President Mohamud Opens Dialogue with Civil Society to Prepare for National Forum

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has kicked off a broad round of consultations with civil society leaders as the country prepares for a pivotal National Consultative Forum slated for June 15, 2025.

Meeting at Villa Somalia, the presidential palace in Mogadishu, President Mohamud underscored the crucial role civil society plays in shaping Somalia’s political future and advancing the country’s democratization process.

“To move Somalia forward, we must overcome the paralysis of the past,” the president said. “Democratization is not just a principle of good governance—it is the foundation for a future in which Somalis decide their own fate.”

The talks mark the beginning of a series of high-level engagements intended to foster inclusive dialogue across communities and build consensus on Somalia’s national priorities. The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the upcoming forum a people-centered process grounded in the public interest.

Key issues on the table include completing the provisional constitution, accelerating federalism, organizing credible national elections, and strengthening security and political stability across the country.

With the forum less than two weeks away, Somali civil society is expected to play a leading role in guiding these discussions, ensuring that the voices of citizens shape decisions that will impact the nation’s trajectory.