MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Somali Future Council has formally accepted an invitation by the Federal Government of Somalia to take part in national dialogue talks to be held in Mogadishu, the council said in a statement.
The council said the dialogue sessions would focus on key national issues, particularly disputes surrounding the country’s electoral process, which have fuelled political tensions.
It also called for a halt to amendments to the constitution, arguing that suspending constitutional changes would help ensure the talks lead to a lasting solution based on consensus and mutual agreement.
The move forms part of broader efforts aimed at strengthening political stability, national cohesion and Somalia’s democratic process, the statement said.
Somalia is heading into its sixth cycle of presidential elections since the reconstitution of a United Nations-backed government, continuing a process launched 25 years ago.
While imperfect and indirect, these electoral engagements have facilitated five changes of leaders and parties.
Notwithstanding its ongoing fragility, Somalia’s periodic stocktaking of its national leadership is noteworthy, given that the country was long considered a failed state.
