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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially launched the National Consultation Forum in Mogadishu on Monday, aiming to bring together leaders and experts to help build a more united and democratic Somalia. The forum will focus on major national priorities, including completing the country’s long-delayed Constitution, strengthening the electoral process, fighting terrorism, and advancing overall state-building efforts.
The event drew participation from former presidents, senior officials from both federal and regional governments, respected Somali leaders, and scholars. However, some key opposition groups, particularly those aligned with the Somali Salvation Forum, chose not to attend. They say their concerns about how the forum is being run were not addressed.
In his speech at the forum’s opening, President Mohamud emphasized his government’s dedication to creating a fair and transparent electoral system—one where each Somali citizen can vote directly for their leaders in a one-person, one-vote process. He made it clear that Somalia must move away from the indirect voting systems used in the past, which often led to a lack of transparency and reduced trust in the country’s democratic process.
“This forum shows our willingness to include different views as we build our nation,” said President Mohamud. “Dialogue and consultation are essential and have been missing from our leadership for too long. We welcome everyone to take part in building the Somalia we all want.”
The President also acknowledged the continued support of international partners, but stressed that the future of Somalia depends on the actions and decisions of its own people and political leaders. He called on all stakeholders to take responsibility for shaping the country’s future.
Participants in the forum expressed support for the President’s vision of unity and pledged to work toward building an inclusive and peaceful nation. They agreed on the importance of collaboration and the need to ensure Somalia’s long-term development, stability, and justice for all.
Despite the positive tone at the forum, opposition parties remained firm in their demands for better inclusion and more transparency. In a statement, members of the Somali Salvation Forum listed several conditions for their participation. These included the creation of a technical committee—made up of government and opposition representatives—to help plan the forum’s agenda and timeline. They also called for a stronger focus on critical constitutional and electoral reforms and asked for full involvement of all federal member state leaders.
The absence of these opposition groups highlights the ongoing political challenges in Somalia. However, President Mohamud’s government says it remains open to working with all parties to reach common ground.
The National Consultation Forum is seen as an important step in moving Somalia closer to a more democratic and stable future. By bringing together diverse voices and focusing on key national issues, the forum aims to foster unity and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive state. While disagreements remain, many view this effort as a sign of progress—and a chance to break away from the political divisions of the past.