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The Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition mainly made up of opposition leaders, has announced conditions for taking part in the upcoming national consultation conference called by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The conference is scheduled to begin on June 15, 2025, in Mogadishu.
In a statement released on Sunday after internal discussions, the Forum said that for the meeting to be meaningful, it must be truly inclusive and focused on solving the country’s most urgent problems. They warned that without proper planning and structure, the conference risks failing to address Somalia’s growing political, security, and economic challenges.
The Forum listed three main conditions for their participation:
1. A Focus on Lasting Political Solutions
The Forum wants the meeting to prioritize long-term solutions to Somalia’s political issues. They are calling for open dialogue on reviewing the country’s constitution and preparing for fair and transparent elections at both the federal and state levels. In addition, they emphasized the need to tackle the threat of terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS through serious national discussions.
2. Inclusion of All Stakeholders
According to the Forum, the conference should not be limited to government allies. They believe it is important that all Federal Member State (FMS) leaders, opposition groups, and other key political players are involved. This, they argue, will create a fair and balanced platform for national dialogue and help build consensus on the way forward.
3. Clear and Transparent Agenda
The Forum also requested that a detailed agenda for the meeting be shared in advance. This would help participants understand exactly what topics will be discussed and allow them to prepare meaningful contributions. They believe that transparency is key to building trust and ensuring the success of the conference.
In their statement, the Somali Salvation Forum reaffirmed their dedication to the unity of the Somali nation. They expressed a strong willingness to engage in genuine dialogue aimed at ending the ongoing political deadlock and promoting national stability.
“We are ready to take part in serious talks that serve the interests of the Somali people and bring an end to the current crisis,” the statement read.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had earlier announced the national conference as an effort to bring together various political actors to build consensus on key national issues. These include national security, democratization, finalizing the constitution, and national reconciliation. The government has already appointed a technical committee, led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, to organize and coordinate the conference.
The upcoming meeting is seen as a critical step in resolving Somalia’s long-standing political problems and moving the country toward peace and development. However, without the participation of major opposition groups like the Somali Salvation Forum, the success of the conference could be in doubt.
As the country looks ahead to the June 15 gathering, many are watching to see whether the government will meet the Forum’s conditions and create an environment that encourages full participation and honest dialogue. There is hope that, with the right approach, the national conference can pave the way for lasting solutions that benefit all Somalis.