internationally recognized government of Somalia since 2004. The government’s website is a major component of the TFG’s initiative to increase dialogue with Somali citizens.

A section entitled “Ask the Government” enables citizens to write in and express concerns or ask questions of government officials.  During the first three weeks after its launch, the website received over 7,300 visits. Officials are anticipating increased traffic as more content is added and the Somali citizenry becomes more familiar with the site.

The TFG is also using the website as part of an effort to increase contact and information sharing with local media.  The site includes news reports and news releases as well as information about the president, the prime minister and government ministries.

 

Published on September 30, 2009