Somali civil society conference urges dialogue to ease political tensions

Wednesday May 6, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — A three-day Somali Civil Society Conference on good governance and political stability wrapped up in Mogadishu on Wednesday, bringing together a wide spectrum of voices in a rare push for political calm and consensus.

Held from May 3 to 5, the conference drew scholars, civil society umbrella organizations, women, youth, people with disabilities, media representatives, academics and traditional elders. Over the course of the sessions, participants examined Somalia’s political trajectory, with the constitution, electoral processes and national stability at the center of the debate.

In a statement issued at the close of the conference, civil society actors expressed concern over ongoing political disputes, warning that continued tensions risk undermining state-building efforts, national unity and citizens’ rights.

They said the country’s best chance for a durable political settlement lies in inclusive and transparent dialogue, and called on all political stakeholders to work toward a broad national consensus.

Participants also stressed the need to move ahead with a one-person, one-vote electoral system, saying the process must be transparent, credible and grounded in agreement among the main political actors if it is to win public confidence.

Civil society groups further said they were prepared to take an active role in helping facilitate dialogue, build trust among stakeholders and support the holding of free and fair elections.

The appeal comes just days after the opposition-aligned Somali Future Council indicated that it was ready to join a proposed national dialogue launched by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, though it attached conditions tied to the electoral process.