Mogadishu, Somalia, SONNA – The National Consultative Forum, convened by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, concluded today in Mogadishu after four days of intensive discussions on the future of the nation. The forum, which ran from June 16th to 19th, 2025, brought together key figures from the Federal Government of Somalia, former leaders, registered political organizations, political parties from Puntland, religious scholars, and civil society representatives.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in his opening address, emphasized the inclusive nature of the forum, stating that it would remain open to all stakeholders and that no one would be excluded from the crucial dialogue on Somalia’s state-building process.
Participants engaged in in-depth conversations centered around critical national agendas, including national unity and reconciliation, security and the eradication of terrorism, constitutional completion, democratization, and elections.
The forum participants unequivocally affirmed the inviolability of the unity and solidarity of the Somali people. They called for the resumption of talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland administration to reach a lasting solution that safeguards national unity. A strong emphasis was placed on uniting against any external interference aimed at dividing the country.
The forum extensively acknowledged the significant successes achieved by the Somali National Army and public defense forces, supported by the Somali community, in the fight against Al-Shabaab and Da’aish terrorists, particularly in the Almiskaad region of Puntland and other areas. Participants underscored that extremist ideology remains the primary threat to Somalia’s statehood and called for national unity in combating it, with continued support for the national army and public defense forces.
Recognizing the constitution as a living document open to amendments, the forum recommended that Somali politicians engage in discussions on the four chapters already approved by the Federal Parliament, as well as the remaining unapproved sections, through the procedures outlined in the constitution. While upholding the fundamental principles agreed upon by Somalis, the forum stressed that completing the constitution is a national duty and priority. It also recommended that ongoing dialogue should finalize agreements and fundamental laws related to the country’s federalization as enshrined in the constitution.
The forum reached a consensus that a return to any form of indirect elections is unacceptable. Building upon the democratic and electoral experiences of Somaliland and Puntland, participants highlighted the urgent need to hold local government elections in other regions of the country to synchronize the national electoral process. To ensure political stability, the forum encouraged continued inclusive dialogue to reach a comprehensive agreement on elections at both the federal member state and federal levels (parliament and presidential).
The participants commended the initiative of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in convening the forum and urged its continuation, calling on other politicians and intellectuals to participate and respond positively. They emphasized that the processes for completing national agendas must be Somali-owned and led, paving the way for stability, peace, and sustainable development for the people and the country, free from external interference.
The forum further appealed to religious leaders, traditional elders, civil society, and other Somali intellectuals to play an active role in awareness campaigns, fostering reconciliation, and finding solutions to differing political views. Finally, the forum urged that political differences should not negatively impact humanitarian aid and development projects in Somali communities.
The National Consultative Forum marks a significant step towards fostering national consensus and addressing the pressing challenges facing Somalia as it continues its journey of state-building and democratic consolidation.
