IGAD hails Somalia agreement as milestone for national unity, peace

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu during the High-Level Regional Forum on the IGAD Regional Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism to address Transnational Security Threats. (Photo: Handout)

By Lucy Mumbi
Wednesday, August 27, 2025

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu commended both parties for their leadership and political will, calling the agreement an important move toward unity, stability and reconciliation in Somalia.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has welcomed a newly reached consensus in Somalia, describing the agreement between the federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum as a pivotal step toward national stability and reconciliation.

The agreement, praised for its focus on dialogue and compromise, comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance and foster peace across the country.

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In a statement on Wednesday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu commended both parties for their leadership and political will, calling the agreement an important move toward unity, stability and reconciliation in Somalia.

He congratulated President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for his statesmanship and dedication to guiding the country toward peace and inclusivity. Workneh emphasised that continued dialogue and negotiation on outstanding issues remain crucial for lasting peace, state-building and democratic transformation.

He urged all stakeholders to emulate this constructive approach toward a comprehensive agreement, highlighting the value of compromise in achieving durable solutions. Workneh reaffirmed IGAD’s ongoing support for Somalia, including mediation efforts and collaboration with the country’s leadership and citizens to promote peace, stability and development.

The historic agreement was reached between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and members of the National Salvation Forum (NSF) following discussions on August 25, 2025. The joint communiqué issued at the end of the talks outlines nine key points shaping Somalia’s political future, covering governance reforms, electoral processes and national security initiatives.

“Today, part of the National Salvation Forum and the Federal Government concluded the talks, and it was agreed to review issues that were identified as potential causes for unity and alignment in both the politicians and the political system of Somalia,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.

Dahir Mohamud Gelle, spokesperson for the National Salvation Forum, added, “After two months of discussions, we reached a point where we could not say that Somali politicians were aligned. Therefore, we needed an external mediator, regardless of its form, and we accepted it.”

Among the key outcomes, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, pledging to collaborate on national security and counterterrorism efforts, with a focus on liberating areas still under Al-Shabaab control.

On the electoral front, the parties agreed to hold both presidential and regional elections. The Federal Parliament will elect the President, who will then appoint the Prime Minister, subject to parliamentary approval and confidence. Political parties securing at least 10 per cent of Federal Parliament seats will gain national recognition.

Former Prime Minister of Somalia and NSF member Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke noted that they agreed on 70 per cent of the Fourth Chapter of the Constitution.

The communiqué also stressed the need to complete Somalia’s Federal Constitution, hold local, regional and federal elections promptly, and ensure an inclusive electoral process.

Both opposition and ruling parties were encouraged to participate in direct elections for local councils, regional parliaments and the two houses of the Federal Parliament.