Monday April 7, 2025
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivers a national address from Villa Somalia on March 30, 2025, announcing a proposed platform to unite political and community leaders in the fight against Al-Shabaab and to advance Somalia’s federal and democratic governance system. CREDIT/ Villa Somalia
Mogadishu (HOL) — A coalition of international partners has thrown its support behind Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s call for an inclusive political dialogue to unify efforts to combat Al-Shabaab and strengthen Somalia’s federal system.
In a joint statement released Monday, representatives from more than two dozen countries and organizations—including the United States, United Nations, African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM), European Union, and the United Kingdom—hailed the proposal as a critical step in confronting Somalia’s security and governance challenges.
“A unified and inclusive strategy is indispensable to achieving success against Al-Shabaab and advancing Somalia’s state-building priorities,” the statement said. It urged Somali political and societal leaders to act swiftly to finalize the national platform and resolve key constitutional, political, and electoral matters.
The international community also commended Somali security forces and AUSSOM for recent battlefield advances in Lower and Middle Shabelle, affirming continued support for Somalia’s path toward peace and democratic governance.
President Mohamud announced the dialogue during his March 29 Eid al-Fitr address, extending an open invitation to political rivals, regional leaders, and civil society to help shape a unified national strategy.
“I am opening the door to politicians and community leaders so that their views and efforts can be part of the fight against the Khawarij [Al-Shabaab] and the establishment of a modern state,” he said.
The initiative has received widespread backing. Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, and former prime ministers Mohamed Hussein Roble and Abdi Farah Shirdon, all endorsed the call, urging that the forum be inclusive, constitutionally grounded, and outcome-driven. Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and other opposition figures welcomed the proposal but emphasized the need for transparency regarding its agenda and participants.
Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) called the talks an “essential opportunity” to align national efforts against Al-Shabaab. The Maanshiil Forum, an opposition group in the South West state, also praised the initiative, describing it as a “commendable and welcome step.”
Despite growing momentum, the administration in Puntland has rejected the talks. Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Ceydiid Dirir, said President Said Abdullahi Deni is focused on leading military operations against ISIS in the mountainous Bari region and accused the federal government of political posturing.
“Deni is leading a war effort, distributing supplies and treating the wounded,” Dirir said. “Meanwhile, Hassan Sheikh is playing politics—acting as president, prime minister, and even foreign minister.”
The rejection lays bare the deep-rooted tensions between Mogadishu and Puntland, particularly over federal reforms and plans for nationwide elections based on universal suffrage in 2026. Puntland has long called for greater autonomy and has clashed with federal authorities over power-sharing and constitutional order issues.
Undeterred, President Mohamud has convened support from other federal member states. On April 5, he met with the presidents of South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle at Villa Somalia to prepare for the national consultations and to coordinate the next phase of military operations.
“The regional leaders play a critical role in organizing and coordinating the ground operations,” Mohamud said. “Their leadership has been key to our recent gains.”
While Somali forces, backed by local militias and international allies, have reclaimed key territories in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Lower Shabelle, Al-Shabaab remains embedded in rural strongholds and continues to carry out asymmetric attacks against military and civilian targets.
The international partners said swift political coordination is essential to sustaining Somalia’s progress.
“Quick, decisive action by Somali leaders…would enable further support by partners,” the statement noted.
The signatories include AUSSOM, IGAD, the Arab League, and governments from Austria, Belgium, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, and Uganda, among others.
