Facebook Twitter Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
The Maanshiil Forum, a prominent opposition group in Somali Southwest State, has publicly endorsed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s call for national peace talks, marking a significant step toward fostering unity in the country’s fight against terrorism and political instability. The group’s statement, released on April 1, 2025, described the President’s initiative as a “commendable and welcome step” that could pave the way for resolving Somalia’s enduring challenges.
President Mohamud’s appeal, made during Eid al-Fitr celebrations, invited all political stakeholders—including opposition leaders, former officials, and critics—to participate in shaping a unified path forward for Somalia. The initiative aims to address two critical issues: the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab and the need to strengthen Somalia’s fragile federal structure. The Maanshiil Forum’s endorsement signals growing momentum behind the President’s proposal, which has already garnered support from former Somali leaders and major political figures.
In its statement, the Maanshiil Forum emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive platform for dialogue, urging the federal government to translate the initiative into action. “The Maanshiil Forum welcomes the call by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to provide a platform for national consultations to discuss the fate of the Somali nation,” the group 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 endorsement is particularly significant given the Maanshiil Forum’s history of criticism toward federal leadership. The group’s support reflects a broader shift in political dynamics, with opposition figures increasingly rallying behind the President’s call for unity. However, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni—whose administration remains at odds with the federal government—has yet to respond to the initiative, highlighting the challenges of achieving consensus among Somalia’s fragmented political actors.
The national peace talks initiative is one of the most ambitious attempts by President Mohamud since returning to office in 2022 to build consensus and address Somalia’s deepening political and security challenges. The proposal comes amid heightened tensions, a stalled constitutional review process, and continued attacks by the Al-Shabaab insurgency. Analysts have described the initiative as a pivotal opportunity to chart a unified path forward for Somalia, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and outcome-driven dialogue.
Somalia’s political landscape has long been characterized by divisions and rivalries, with regional states often clashing with the federal government over issues of governance and resource sharing. The Maanshiil Forum’s endorsement of the President’s initiative represents a rare moment of alignment, offering hope for a more collaborative approach to addressing the country’s challenges.
As Somalia navigates this critical juncture, the focus remains on translating the President’s call into tangible action. Political groups, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders have expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to foster unity and drive progress. The success of the national peace talks will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and prioritize the interests of the Somali people.
The Maanshiil Forum’s support for the President’s initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in overcoming Somalia’s challenges. While the road ahead is fraught with difficulties, the endorsement signals a growing recognition of the need for unity and collective action in building a peaceful and stable future for the nation.