Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has renewed his offer of talks with opposition leaders, defended recent direct elections and said more than one million people had voted in polls across parts of the country.
In a televised address to the nation, Mohamud discussed security gains, the expansion of democratic governance and efforts to introduce direct elections, saying recent polls in South West, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and the Banadir region had taken place peacefully.
He described the elections as a success for the Somali people and said more than one million people had participated in direct voting, which allows citizens to choose their representatives rather than relying on indirect electoral arrangements.
"The elections held in the country took place peacefully, and they are a success in which the Somali people participated," Mohamud said.
The president presented the votes as progress towards strengthening democratic institutions in a country that has relied heavily on clan-based indirect elections for decades.
However, Somalia's electoral process remains politically contentious, with disagreements over constitutional changes, the timing and format of future elections, and the distribution of political authority continuing to divide the government and opposition groups.
Mohamud used Sunday's address to reiterate that his administration was willing to engage with political opponents, including those who disagree with its policies and approach to the country's future.
"Political dialogue and national consensus are a path to progress, but they are not an endpoint; they are an ongoing process under all circumstances," he said.
"I therefore want to assure the Somali people and the international community that the door to dialogue is always open, whatever the circumstances."
The president said the government was prepared to listen to alternative views and discuss issues of national importance with political actors who hold differing positions.
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"We are ready to speak with anyone who has a different opinion from ours, listen to their advice and discuss the country's critical issues," he added.
The renewed appeal comes amid persistent political divisions between the federal government and opposition leaders, with previous rounds of negotiations failing to produce a lasting agreement.
The dispute has raised concerns about the country's political direction as Somalia seeks to consolidate its federal institutions, strengthen security and establish a more predictable electoral system.
The government has promoted direct elections as a key element of its democratic reform agenda. Opposition figures, however, have raised objections to aspects of the political process and called for broader agreement on decisions affecting the country's constitutional and electoral future.
Somalia continues to face major security challenges, including an insurgency by Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked armed group that has carried out attacks against government institutions, security forces and civilians.
The president's address sought to highlight progress on elections while keeping open the possibility of renewed negotiations with political opponents.
It remained unclear whether the latest appeal would lead to a new round of substantive talks or bridge the differences that have undermined earlier negotiations.
The coming weeks are likely to be important in determining whether the government and opposition can find common ground on the country's political roadmap.
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.
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