National Dialogue Launches in Mogadishu: Leaders Push for One-Person-One-Vote and Unified Somali Governance

National Dialogue Launches in Mogadishu: Leaders Push for One-Person-One-Vote and Unified Somali Governance

National dialogue begins in Mogadishu as leaders advocate for unity and electoral reform.
The long-anticipated National Dialogue Conference officially opened this week in Mogadishu, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud outlining a bold roadmap aimed at strengthening Somalia’s democratic institutions and reaffirming national unity.
In his keynote address, the president identified three national priorities: defeating terrorism, finalising the constitution, and implementing a one-person-one-vote electoral system. He described these goals as the foundation of a “new era of governance” for Somalia.

The conference attracted a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the national government, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional elders, youth, and women’s groups. Significantly, political representatives and elders from Puntland, whose attendance had been uncertain, also took part in the dialogue, indicating a potential shift towards broader national cooperation.

Among the prominent voices was Cabdi Aadan Hoosow, who addressed the president directly in his remarks.
Mr President, I always raise issues with you, and you know that’s not shameful,” he said. “You’ve previously resolved far more serious matters. The real problem is the 1% who call themselves political leaders and make decisions on behalf of the 99%. That’s not representation, that’s exploitation.”

Former Prime Minister Professor Ali Mohamed Gedi, who is widely regarded as a statesman and a voice of national unity, also addressed the gathering. His remarks conveyed a pointed message for political figures who opted not to attend the dialogue.
“When national leaders call for dialogue, it’s not optional. It’s a duty,” he stated. “Anyone who claims to represent the people must attend. Boycotting isn’t leadership; it’s cowardice in the face of national responsibility.”

The dialogue also included voices from Somalia’s civic space. Osman Moallim, Chairman of the Somali Non-State Actors (SONSA), emphasised the importance of grassroots inclusion in any national political process.
“Without the voices of non-state actors, the youth, women, elders, and civil society, any national dialogue is incomplete,” he said. “True legitimacy comes from inclusive representation, not a political monopoly.”
Moallim also called for greater engagement with the Somali diaspora, emphasising their critical role in Somalia’s economic resilience, social development, and political future. “The diaspora must not be spectators; they are part of the nation’s brain trust and backbone,” he noted.

Inclusion remained a recurring theme throughout the event. While some political elites have previously employed the language of inclusion to postpone reforms, many participants emphasised that genuine inclusion must reflect the public’s demand for democratic participation, particularly the shift towards a one-person-one-vote electoral system.

Inclusion means giving every citizen the right to vote, not delaying national progress to appease the 1% who fear losing control,” said one civil society participant.
Despite the absence of some  opposition figures, the conference was generally viewed as successful in reaffirming Somalia’s democratic trajectory. As the country faces ongoing security threats and unresolved constitutional issues, participants expressed hope that the dialogue would serve as a turning point, provided the commitment extends beyond mere words and translates into action.

📢 This  article was prepared by the Mowlac Team, a civic movement that supports Somalia’s progress towards one person, one vote—free from elite interference and foreign manipulation.