Northeastern State’s President Calls for Comprehensive Dialogue Over Symbolic Gatherings

In a moment that resonates deeply within Somalia’s political landscape, Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni has firmly rejected the national consultation forum initiated by Somalia’s federal government, deeming it little more than a symbolic gesture. His challenge emphasizes the need for a more substantive gathering that facilitates genuine collaboration and yields national consensus.

The backdrop to this unfolding drama is a nation on the brink of elections in 2026, grappling with increasing pressure to finalize its provisional constitution and transition towards a more inclusive and stable political framework. With the clock ticking, the stakes are higher than ever as the future of Somalia hangs in the balance.

On a recent Sunday—ironically, the very day the forum was slated to commence in Mogadishu, only to be postponed—Deni voiced his profound concerns. “This country needs serious dialogue that leads to collective decisions—not forums where input is taken, but decisions are made unilaterally,” he stated, capturing a palpable sense of urgency that many feel.

Deni’s skepticism towards the federal initiative stems from a broader context. Launched by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on June 5, the initiative aims to tackle constitutional reform, elections, and the complexities of federalism through an inclusive, Somali-led process. However, the reality has been different; the forum was organized by a government-appointed committee and has faced considerable pushback from both federal member states and opposition factions. Are we seeing a rift that could further complicate the political landscape?

In a striking alternative proposal, Deni suggested a national conference that goes beyond mere notions of inclusion. He envisioned a gathering that encompasses federal and regional governments, former presidents, and other influential stakeholders. One might wonder: how can the path to unity be paved when key players remain marginalised? Reflecting on the National Consultative Council (NCC)—once a cornerstone for coordination—Deni lamented its stagnation, indicating that it no longer fulfills its intended purpose.

Adding to the sense of urgency are voices from opposition parties, including members of the Somali Salvation Forum. They have already made the decision to boycott the forum, citing the absence of a transparent agenda and the glaring lack of shared oversight. This raises the question: what does true democracy look like in a context where key players feel sidelined? Their insistence on a jointly-managed process is a clear call for full participation from all federal member states, especially Northeastern State and Jubaland.

Deni acknowledged these grievances, urging international partners to maintain their support during this precarious phase. “We still need their partnership as Somalia navigates this difficult process,” he articulated, a sentiment that echoes the desires of many who envision a cohesive and stable Somalia.

The glaring absence of both Northeastern State and Jubaland is a significant pointer to the gathering’s national legitimacy—or lack thereof. The clash over contested 2024 constitutional amendments has already driven a wedge between these states and the federal government, leading Northeastern State to suspend cooperation with Mogadishu. It raises a critical point: can any dialogue achieve meaningful results without the participation of major stakeholders?

As the federal government has rescheduled the forum for Monday, uncertainty looms. Will it proceed as intended, or will key players continue to withdraw from the discussion? The fundamental question remains: can any outcome be deemed credible when critical voices are missing?

In this complex scenario, it appears there is a yearning for a broader dialogue—one that doesn’t simply scratch the surface but digs deep into the core of Somalia’s issues. As we reflect on these unfolding events, it’s hard not to draw parallels to the many instances in history where sidelined voices have altered the course of political trajectories. Will Somalia rise to meet this challenge? Only time will tell.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Somali citizens and international observers alike will be keeping a watchful eye on these developments, hoping for a future where unity transcends division and genuine discourse paves the way for a thriving nation.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring