Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has welcomed ongoing political discussions and consultations in Mogadishu, expressing hope that they will lead to “a good agreement that everyone can accept”.
“I commend the political dialogue and consultations being led by the government, which have been taking place in Mogadishu in recent days,” Barre said, adding that ministers had been meeting with Somali politicians, particularly former leaders and other senior figures, to discuss political issues, especially matters relating to elections.
“We are committed to pursuing politics through peaceful dialogue, consensus and mutual understanding, while ensuring that the Somali people freely choose their own leaders,” the prime minister said.
Barre said the government remained hopeful that wider political consensus would continue to grow, adding: “God willing, I hope others will continue to share this understanding, just as they are beginning to do now.”
He also welcomed what he described as growing agreement on reforms to Somalia’s political system, saying it should be built on a foundation that serves the Somali people.
“It is the people who must be consulted, and it is they who should have the final say,” he said. “Political power should not be taken away from the Somali people, but should instead be left to them to choose those who will govern them.”
Since the beginning of July, Türkiye has played an active role in facilitating and sustaining dialogue between Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups during a period of debate over constitutional amendments and the future electoral system.
The opposition representatives involved in the discussions include the Somali Future Council, the Nabad iyo Nolol political movement of former president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, and the Somali Unity Council.
Barre said the government was prepared to continue negotiations to resolve the remaining issues, particularly technical matters, and reach a lasting political settlement.
“We are fully prepared to continue this work in the best possible way, without interruption or being diverted from the path ahead,” he said.
He called on opposition politicians to cooperate with the government on two national priorities. The first, he said, was to unite efforts to defeat the Al Shabaab terrorist group and restore security so that Somalis could live in peace.
According to Barre, the second priority was protecting Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, with Barre expressing hope that political actors would work together to safeguard the country’s cohesion.
The prime minister said he remained optimistic about Somalia’s future, acknowledging the challenges facing the country while highlighting opportunities to advance stability, political consensus and development.
