IGAD has urged Somalia’s federal government, opposition groups and federal member states to pursue inclusive dialogue and reach broad political agreement on the country’s electoral process.
The call came during the 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers, held in Djibouti on Tuesday, September 15, where regional foreign ministers and representatives discussed political and security developments across the Horn of Africa.
In its communiqué, IGAD reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s democratization efforts and welcomed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening an “all-inclusive and broad participatory electoral system.” The regional bloc also reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence.
The statement comes as Somalia remains divided over the way forward for the country’s next elections, with the federal government and several political actors holding differing positions on the electoral model and the political arrangements needed to prepare for the vote.
The federal government has been pushing for a transition toward direct elections, while opposition figures and some federal member states have called for a broader political agreement involving the country’s main political stakeholders before major electoral decisions are implemented.
IGAD has previously urged Somalia’s political actors to resolve their differences through inclusive dialogue and consensus. In June, the regional bloc called on all sides to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful, inclusive and constructive dialogue amid heightened political tensions.
The latest IGAD communiqué also praised efforts by the federal government to advance Somalia’s democratization process, while stressing the importance of an electoral system that is broadly participatory. The statement did not prescribe a specific electoral model, but placed emphasis on inclusivity and wider political participation.
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The issue of elections has become one of the most contentious political questions in Somalia, with disagreements involving the federal government, federal member states and opposition groups. Political consultations have focused on how to establish an electoral framework that can command broad political acceptance and avoid further confrontation.
Beyond the electoral dispute, IGAD expressed continued solidarity with Somalia in its fight against militant groups and commended the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and its troop-contributing countries.
The regional bloc called on the United Nations Security Council and international partners to provide AUSSOM with adequate, predictable and sustainable financing so that the mission can continue carrying out its security mandate.
AUSSOM is supporting Somali security forces as they seek to assume greater responsibility for national security and combat militant groups, including Al-Shabaab.
IGAD’s latest position comes amid broader political and security challenges facing Somalia, where disagreements over elections and relations between the federal government and federal member states have remained central to the country’s political debate.
The regional organization has repeatedly said that dialogue and consensus are important to preserving Somalia’s stability, while reaffirming its readiness to support efforts aimed at strengthening political cooperation and democratic institutions.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
