Tuesday April 1, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — A coalition of opposition politicians from Somalia’s Southwest State has endorsed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent call for national peace consultations, calling it a pivotal opportunity to address the country’s deepening political instability and rising security threats.
The Maanshiil Forum, which brings together prominent opposition figures from the Southwest, issued a press release on Monday voicing strong support for the initiative, describing it as a chance to chart a unified path forward for Somalia.
“We consider the President’s call a commendable and timely initiative that deserves a positive and responsible response,” the group said. “It could resolve the political uncertainty and security threats currently facing the country.”
President Mohamud announced the initiative last week, inviting political stakeholders from across Somalia to engage in a national dialogue on the country’s future. The call comes amid heightened political tensions, a stalled constitutional review process, and continued attacks by the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
The Maanshiil Forum said the president’s appeal has already raised hopes among citizens and called on the Federal Government to ensure the process is inclusive and outcome-driven.
“The President’s appeal has given hope to the Somali public,” the forum stated. “We encourage the Federal Government to follow through with this initiative and implement an open and consensual political process—one that fosters unity in defending the country and continuing the fight against terrorism.”
The national dialogue initiative is one of the most ambitious attempts by President Mohamud since returning to office in 2022 to build consensus among Somalia’s fragmented political actors. The Maanshiil Forum’s endorsement is particularly significant given its past criticisms of federal leadership and its influence in Southwest politics.
Political groups, civil society organizations, and other opposition figures have increasingly rallied behind the president’s proposal, signalling growing momentum for a collective national discussion on governance and security reforms.
