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Former President Farmaajo and ex-Prime Ministers Roble and Shirdon endorse dialogue to strengthen counterterrorism efforts and federal governance.
Several key Somali political leaders, including former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and ex-Prime Ministers Abdi Farah Shirdon and Mohamed Hussein Roble, have expressed their support for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s call for peace talks. They believe this is an important step towards uniting the country’s efforts against terrorism and strengthening the federal government.
On Sunday, Farmaajo released a statement urging President Mohamud to follow through on his proposal by creating an inclusive platform where all parties can engage in meaningful discussions. He emphasized that Somalia’s future depends on cooperation, trust, and adherence to constitutional order.
“As we have always stressed, the major challenges affecting Somalia’s governance require a collective approach, with dialogue and agreement at the center,” Farmaajo said. He also pointed out that the peace forum should involve all key players from both federal and state governments and should focus on supporting the national army in its fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab.
Former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble also expressed hope that the discussions would bring real and positive results. He urged political leaders to take this opportunity seriously and prioritize the country’s welfare over personal interests.
“I encourage government officials and political figures to sincerely engage in these talks, always keeping the national interest above individual ambitions,” Roble wrote on Facebook.
Abdi Farah Shirdon, who served as prime minister from 2012 to 2013, praised the President’s decision, calling it a responsible and unifying move.
“I appreciate President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s initiative to bring together government officials, politicians, and intellectuals at such a crucial time,” Shirdon said.
President Mohamud made his appeal for dialogue during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Saturday night. He urged all political figures, including his opponents, to work together in tackling two of Somalia’s biggest challenges: defeating the Al-Shabaab insurgency and strengthening the federal government system. His willingness to invite all political figures shows a commitment to bridging differences and working towards a common national goal.
This call for unity comes at a time when Somalia’s military, with the support of local militias and international allies, has been making progress in regions like Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Lower Shabelle. However, despite these successes, Al-Shabaab remains active in rural areas and continues to launch attacks across the country.
By bringing political leaders together, the President hopes to create a stronger and more coordinated response to these challenges. The involvement of key figures like Farmaajo, Roble, and Shirdon suggests that there is broad political support for this initiative. Many Somalis hope that this dialogue will lead to long-term solutions that can bring stability, security, and progress to the country.
For now, the success of these talks depends on the willingness of all parties to engage in good faith, set aside political differences, and work towards a common goal: a safer and more unified Somalia.