By Abdihakim Siyad
MOGADISHU- Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today intensified national dialogue efforts by holding a high-level consultative meeting at Villa Somalia with prominent Somali political figures, including former presidents, prime ministers, and the former Speaker of Parliament.
The session, marked by an open and constructive atmosphere, follows a series of ongoing talks aimed at shaping Somalia’s political future through inclusive consensus.
The delegation received by President Hassan included members of the committee appointed by the government to lead negotiations, as well as influential figures from the opposition and civil society.
This latest engagement builds on last week’s discussions with stakeholders focused on electoral strategy, as the federal government pushes forward with efforts to stabilize the political landscape and implement long-awaited reforms.
Today’s talks specifically involved dialogue with the “Madasha Samatabixinta Soomaaliyeed” (National Salvation Forum), led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The group has been vocal about the need for inclusive political dialogue, transparent reform processes, and national unity.
According to an official statement from Villa Somalia, the parties agreed to deliberate on four key national priorities:
1. Preserving national unity and cohesion
2. Reviewing and finalizing the provisional constitution
3. Strengthening national security and counterterrorism efforts
4. Establishing a mutually agreed framework for direct elections
The meeting comes at a critical moment, with Somalia preparing for a pivotal phase in its democratization process. Discussions also included mechanisms for addressing unresolved disputes and ensuring that all regions and political actors have a seat at the table.
Notably, both sides agreed to resume talks during the upcoming week of Independence Day celebrations, with the next round of discussions scheduled for July 3, 2025. The continued engagement signals a shared recognition that Somalia’s path to stability and democratic governance must be driven by dialogue, compromise, and national ownership.
President Hassan Sheikh has made constitutional reform and political inclusivity central to his administration’s agenda. His government hopes that these forums will not only address long-standing governance challenges but also lay a sustainable foundation for credible, direct elections across Somalia.
As the country stands at a crossroads, today’s meeting marks a significant step forward in unifying Somalia’s fragmented political landscape and reaffirming the commitment of its leaders to work toward lasting peace, security, and democratic transformation.
