(12-07-23) MOGADISHU – Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, opened a two-day meeting with former leaders and politicians of the country in Mogadishu on Wednesday. This first-of-its-kind gathering aims to discuss the nation’s political and security landscape, said Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweys.
The conference, representing a milestone in Somalia’s political evolution, was initiated to implement a consultation-based policy, drawing on perspectives from all sectors of society. This method, as per Minister Aweys, is crucial for deliberating on Somalia’s significant issues concerning government building and national rescue efforts from past turmoil.
“These discussions are centred around a shared vision for government building, combating corruption, enhancing security, and restructuring Somalia’s economy. Our goal is a developed, peaceful nation,” Minister Aweys stated, emphasising the meeting’s impact on the future of the Somali people.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, took to social media platform Twitter today to share insights about the historic meeting with the country’s former political leaders and actors. “Today I have chaired a consultation meeting with Somalia’s former political leaders and actors to discuss the future direction of our country. I thank them for their participation in this important meeting and I look forward to positive discussions,” tweeted the President.
This assembly takes place against a backdrop of persistent military operations against Al-Shabaab and controversy surrounding the previous National Consultative Council (NCC) convening in Mogadishu. The previous NCC gathering resulted in significant resolutions, including the implementation of universal suffrage elections and amendments to the nation’s governing structure. Critics of the NCC’s outcomes have expressed concerns, thereby accentuating the importance of the current meeting and its potential to navigate Somalia’s political course.
Given the significance of these consultations, all eyes are set on Mogadishu, as decisions taken during this conference are likely to shape the nation’s political and economic direction in the years to come.
