Mogadishu (AX) – A fresh breeze of dialogue is about to sweep through Somalia as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extends a heartfelt invitation to the federal member state leaders. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mogadishu, the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, scheduled for May 1–2, carries with it the weight of addressing the intricate tapestry of Somalia’s political and security landscape.
Villa Somalia, in its statement on Friday, captured this moment as a critical juncture, emphasizing that the President would not merely restrict his consultations to political leaders. In a commendable move, Somali intellectuals and representatives from civil society are also invited. The goal? To weave together diverse threads of thought and experience into a cohesive vision for the nation’s future.
“This meeting is vital for safeguarding national unity, accelerating the liberation of areas under terrorist control, and advancing Somalia’s state-building agenda,” the presidency asserted. The weight of these words echoes a profound need for collective action against the myriad challenges facing the nation.
The Federal Government of Somalia underscores its unwavering commitment to inclusive dialogue and mutual cooperation. But have we, in our pursuit of lofty objectives, sufficiently considered the essential role of consensus—especially on matters of security, governance, and developmental targets? It’s a reflection worth pondering.
Yet, there are prevailing uncertainties casting shadows on this hopeful narrative. Would the participation gaps seen in previous meetings persist? Specifically, the relationship with Northeastern State and Jubbaland has been tense. The statement raised eyebrows by not confirming whether these leaders, often at loggerheads with the federal government, have been extended invitations or if they would actually attend. These two administrations have historically chosen to distance themselves from the NCC meetings, over long-standing disputes related to power-sharing, constitutional reforms, and election frameworks.
Another layer of complexity is whether opposition leaders—including former presidents and notable figures—will find their seats at the table. Recently, President Mohamud made a clarion call for a national dialogue, seeking to unite political opponents under one banner: the nation’s military campaign against Al-Shabaab and ISIS. These groups, marked as terrorist organizations by the Somali government along with international allies such as the United States and the United Nations, represent a significant threat to peace.
As the May summit approaches, its significance cannot be overstated. Somali forces, bolstered by the unwavering support of international partners, continue their arduous operations in regions like Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Lower Shabelle. These efforts symbolize the broader ambition to restore peace and reclaim territories from insurgent factions. A narrative from a Somali soldier recently back from the frontlines shares: “It’s more than a military operation; it’s about reclaiming our homes and our hopes.”
The NCC meeting is imbued with promise—it evokes an aspiration to bridge divides and cultivate understanding in a country thirsty for tranquility and progress. In the spirit of dialogue and negotiation, we find an ancient Somali proverb resonates profoundly: “Nin la heshiiyey, wa la heshiiyey,” translating to “A man reconciled is a man won.”
As leaders convene in the heart of Mogadishu, one might ask themselves: How will this assembly affect the nation’s pulse? Will it weave together a stronger Somalia, or will it merely be another stitch in its long and complex political fabric? The world shall be watching, with bated breath and hopeful hearts, as each leader takes their place at this significant summit of state-building and reconciliation.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring.
