The United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) has welcomed an invitation by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to convene the Somali Future Council, describing it as a step toward building consensus on national priorities at a time when Somalia is facing political uncertainty linked to the end of the current presidential term.
In a statement, the mission said it supports the Federal Government of Somalia’s initiative to bring together leaders for a meeting aimed at finding a shared way forward on key national issues, while urging all parties to participate in dialogue rooted in mutual understanding and a focus on the national interest.
“UNTMIS welcomes the Federal Government of Somalia's invitation to the Somali Future Council for a meeting aimed at jointly finding a way forward on critical national priorities,” the statement said.
The mission also called on stakeholders across the political spectrum to engage constructively and in good faith, stressing that the outcomes of such discussions should prioritise the interests of the Somali people over those of individual groups or leaders.
“We renew our call for all parties involved to participate in further dialogue constructively and in good faith, with the interest of all Somalis as the foremost consideration,” the statement added.
The announcement comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for a meeting of the National Consultative Council, which is expected to bring together federal and regional leaders, including heads of Federal Member States, in a forum designed to address governance, security, and political coordination.
The meeting is scheduled for May 10 in Mogadishu and is expected to provide a platform for discussions on the country’s direction, particularly at a time when questions persist over the electoral process and leadership transition as the president’s term nears its conclusion.
According to the Somali government, the council will focus on strengthening governance systems, improving security coordination, and promoting political stability, while also encouraging unity among leaders from different regions and institutions.
Officials say the decision to convene the meeting follows a series of consultations led by the president with various groups across society, including political figures, community representatives, and other stakeholders, whose input helped shape the formation of the council.
These consultations underscored the need for a broader forum where national issues can be addressed in a structured environment that allows participation from multiple actors involved in shaping Somalia’s future.
The UN mission said it remains ready to support Somalia in addressing unresolved political matters, working alongside international partners to encourage solutions built through dialogue and cooperation.
“Together with other partners, UNTMIS continues to stand ready to support Somali efforts to resolve outstanding issues,” the statement said.
The planned council meeting is expected to shape key discussions on governance and political processes as Somalia navigates a critical period in which current decisions will influence the country’s next phase of political development.
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