International partners welcome Somalia’s quest to address key issues
The international community praised the President’s initiative, describing it as both timely and necessary. They urged all stakeholders to convene urgently to develop a unified agreement on national priorities.
International partners in Somalia, including Kenya, on Monday issued a joint statement welcoming President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s call for national dialogue to address critical issues such as the fight against Al-Shabaab and preparations for Somalia’s 2027 elections.
President Hassan made the appeal during his Eid-Ul-Fitr message to the nation last week. His call comes amid sharp divisions and political tensions, with opposition figures and the Puntland and Jubaland states opposing what they described as his unilateral constitutional reforms, which are intended to facilitate universal suffrage.
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The international community praised the President’s initiative, describing it as both timely and necessary. They urged all stakeholders to convene urgently to develop a unified agreement on national priorities.
“International partners welcome the proposal to convene a forum for Somali political and civil society leaders to ensure their visions and efforts are aligned in the fight against terrorism and in building a democratic, federal state,” the statement read.
The partners stressed that Somalia needs a unified and inclusive strategy to defeat Al-Shabaab and to advance its state-building goals. They also welcomed the positive responses from leading Somali politicians who have endorsed the President’s call for dialogue.
“Immediate and decisive action by Somali leaders, including on key national political, constitutional and electoral matters, will enable international partners to offer additional support,” they added.
The partners also commended ongoing anti-terror operations by Somali security forces and AU peacekeepers. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government and people of Somalia in their efforts to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation.
Opposition groups and the regional states of Jubaland and Puntland have strongly rejected President Hassan’s government-led constitutional amendments passed through parliament. They have also refused to recognise the government-appointed Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which is meant to oversee the next elections.
President Hassan has insisted that Somalia must move away from clan-based, indirect elections and embrace universal suffrage, aligning the country with global democratic standards. However, his critics accuse him of running the process unilaterally.
Both Puntland and Jubaland have gone so far as to cut ties with the central government in Mogadishu.
Details regarding the timing and location of the proposed national dialogue remain unclear. All eyes are now on President Hassan’s next steps.
The joint statement was issued by: ATMIS, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, the European Union Delegation, Finland, Germany, Hungary, IGAD, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, the Arab League, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Nations.
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