Djibouti, 30 October 2025 — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has praised Djibouti’s leadership under President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh for its pivotal role in restoring Somalia’s unity and rebuilding state institutions after years of conflict.
Sharif made the remarks on Thursday during the inauguration of the Arta Peace Memorial in Djibouti City, marking 25 years since the 2000 Arta Peace Conference.
The Conference is significant in Somalia's history as it laid the groundwork for the county's return to governance after nearly a decade of civil war.
The former president said it was “a great honour and privilege” to attend the commemoration, adding that Djibouti’s mediation “stopped the bloodshed and revived Somalia’s statehood.”
Sharif expressed deep gratitude to President Guelleh and the people of Djibouti for “standing with the Somali people when they most needed support.”
Sharif, who was elected President of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government in Djibouti in 2009, said the Arta process marked “a turning point” for Somalia’s political recovery.
He noted that it led to the drafting of a national constitution, the holding of elections, and a peaceful transfer of power to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud — milestones that, he said, “reflect the enduring legacy of Djibouti’s mediation.”
“Djibouti’s efforts in bringing Somalis together for peace and reconciliation will never be forgotten,” Sharif said, expressing hope for “a united, peaceful, and prosperous Somalia free from extremism.”
The Arta Peace Conference, convened in 2000 under the auspices of President Guelleh , led to the creation of the Transitional National Government (TNG) — Somalia’s first central authority since 1991 — setting the foundation for future reconciliation and state-building efforts.
