Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, hosted an official state dinner at the Presidential Palace in honor of Somali traditional leaders drawn from across the country.
The President commended the elders for their constructive role in peacebuilding, reconciliation, state-building, and safeguarding national unity. He also briefed them on the government’s achievements in security, democratization, institutional development, and decentralization.
President Hassan Sheikh emphasized that Somalia’s progress must include restoring citizens’ constitutional right to elect their political leaders, stressing that this principle is non-negotiable. He called on traditional leaders to support the implementation of universal suffrage—“one person, one vote”—to ensure genuine representation and a transparent democratic system.
“We remain firmly committed to ensuring that the Somali people regain their constitutional right to elect leaders of their choice after 57 years. Incomplete electoral processes in the past have left us with many challenges, foremost among them insecurity,” the President stated.
In response, several traditional leaders expressed appreciation for the invitation and recognition, praising the government’s visible progress in security, the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, infrastructure development, democratization, and decentralization.
