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Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has thrown his support behind the newly formed National Consultative Forum, urging all federal member states—including Puntland and Jubbaland—to participate fully in the ongoing political dialogue aimed at shaping the country’s future. His endorsement comes at a critical moment, as Somalia continues to grapple with political fragmentation, fragile security, and the need for broad-based consensus on governance reforms.
Farmaajo, who served as Somalia’s president from 2017 to 2022, made his remarks in a statement shared with media outlets and through social media platforms, where he emphasized the importance of national dialogue in strengthening federalism, ensuring democratic processes, and promoting national cohesion. He praised the efforts of the forum to bring stakeholders together and called for inclusive engagement that leaves no region behind.
The National Consultative Forum, launched in Mogadishu by the federal government in collaboration with several regional administrations, is designed to serve as a platform for discussing key national issues including constitutional review, security arrangements, and the timeline for elections. However, the absence of Puntland and Jubbaland—two powerful federal member states—has cast a shadow over the legitimacy and effectiveness of the process. Both states have expressed concerns over transparency, representation, and procedural disagreements.
Farmaajo’s intervention is seen by many observers as a potential catalyst for dialogue, given his political influence and experience navigating Somalia’s complex federal landscape. While he remains a polarizing figure among some political factions, his call for unity echoes a growing sentiment that Somalia’s progress depends on cooperation rather than confrontation among federal and regional leaders.
“It is crucial that Puntland and Jubbaland are part of this process,” Farmaajo said. “Without their input, we risk excluding vital voices and undermining the national interest. Dialogue must be inclusive, respectful, and rooted in the spirit of Somali unity.”
His statement is being interpreted by analysts as a strategic move to bridge divides and signal support for a peaceful, consultative approach to state-building. It also comes at a time when Somalia is under pressure from international partners to demonstrate internal cohesion and commitment to democratic transition. The country has made progress in recent years with the peaceful handover of power and increased efforts to fight terrorism, but long-term stability remains elusive without an agreed-upon political framework.
Farmaajo also used the opportunity to call on political leaders to avoid rhetoric that fuels division and instead focus on collective goals. He highlighted the need for strong institutions, free and fair elections, and equitable resource-sharing between the federal government and its member states. Observers note that his emphasis on unity over partisanship reflects the urgent need for a national vision that transcends regional rivalries.
The former president’s endorsement of the forum has sparked varied reactions across the political spectrum. Some see it as a welcome gesture of statesmanship, while others question whether it might reignite tensions among those wary of his past policies. Nonetheless, his message has brought renewed attention to the forum’s potential and the pressing need for all stakeholders to come to the table.
Whether Farmaajo’s appeal will be enough to bring Puntland and Jubbaland back into the fold remains uncertain. But his intervention underscores the high stakes for Somalia as it navigates a complex and often fragile path toward unity, peace, and democratic governance. The coming weeks will be critical as the forum continues its work and political leaders weigh their options in shaping Somalia’s future.