By Abdihakim Siyad
MOGADISHU– President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has formally announced the launch of a National Consultative Dialogue, titled “The Political Consensus Roundtable for Politicians and Community Leaders.”
The dialogue is scheduled to begin on June 15, 2025, in the capital city, Mogadishu, and is expected to bring together key political stakeholders, including federal leaders, opposition figures, civil society actors, and traditional elders.
This initiative comes amid rising political tensions surrounding the government’s push to implement a one-person, one-vote electoral model in next year’s national elections.
The proposed shift from the traditional clan-based power-sharing system to direct elections has been met with skepticism and resistance, particularly from opposition parties and leaders of some federal member states.
In recent weeks, opposition leaders have convened parallel meetings, voicing strong concerns over what they describe as a unilateral approach by the federal government.
They argue that the election plan lacks consensus and transparency and risks marginalizing key political actors.
Some opposition figures accuse the president of centralizing power and attempting to force through reforms without adequate consultation.
Adding to the pressure, international partners and diplomatic missions have called on Somalia’s leadership to engage in an inclusive dialogue. Western allies, the African Union, and the United Nations have all emphasized that sustainable political progress depends on consensus among all stakeholders—not just the federal executive.
There have been repeated calls for a nationally owned process that respects the country’s diversity and fragile federalism.
In response, the presidency noted that the upcoming national consultative dialogue will serve as a platform for “structured and inclusive” conversations, prioritizing key national issues such as security, counterterrorism, constitutional finalization, federal-state relations, and electoral reforms.
The formal announcement of the June 15th conference marks a turning point in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s efforts to create a broad-based agreement on Somalia’s political future.
The technical and organizational aspects of the dialogue are being overseen by a committee led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moalim Mohamud, in collaboration with the Office of the President.
Despite the government’s assurances, doubts remain.
Political analysts warn that the dialogue must go beyond symbolism.
For the process to succeed, it must guarantee equal representation, open deliberation, and concrete outcomes—not simply affirm decisions already made behind closed doors.
As Somalia prepares for the critical 2026 elections, the upcoming national dialogue could either usher in a new era of cooperation or deepen existing divisions.
Much depends on the willingness of all parties to engage in good faith and on the government’s readiness to accommodate genuine political dissent.
