Support Builds for Somalia’s Unified Strategy

Mogadishu (AX) — A significant coalition of international allies has stepped forward to endorse Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent initiative for a comprehensive political dialogue. This comes at a crucial time as the nation seeks to unify its efforts against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab and to bolster the federal governance structure.

Isn’t it intriguing how global interests converge, even from diverse corners of our planet? On Monday, a joint statement surfaced, significantly lauding the President’s call. This wasn’t just an acknowledgment from a few players but a collective voice representing over two dozen countries and organizations. The endorsement came from heavyweights such as the United States, United Nations, African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM), the European Union, and the United Kingdom. In essence, the world is paying attention.

“A unified and inclusive strategy is indispensable to achieving success against Al-Shabaab and advancing Somalia’s state-building priorities.”

This statement couldn’t be more pronounced in emphasizing the urgency for Somalia to tackle its dual challenges of security and governance with a cohesive approach. With a clarion call for Somali political and societal leaders, the mandate is clear: act swiftly to crystalize the national platform while addressing pivotal constitutional, political, and electoral considerations.

On the ground, the international community has a keen eye on the achievements of Somali security forces in Lower and Middle Shabelle. The partners, gratified by these advances, assured continued backing as Somalia journeys increasingly towards sustainable peace and democracy.

In a rather heartfelt gesture, President Mohamud’s dialogue invitation coincided with the festive occasion of Eid al-Fitr on March 29. Extending the olive branch, he beckoned not only his political adversaries but also regional leaders and civil society, inviting their contributions towards constructing a national strategy. “I am opening the door to politicians and community leaders so that their views and efforts can be part of the fight against the Khawarij [Al-Shabaab] and the establishment of a modern state,” he passionately remarked.

The initiative’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Figures such as former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and former prime ministers, Mohamed Hussein Roble and Abdi Farah Shirdon, have endorsed the call, stressing that the forum should remain inclusive, anchored in constitutional legitimacy, and be clear in its outcomes. Meanwhile, former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, alongside other opposition figures, welcomed the dialogue’s proposition but emphasized the need for transparency concerning its agenda and participant list.

Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), labeling the talks as an “essential opportunity,” highlighted their significance in unifying national responses to Al-Shabaab. Echoing this sentiment, the Maanshiil Forum, an opposition faction in South West state, described the initiative as a “commendable and welcome step.”

Nevertheless, not all is smooth sailing; the winds of discord have blown from Northeastern State. Despite the growing support, their administration has decided against joining the talks. Northeastern State’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Ceydiid Dirir, articulated President Said Abdullahi Deni’s focus on military campaigns against ISIS in the rugged terrains of Bari region, critiquing the federal leadership’s approach as mere political grandstanding. “Deni is leading a war effort, distributing supplies, and treating the wounded,” said Dirir with a sense of pride. “Meanwhile, Hassan Sheikh is playing politics—acting as president, prime minister, and even foreign minister.”

This discord underscores historical rifts between Mogadishu and Northeastern State, particularly surrounding federal reforms and the looming 2026 elections, which promise to be nationwide and based on direct suffrage. Northeastern State’s long-standing appeals for greater autonomy highlight deep-seated frictions over power-sharing and constitutional prerogatives.

Nevertheless, undeterred, President Mohamud continues to rally other federal member states. On April 5, he engaged with the presidents of South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle at Villa Somalia, laying the groundwork for national consultations and strategizing future military operations.

“The regional leaders play a critical role in organizing and coordinating the ground operations. Their leadership has been key to our recent gains.”

Despite notable territorial recoveries in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Lower Shabelle by Somali forces and local militias, Al-Shabaab remains a tenacious adversary, deeply entrenched in rural bastions and continuing its asymmetric warfare on both military and civilian fronts.

With the international terrain intricately linked to Somalia’s internal dynamics, swift political synchronization becomes imperative. As a nod to the enduring partnerships, the statement noted that “quick, decisive action by Somali leaders…would enable further support by partners.”

It’s fascinating how the list of signatories mirrors a global tapestry. Joining hands, AUSSOM, IGAD, the Arab League, and governments from Austria to Uganda—interlacing continents and cultures—emphasize a shared consensus on the need for collaborative action.