Opposition Leaders Critique Federal Government’s Decision on C6+ Cooperation Framework

Mogadishu (AX) — In a striking demonstration of discontent, Somalia’s leading opposition figures have openly criticized the federal government for its recent decision to dissolve the C6+ international cooperation framework. This move comes across as both unilateral and politically motivated, raising serious concerns about the potential isolation of the country and the jeopardization of hard-fought diplomatic and governance achievements.

Following a five-day summit in Mogadishu, the Somali Salvation Forum—a coalition comprising 13 former national leaders, including ex-presidents, prime ministers, and parliamentary speakers—decried President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration for dismantling inclusive governance mechanisms. The Forum’s message was clear: this action risks eroding international trust and undermining Somalia’s ability to coordinate national security, engage in democratic reform, and effectively respond to humanitarian challenges.

“The federal government’s abrupt suspension of these partnerships threatens Somalia’s credibility and weakens the foundations of cooperation with international allies,” the Forum emphasized in its joint statement. This sentiment underscores the importance of collaboration in any nation’s development, regardless of its current political climate.

For context, the C6+ framework—comprised of heavyweights such as the United Nations, African Union, European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Turkey, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)—was initially established during Somalia’s tumultuous post-conflict period. Its primary objective was to unify international political engagement, and it has since played a pivotal role in state-building, peacekeeping, and democratic development across the nation over the past decade.

As recently as June 12, the Somali government formally conveyed its desire to dismantle the framework via a letter from the Office of the State Minister for Foreign Affairs to UN Special Representative James Swan. The reasoning outlined in this letter suggested that Somalia had outgrown its transitional status and now operates as a sovereign entity with established institutions and a defined national development agenda.

In their appeal, government officials implored international partners to engage through bilateral cooperation or existing national structures, rather than relying on the C6+ framework. Despite expressing gratitude for the support received over the last decade, a lack of response from C6+ member states or the UN has been noted, raising eyebrows in diplomatic circles.

Notably, opposition leaders have introduced some compelling questions regarding the timing of this suspension. They suggest that it coincides closely with escalating tensions surrounding electoral reform, federal-state relations, and matters of national security coordination. The Forum has accused the federal government of sidelining regional leaders and politically silencing dissenting voices. Furthermore, allegations have surfaced suggesting that the government is strengthening its influence via alliances with federal member states whose mandates are either expired or under serious scrutiny—namely Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Southwest.

Another critical point of contention arises in the government’s perceived meddling in the selection process for Somalia’s National Independent Human Rights Commission. The Forum has labeled this conduct unlawful and in violation of Law No. 16, urging an immediate halt to the selection process. Their call for political purity and transparent oversight resonates deeply in a nation longing for genuine democratic reform.

But the grievances don’t stop there. The Forum lamented the “effective collapse” of the National Consultative Council, which once served as a crucial dialogue platform between federal and regional leaders. The current political landscape has deteriorated to such an extent that many view this council as losing its legitimacy amid growing exclusion and centralization.

Security issues take center stage as well. The Forum has criticized the government’s approach to counterterrorism, suggesting a significant neglect of the Somali National Army and local Ma’awisley forces who continue their brave fight against Al-Shabaab. They call for a unified national strategy that directly bolsters the capabilities of frontline personnel—an urgent necessity in the ongoing fight for peace and stability.

Furthermore, the opposition has raised alarm over undisclosed arrangements involving Somalia’s public land and natural resources. These agreements, they argue, were made without parliamentary oversight or public transparency. This lack of accountability deepens the crisis of trust between the government and the populace, further complicating the governance landscape.

On the electoral front, the Forum has decisively rejected any discussions that would revert to the discredited 2022 indirect voting model. Instead, they demand the enactment of one-person, one-vote elections as per the 2012 provisional constitution, coupled with the direct election law passed by the 10th Parliament.

As President Hassan Sheikh anticipates the National Consultation Forum set to commence on June 15 in Mogadishu, the Forum has conditionally stated it will not participate unless specific prerequisites are met: full inclusion of all federal member states and political factions, a clear and public agenda, and a commitment to transparently resolving constitutional and electoral conflicts.

Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has thrown his support behind the Forum’s stance, voicing concerns that excluding Northeastern State and Jubbaland significantly undermines the legitimacy of the ongoing processes. His criticism of the government’s abandonment of consensus-based frameworks echoes a common frustration among political observers and citizens alike.

In response, government figures such as Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Transport Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur have hit back, accusing opposition leaders of evading productive dialogue despite repeated invitations from the presidency. Yet, the Forum stands firm, expressing its readiness to engage in any inclusive and lawful process that seeks to restore the necessary checks and balances.

In closing, the Forum poignantly reflected on the tragic loss of Somali youth whose dreams of migrating to Europe ended in tragedy as they drowned in the Mediterranean Sea. This heartbreaking situation symbolizes a broader narrative of “hopelessness, political exclusion, and deteriorating economic prospects” that persists in Somalia, stirring an emotional response and inviting critical reflection.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international – Monitoring.