Somalia: Northeastern State President Advocates for Inclusive Discussions Amid Political Stalemate

AXADLE, Somalia – In an era where dialogue often serves as a bridge over troubled waters, Said Abdullahi Deni, the President of Northeastern State, stands as a proponent of genuine discourse. “Dialogue is not something to be feared but embraced,” he states. His words come at a time when engagement is more crucial than ever.

Deni acknowledges the current attempts by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to initiate conversations. However, he raises a concern that’s as old as politics itself: misrepresentation. He suggests an orchestrated attempt to mislead international observers, posing a poignant question, “How can we foster trust if transparency is absent?”

The crux of Deni’s argument revolves around inclusivity. Genuine dialogue, in his view, must echo the diverse voices of Somalia. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, although open to dialogue, is urged by Deni to embrace dissenters—those who may not see eye to eye with governmental proposals. After all, isn’t democracy about representing varied voices?

Throughout history, true progress has often been a product of collective effort. Deni emphasizes the necessity of bringing all stakeholders to the negotiation table. “A few voices,” he warns, “cannot define a nation’s destiny.” The President of Northeastern State condemns exclusive consultative meetings that seemingly favor the government, urging instead for broader consensus to break the current election and constitutional stalemate.

“No single individual,” he asserts, “can commandeer the future of Somalia.” His words mirror the sentiments of many who see federalism as a cornerstone of the nation’s stability. The ongoing tension in Mogadishu, fueled by ideological clashes between regional leaders and the central government, underscores the need for respectful negotiations to reconcile disagreements.

The backdrop to Deni’s call was a day marked by the absence of key opposition leaders at a meeting convened by President Mohamud. Their absence was a statement, highlighting grievances over the exclusion of Northeastern State and Jubaland’s leaders.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces mounting pressure to entertain a spectrum of opinions. Critics accuse him of centralizing power, potentially jeopardizing efforts for an inclusive election in 2026. The specter of this criticism lingers heavily over the nation’s political arena, prompting ongoing debates about intentions and leadership.

The shift towards a one-man-one-vote electoral model is yet another point of contention. While the initiative aims to democratize elections, lacking infrastructure fuels skepticism, particularly from Jubaland and Northeastern State. They see it as a possible means to extend the mandates of federal leaders, questioning, “At what cost does progress proceed unchecked?”

Parliament’s decision to transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system adds another layer to the intricate political landscape. Criticized by opposition factions, this move complicates the timeline for upcoming presidential elections—a mere year away as the current parliamentary term concludes.

In a move symbolizing its stance, Northeastern State suspended cooperation with the Somali government in March 2024. The message was clear: respect the federal structure, or risk severed ties. This decision embodies a broader plea for recognition of regional autonomy and respect for the established political architecture.

AXADLETM

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.