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On Tuesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a high-level meeting with representatives from civil society groups at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. This meeting is part of a series of consultations leading up to the National Consultation Forum, which is set to take place on June 15, 2025.
The President met with a wide range of civil society representatives, including community leaders, youth organizations, women’s groups, and other key stakeholders. The goal was to involve ordinary citizens in important national discussions about Somalia’s future.
According to the Office of the President (Villa Somalia), these consultations are designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate in shaping the country’s direction. The process is aimed at building agreement on major national priorities and strengthening Somalia’s path toward peace, stability, and development.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stressed the importance of civil society in helping the country move forward. He said that Somalia cannot grow or succeed without the active involvement of its people.
“If we want Somalia to move forward, we must break free from the stagnation of the past,” the President said. “Democratization is a key part of good governance, and the Somali people must play a full role in shaping their future.”
The President emphasized that the upcoming forum is not just a political event, but a people-driven platform. He said it is meant to gather different voices from across the country and build national unity through open dialogue and shared goals.
During the meeting, he also promised that the government would continue working closely with civil society groups—not just now, but throughout the entire process. He said their input is vital to making sure that decisions reflect the will of the people and are truly inclusive.
The National Consultation Forum will focus on five main priorities that are essential to Somalia’s state-building efforts:
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National Security and the Fight Against Terrorism – Improving security and defeating threats like al-Shabaab.
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Democratization and Electoral Processes – Strengthening democracy and ensuring fair and transparent elections.
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Finalizing the Provisional Constitution – Completing the country’s legal framework to guide governance and protect citizens’ rights.
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National Unity – Encouraging cooperation and understanding among all regions and communities in Somalia.
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Reconciliation – Promoting peace and healing among groups that have been divided by past conflicts.
These five pillars are expected to guide discussions during the forum and help Somalia create a stable and united future.
Civil society groups welcomed the President’s outreach and said they are ready to participate fully in the process. They called on the government to ensure that the forum is transparent, fair, and open to all voices, especially those from marginalized communities.
Many of the participants praised the move as a sign that the government is serious about including citizens in the country’s development. They also stressed the need for clear communication, proper planning, and equal access for everyone who wants to be involved.
The National Consultation Forum is expected to bring together leaders from government, civil society, and various communities to find common ground and develop practical solutions for Somalia’s biggest challenges.
By listening to the people and working together, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hopes to lay the foundation for a peaceful, democratic, and united Somalia.