President Mohamud Pushes National Dialogue to Cement Legacy of Reform

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is intensifying efforts to build a legacy rooted in national unity, democratic reform, and inclusive governance as he leads a fresh round of high-level consultations with former leaders and opposition groups.

On Thursday, the president hosted the second session of the National Consultation Forum at Villa Somalia, bringing together former presidents, prime ministers, parliamentary leaders, and senior officials.

The talks focused on fast-tracking constitutional review, transitioning to a direct electoral system, and strengthening the national campaign against terrorism.

President Hassan emphasized that Somalia’s future depends on collaborative leadership and inclusive dialogue.

“Our path to stability and democratic progress lies in unity and shared responsibility,” he said.

The president also held separate talks with the Somali Salvation Forum, a major opposition coalition, marking their second face-to-face meeting in less than a month. The two sides discussed four key national priorities: finalizing the provisional constitution, building an inclusive electoral system, advancing national unity, and enhancing security operations against al-Shabaab.

Technical Committees

As a sign of progress, both the government and opposition agreed to form technical committees to negotiate unresolved issues. While both sides support a “one person, one vote” system, disagreements persist over the electoral framework, the composition of election commissions, and party registration criteria.

Notably, both camps rejected a return to the indirect electoral model used in 2022, calling it undemocratic and divisive. The consensus to move beyond clan-based voting marks a significant shift in Somalia’s political evolution.

Analysts say President Hassan’s approach, centering on dialogue, institutional reform, and political inclusivity, could define his second term and reshape Somalia’s post-conflict governance model.

With elections looming on the horizon, President Hassan’s ability to navigate competing interests while pushing through long-promised reforms will likely determine the enduring impact of his presidency.