Somalia’s President Announces New Political Forum Amid NCC’s Collapse into Ruling Party Bloc

Mogadishu – In a move that might reshape Somalia’s political landscape, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has revealed plans for a national political consultative forum set for June 15, 2025, in Mogadishu. This gathering aims to unite politicians, community leaders, and essential political figures from across the nation.

The President’s office shared the forum’s intent as a way to bridge differing perspectives and engage in discussions on pivotal national issues such as the electoral process, national security, and institutional reforms. It’s an ambitious agenda, considering the complexities involved.

This announcement arrives at a politically fragile juncture, just following a joint declaration by opposition leaders dismissing Villa Somalia’s electoral roadmap. With less than a year remaining in President Hassan Sheikh’s term, accusations of orchestrating a term extension through unilateral actions are rife. Isn’t it intriguing how power dynamics often provoke such claims?

What once was the National Consultative Council (NCC) has now seemingly faded into obscurity. Initially, it served as a crucial dialogue platform between the federal government and member states. Now it stands as a shadow of its former self, having lost credibility and relevance. A shifting political landscape, where three of the five federal member states have merged politically with President Hassan Sheikh’s ruling party, intensifies concerns about the forum’s inclusivity and neutrality. Volker Ullrich once said, “Power tends to isolate those who hold too much of it.” Could this be a case in point?

Since his ascent, President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has confronted growing skepticism regarding alleged unconstitutional interference with the federal provisional constitution. Controversially, there have been attempts to amend key articles without achieving a broad national consensus. It appears that these actions have further strained government-opposition relations.

The administration now faces corruption allegations, as watchdog groups and opposition voices accuse Villa Somalia of centralizing financial powers and mishandling public funds. It’s a narrative not uncommon in political spheres worldwide. But isn’t it always the case that such whispers tend to gain momentum, especially in tumultuous times?

Initially, there was significant momentum in the government’s military campaign against Al-Shabaab. But, like many well-intended initiatives, the offensive has lost its vigor. Internal political strife seems to have overshadowed what was once a headline cause. Have they deprioritized the terror group fight, trading it for internal battles?

For many, the forthcoming forum is a strategic attempt by Villa Somalia to reclaim political legitimacy, but its ability to restore national consensus or deepen existing divides is yet to be seen. It’s reminiscent of how leadership often walks a tightrope between gaining legitimacy and sowing division. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,” said Abraham Lincoln. Will this be a defining moment for President Hassan Sheikh?

A glance back through history suggests that political forums have often been platforms for both reconciliation and contention. As the date draws near, the anticipation builds. Will this forum be a beacon of hope or fuel for further discord? The world watches, questions in mind, wondering about the outcomes.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring