By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, July 21 2026 – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday urged opposition groups to cooperate with the federal government on electoral reforms, security and national unity, saying progress had been made toward consensus.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the first master's class in Advocacy and Judiciary at the Somali National University, Barre welcomed what he described as growing recognition among political stakeholders that Somalis should determine the country's political system through public participation.
"I am pleased that there is now recognition that the Somali people should not be deprived of their right to choose," the prime minister said.
Barre said he hoped the remaining differences over electoral reforms could be resolved through dialogue and mutual agreement, adding that his government was ready to continue discussions aimed at reaching a consensus.
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He also urged opposition groups to support the government's military campaign against Al-Shabaab, saying national unity was needed to restore security across the country.
"The first issue is to join us in liberating the country from Al-Shabaab so our people can live in peace wherever they are," Barre said. "The second is to join us in defending the unity of the Somali nation."
Somalia has been engaged in political discussions over the country's electoral model, with the federal government advocating broader public participation in elections while opposition groups have called for dialogue and consensus on electoral arrangements. The debate comes as the country continues military operations against Al-Shabaab and prepares for future elections.