President Mohamud Launches National Dialogue, Urges Unity and Electoral Reform

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Governent of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday inaugurated a National Consultative Conference in Mogadishu, calling on citizens to strengthen national unity and work collectively towards building a stable, democratic state.

Speaking at the high-level forum, the president reiterated his administration’s commitment to transitioning Somalia to a one-person, one-vote electoral system, a long-delayed milestone in the country’s post-conflict recovery.

“We must put an end to divisive rhetoric and actions that threaten the fabric of our unity,” said President Mohamud. “The Somali people deserve a transparent and inclusive electoral process, and we are determined to deliver it.”

He stressed that both the ruling party and opposition groups agree that returning to the indirect voting model, criticized for fueling political disputes and instability, is no longer tenable.

The president pledged to engage political leaders and stakeholders with concerns about the electoral process in meaningful dialogue, aimed at forging a consensus-based solution.

While acknowledging continued support from international partners, Mohamud reminded the nation that long-term development and governance must ultimately be owned and driven by Somalis.

“The international community has fulfilled much of what we’ve asked. Now, the responsibility lies with us to finish the work, to move beyond our past and build a resilient, functioning state,” he said.

The conference drew participants from across the political spectrum, including senior government officials, former leaders, representatives of political parties, civil society actors, and other dignitaries.

The gathering is expected to lay the groundwork for national cohesion and guide Somalia’s next phase of political and institutional reforms.