I am ready for dialogue, says Somalia President

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says he is ready for dialogue regarding the standoff surrounding the model of elections, among other topical issues, arguing that both political and community leadership are welcome for the engagement.

Also to be included in the dialogue, he said, will be the strategies in the fight against terrorism in Somalia, which has greatly impeded economic development and political stability in the Horn of Africa nation, which is struggling with instability.

The president, however, maintained his stance in the fight for universal suffrage, arguing that Somalia ought to embrace democracy and federalism, tipping his support for constitutional changes in the country.

"I will engage in dialogue with political leaders and the community leaders to ensure their perspectives are included in the fight against terrorism and in building a modern state based on democracy, a federal system, and the constitution," he said.

The opposition has accused the outgoing President of pushing for an inconclusive election in 2026 aimed at securing a victory for his party. But Hassan Sheikh maintains that he is only interested in shaping democracy in the country.

The change of stand is probably guided by external and domestic pressure, forcing Hassan Sheikh, the country’s political and civil society leaders, on June 15 in Mogadishu. Following criticism by the opposition over a lack of inclusivity in the political process, with elections approaching next year, the international community has also voiced their concerns.

Al-Shabaab have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but efforts from the international community and local military have managed to secure many strategic towns that had been taken over by the militants.

GAROWE ONLINE