Caaqil News - A major political conference led by opposition figures in Somalia entered its second day today, as politicians, civil society members, and media representatives gathered at the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu. The meeting, which began yesterday, comes at a critical time for the country, with rising political uncertainty and fears of a potential constitutional crisis.
The conference aims to foster national dialogue, address growing concerns over the current administration's commitment to democratic norms, and forge a unified opposition stance against any perceived attempts to extend the president's term without broad consensus.
A Crucial Gathering During a Time of Political Uncertainty
The meeting, described by organizers as a rescue mission for Somalia’s fragile democracy, was called in response to what many opposition leaders view as an increasing concentration of power in the hands of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“We are witnessing a concerning trend,” said former presidential candidate and opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame. “The country is in a state of political limbo. Our objective here is to prevent Somalia from descending into further instability during this transitional period.”
He made the remarks in a post on social media, where he emphasized the importance of wide-ranging consultations. “On the second day, we are engaged in discussions with diverse segments of society. Today, we consulted with independent media representatives to assess the national situation and explore solutions to the current political impasse.”
Wider Participation: Civil Society and Media Invited
In contrast to the first day, today’s session featured participation from new invitees, including civil society organizations and directors of independent media outlets. Their inclusion is viewed as a strategic move to broaden the scope of the dialogue and integrate more voices into the political discourse.
The decision to involve these groups signals a shift toward a more inclusive dialogue. Participants emphasized the need to protect the gains made in press freedom, human rights, and democratic governance over the past decade.
One civil society participant remarked, “It is critical that citizens have a say in the direction of this country. Political leaders cannot continue to make closed-door decisions that affect millions of lives.”
The role of the media was also a key focus of today’s discussions. Journalists expressed concern about increasing restrictions and pressures from both state and non-state actors. The opposition leaders reassured the media community of their commitment to protecting freedom of expression and promoting transparency.
Backdrop: Fears of Term Extension and Political Manipulation
Opposition leaders have made it clear that the primary motivation behind the conference is to oppose any potential term extension by the current administration. They suspect that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud may attempt to delay elections or manipulate electoral processes in a way that favors his political faction.
Rumors about a possible term extension have been circulating for months, especially amid delays in preparations for the next round of elections and recent political appointments viewed by critics as designed to consolidate power.
In their opening remarks, several opposition politicians stressed that they are not against the president per se, but against any move that threatens the constitutional order. They argue that such a move would plunge Somalia into renewed political crisis and possibly spark civil unrest.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who is also attending the conference, warned: “Somalia’s democratic experiment is at a tipping point. If we do not act now, we risk undoing all the progress made in the past decade.”
Main Agenda Items Under Discussion
The discussions over the past two days have revolved around several key agenda items:
1. Safeguarding the Electoral Process – Ensuring that upcoming elections are free, fair, and transparent. There is widespread demand for the establishment of an impartial electoral commission and an agreed-upon electoral calendar.
2. Rejecting Term Extensions – A unified stance against any constitutional manipulation or illegal term extension by the sitting president or parliament.
3. Promoting National Unity – Preventing political fragmentation by engaging with all major stakeholders, including federal member states and civil society.
4. Upholding Press Freedom – Protecting independent journalism and ensuring access to information for all citizens.
5. Request for International Support – Calling upon the international community, including the African Union, UN, and Western partners, to play a more active role in ensuring political stability and democratic governance.
Sources close to the conference organizers have indicated that a final communiqué will be released tomorrow. The document is expected to reflect the collective demands and proposals of the opposition and their allies.
Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The Somali public has been closely watching developments from the Jazeera Hotel. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, Somalis have been sharing opinions, videos, and commentaries about the conference.
Supporters of the opposition view the meeting as a much-needed counterbalance to what they see as an increasingly authoritarian administration. “This is our last chance to stop the democratic backslide,” one social media user wrote.
However, critics argue that the opposition has not clearly articulated an alternative vision and accuse them of playing political games for personal gain. “We want solutions, not more political drama,” another user commented.
Regional and International Interest
The conference has not gone unnoticed by Somalia’s international partners. Diplomatic sources indicate that representatives from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), the African Union, and the European Union have been monitoring the discussions.
Though no foreign diplomats were invited to the conference, reports suggest that some embassies have requested briefings from key opposition figures once the final declaration is made public.
A Western diplomat, speaking anonymously, noted: “Somalia’s stability is vital for regional security. We hope all stakeholders, including the opposition, work toward peaceful dialogue and legal solutions.”
What Comes Next: The Final Declaration and Potential Consequences
The political significance of the final communiqué expected tomorrow cannot be overstated. Observers believe it will serve as a litmus test for the opposition’s ability to unite under a single banner and present a credible challenge to the current administration.
- Potential points to be included in the communiqué may involve:
- A direct call for the president to commit publicly to not seeking a term extension.
- Proposals for an all-party national consultative forum on electoral issues.
- Threats of civil disobedience or mass protests if democratic norms are undermined.
- An appeal to the international community for oversight and mediation.
How the government will respond to the communiqué remains unclear. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has so far not commented directly on the conference, though aides have previously dismissed similar opposition gatherings as political theatrics.
Yet, with Somalia’s fragile political fabric under strain and international patience wearing thin, any miscalculation could prove costly for both sides.
Conclusion: Somalia at a Crossroads
As Somalia continues its journey toward rebuilding democratic institutions after decades of conflict and instability, the actions of its political class in the coming weeks will be critical.
The opposition conference in Mogadishu marks a serious attempt to recalibrate the political narrative and reassert democratic checks and balances. Whether this effort will succeed in halting any drift toward autocracy or merely serve as another chapter in Somalia’s turbulent politics remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that the country’s future is being negotiated not just in government halls but in hotels, media studios, and among the people themselves. In this critical moment, the voices rising from the Jazeera Hotel may well shape the political future of Somalia.
