Tuesday June 17, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
officially launched the National Consultation Forum in Mogadishu on Monday, to enhance
national unity and address critical political challenges, including the
completion of the Constitution, the electoral process, counter-terrorism
efforts, and broader state-building goals.
The forum brought together former presidents, senior federal
and state officials, influential Somali leaders, and scholars. However, key
opposition parties declined to attend, citing unmet conditions.
In his opening remarks, President Mohamud reaffirmed his
administration’s commitment to establishing a direct electoral system, allowing
Somali citizens to elect their leaders through a one-person, one-vote process.
He emphasized the widespread consensus—across both ruling and opposition
factions—against reverting to the indirect voting systems that have
historically undermined transparency and democratic legitimacy.
“This forum reflects our dedication to incorporating diverse
perspectives on the path to statehood,” said President Mohamud. “Our government
is committed to dialogue and consultation—something that has long been absent
from Somalia’s political leadership. The door remains open for all to
participate in shaping the statehood we aspire to build.”
President Mohamud stressed that while the international
community continues to provide valuable support, the responsibility to secure
Somalia’s future ultimately lies with its own people and political actors.
Participants in the forum voiced their support for the
government’s vision of national unity and pledged their commitment to building
an inclusive state rooted in peace, justice, and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, opposition parties affiliated with the Somali
Salvation Forum issued a joint statement outlining conditions for their
participation. They demanded the formation of a jointly organized technical
committee to set the forum’s agenda and timeline, a clear focus on
constitutional and electoral issues, and the full inclusion of all federal
member state leaders in the process.