Engaging in Dialogue: A Commitment to Somalia’s Future

The recent remarks made by former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo highlight a pivotal moment in Somalia’s political landscape. “I welcome the timeline for the national consultative dialogue proposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concerning critical national issues, particularly elections, security, and the Constitution,” he expressed. This sentiment reverberates through the hearts of many Somalis who yearn for a cohesive and sustainable political framework.

However, Farmaajo underscored a crucial point: for this dialogue to genuinely foster progress and unity, it must involve all state leaders. He particularly emphasized the need for collaboration from Northeastern State and Jubbaland. This call for inclusivity is not merely a political maneuver; it reflects a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics that shape federal relationships in Somalia.

Over the weekend, President Mohamud officially introduced the forum following numerous private consultations—a process that seems both arduous and necessary. The primary aim of this event is to cultivate national consensus around five vital pillars: counterterrorism, democratization, constitutional finalization, national unity, and reconciliation. Isn’t it interesting how, even in times of turmoil, the quest for unity and collective understanding transcends individual agendas?

To bring this vision to life, a technical committee led by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Macalin Mahmoud has been appointed to coordinate the conference. This represents a significant step towards addressing the multifaceted challenges that have long plagued Somalia.

Yet, concerns linger. Farmaajo pointed out that previous unilateral actions by the current administration—ranging from the dissolution of the National Consultative Forum to the implementation of incomplete electoral laws—have exacerbated the existing mistrust among various stakeholders. These actions, he argues, have weakened the fragile cooperation between the federal government and state authorities. How many times must history teach us that trust is built slowly but can be shattered in an instant?

The resonance of Farmaajo’s concerns is reflected in the views of the Somali Salvation Forum, an opposition coalition led by the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. While this coalition has welcomed the initiative, it has set specific conditions for its participation. They have called for a clearly defined agenda, the involvement of all federal and opposition leaders, and a renewed commitment to implementing one-person, one-vote elections in accordance with the 2012 provisional constitution. This is more than a checklist; it’s a plea for accountability and clarity in governance.

The Forum has voiced its apprehension regarding what it describes as politically motivated alignments between the federal government and federal member states with expired mandates—particularly in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Southwest regions. They caution that such maneuvers, coupled with federal interference in the Gedo region and restrictions on Jubbaland-administered areas, could destabilize the precarious federal structure. It begs the question: how can a nation strive for unity while inadvertently fostering division?

Farmaajo resonated with these worries, stating emphatically that the attempts to dictate electoral outcomes through executive decisions threaten to undermine the very federal model that Somalia has battled to construct. Is it not vital for the country to reflect on its past, recognizing the struggles and sacrifices made to build a system that embraces diversity rather than silencing it?

As we observe these developments, it’s essential to remember that reaching consensus is rarely linear. It involves navigating the complexities of human emotions, political ideologies, and historical narratives. Therefore, the ongoing dialogue represents not just a meeting of minds, but a convergence of hopes and dreams for a better future.

In conclusion, Somalia stands at a crossroads. The call for inclusivity, accountability, and collaboration must resonate loudly throughout the halls of power. As stakeholders come together, one can only hope that they carry with them the lessons of the past while bravely stepping into a future of shared possibilities.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.