Executive Summary
The recent call by Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for national consultations has been met with skepticism and opposition from key stakeholders, including Federal Member States (FMS) and constitutional experts. This white paper examines the shortcomings of the president’s initiative, highlighting his failure to acknowledge past governance failures, his exclusion of FMS leaders, and his disregard for constitutional violations that undermine his legitimacy. The paper argues that without a genuine commitment to inclusive dialogue, accountability, and adherence to the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC), any national consultation process will lack credibility and fail to address Somalia’s deepening political crisis.
Background
Somalia’s fragile federal structure has been strained by persistent political tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Federal Member States. President Mohamud’s administration has faced accusations of centralizing power, violating the PFC, and marginalizing regional leaders. His sudden call for national consultations—without prior coordination with FMS leaders or a clear agenda—has further eroded trust in his leadership.
Key Issues with the President’s Call for Consultations
1. Lack of Accountability and Failure to Acknowledge Past Mistakes
President Mohamud’s unilateral announcement did not address the governance failures that have exacerbated Somalia’s political instability. His administration has been accused of:
- Undermining federalism by interfering in state elections and disregarding the autonomy of FMS.
- Violating the PFC through unilateral decisions that bypass the constitutional mandate for power-sharing.
- Failing to secure national cohesion, as evidenced by ongoing conflicts with Puntland and other regions.
Without acknowledging these failures, the call for consultations appears disingenuous and designed to consolidate power rather than foster genuine reconciliation.
2. Exclusion of Federal Member States
The president’s approach ignores the fundamental principle of inclusive dialogue. Key FMS leaders were not consulted prior to the announcement, reinforcing perceptions that Mogadishu seeks to impose decisions rather than negotiate them. States such as Puntland and Jubaland have previously rejected the FGS’s legitimacy due to constitutional violations, and this latest move further alienates them.
3. No Clear Agenda or Justification
The proposed consultations lack:
- A defined agenda addressing critical issues such as constitutional review, federalism, and electoral reforms.
- A transparent framework for participation, raising concerns about manipulation.
- An explanation of why the consultations are necessary now, particularly given the FGS’s history of ignoring previous agreements.
4. Premature Endorsement by Mogadishu-Based Opposition
Certain opposition figures in Mogadishu have welcomed the president’s call without scrutiny, disregarding its lack of substance. This suggests political opportunism rather than a principled commitment to national dialogue.
Recommendations
For any national consultation process to be credible, the following steps must be taken:
- Public Acknowledgment of Constitutional Violations
- President Mohamud must formally recognize and apologize for past breaches of the PFC.
- A commitment to restoring federalism in line with the constitution should be declared.
- Inclusive Participation of All Stakeholders
- FMS leaders, civil society, and opposition groups must be equally involved in setting the agenda.
- A neutral facilitation mechanism (e.g., mediated by international partners) should be established to ensure fairness.
- Clear Roadmap with Binding Outcomes
- The consultations must produce actionable agreements on constitutional amendments, resource-sharing, and electoral reforms.
- Any outcomes should be legally binding to prevent future violations.
- International Oversight
- The African Union, UN, and IGAD should monitor the process to ensure compliance with Somalia’s federal framework.
Conclusion
President Mohamud’s call for national consultations, in its current form, is an insufficient and exclusionary gesture that risks deepening Somalia’s political divisions. Without accountability, inclusivity, and a concrete agenda, the initiative will fail to achieve meaningful reconciliation. The Federal Government must first demonstrate a genuine commitment to constitutionalism and power-sharing before any credible dialogue can take place.
Next Steps
- Federal Member States should demand a revised framework for consultations.
- The international community should condition support on adherence to inclusive and constitutional processes.
- Somali political stakeholders must reject superficial dialogue and insist on substantive reforms.
Final Remarks
Somalia stands at a critical juncture where political missteps could further destabilize the nation. President Mohamud’s administration must move beyond rhetoric and take tangible steps toward inclusive governance. The credibility of any national dialogue hinges on transparency, accountability, and respect for Somalia’s federal structure. Failure to address these concerns will only prolong the country’s political paralysis and undermine its path to stability.
Issued by: WDM
Date: March 30, 2035
Contact: iwarsame@ismailwarsame.blog @ismailwarsame
End of Document
This white paper serves as a critical assessment of the current political dynamics in Somalia and urges corrective measures to prevent further instability. It is intended for policymakers, regional stakeholders, and international partners invested in Somalia’s democratic future.
WDM 