A Somali Civil Society Conference on good governance and political stability concluded in Mogadishu on Wednesday following three days of deliberations from May 3 to 5.
The conference brought together a diverse cross-section of society including scholars, civil society umbrella groups, women, youth, people with disabilities, media representatives, academics and traditional elders. Participants conducted in-depth discussions on the nation’s political landscape with a particular focus on the constitution, electoral processes and national stability.
In a statement at the conference’s conclusion, civil society actors voiced concern over ongoing political disputes warning that continued tensions risk undermining state-building efforts, national unity and citizens’ rights.
They stressed that inclusive and transparent dialogue remains the only viable path toward a sustainable political solution, urging all political stakeholders to work toward a broad national consensus.
Participants also highlighted the importance of implementing a one-person, one-vote electoral system, stressing that the process must be transparent, credible and based on agreement among key actors to secure public trust. Civil society groups further affirmed their readiness to play an active role in facilitating dialogue, building confidence among stakeholders and supporting the delivery of free and fair elections. The call comes shortly after the opposition-aligned Somali Future Council signaled its willingness to join a proposed national dialogue initiated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, albeit under specific conditions related to the electoral process.