By Zamzam Daqare - Reporter
Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Participants at the Somali government’s National Dialogue Forum, held in Mogadishu from June 16 to 19, 2025, have called for a fresh round of discussions on constitutional amendments made in 2024.
The forum, which gathered political leaders, stakeholders, and civil society representatives, emphasized the need for broader consensus on the four chapters of the Constitution amended by Parliament last year. These revisions include provisions regarding direct elections, the president’s authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister, and the limitation of political parties to three.
According to the official communique, participants underscored the importance of continuing the constitutional reform process and called for the reopening of debates on the amended chapters. The forum stated: “The forum stressed that the protection and strengthening of the unity and cohesion of the Somali people is paramount,” emphasizing national unity.
A significant portion of the discussions centered on the electoral system, with a firm rejection of the indirect election model that has been in place for decades. The communique clearly stated: “The forum called for the resumption of discussions between the Federal Government and stakeholders,” further confirming the strong desire for popular elections.
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Participants affirmed: “There must be no return to the indirect electoral system” and endorsed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s proposal for direct, one-person-one-vote elections, which they hope to implement as soon as next year.
The forum concluded with a call to all political actors to engage constructively in the ongoing reform process. The goal, as articulated in the communique, is to “strengthen national unity and ensure that the constitutional amendments reflect the aspirations of all Somalis,” paving the way for greater stability and prosperity.
As Somalia moves closer to these pivotal decisions, experts are closely watching how political factions will navigate these constitutional challenges, with hopes for a peaceful and democratic future in sight.
