Somali women urge urgent national dialogue to address political and security crisis
“We expressed strong concern about the political situation in the country, following the recent violence involving government forces and the opposition,” the statement said.
Monday June 8, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — A national peace conference led by women on Sunday urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to immediately open an inclusive national dialogue aimed at easing Somalia’s worsening political crisis.
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In its statement, the gathering said any talks must bring in civil society, with Somali women in particular, to help shape a durable political settlement rooted in consultation and consensus.
“We expressed strong concern about the political situation in the country, following the recent violence involving government forces and the opposition,” the statement said.
The conference said Somalia has reached a dangerous turning point after deadly clashes between federal government forces and opposition-aligned groups in Mogadishu left people dead, others wounded, and caused displacement and damage to property.
Participants said the country’s only sustainable path forward is through dialogue, tolerance, political compromise and broad agreement. They warned that what cannot be settled at the negotiating table cannot be won by force or war.
The conference also pressed the federal government and opposition parties to refrain from any statements or actions that could deepen political tensions or endanger peace and stability in Mogadishu and elsewhere in the country.
On the question of elections, the women called on political leaders to settle on an electoral process that is inclusive, transparent, fair and credible, saying such an arrangement would strengthen public confidence and support political stability.
They further appealed to Somalis to stand together in defense of peace, social cohesion and the country’s stability.
The conference urged citizens to unite in protecting lives, property and Somalia’s future amid mounting political uncertainty.
Separately, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo called for an urgent meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former Somali presidents in an effort to find a political solution to the country’s deepening crisis.
The separate appeals came after days of violence in Mogadishu and rising tensions over elections, constitutional changes and President Mohamud’s mandate. Opposition leaders accuse the federal government of forcing through reforms without consensus, while federal officials say they are steering Somalia toward one-person, one-vote elections and must safeguard public order.
