Editorial: A Posed Image Is Not Somali Unity

Editorial- Today, a political conference opened in Mogadishu, bringing together leaders from the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States of South West, Galmudug, HirShabelle, the Banadir region, and the newly recognized SSC-Khaatumo administration. This raises immediate questions: What is the purpose of the gathering, who is missing, and what can realistically be expected from it?

Before answering those questions, one cannot ignore the conspicuous absence of two major federal member states: Puntland and Jubaland. Puntland has explicitly rejected the legitimacy of the National Consultative Council (NCC), stating that this forum lacks constitutional authority and fails to include crucial agenda items—especially discussions on unlawful interference in the country’s constitution. Jubaland, on the other hand, withdrew (NCC) after Villa Somalia allegedly attempted to offer its president an unconstitutional term extension.

So, what exactly is this gathering? Is it a genuine attempt at national unity, or a carefully curated political event designed to serve the narrow interests of Villa Somalia?

The timing of the meeting itself raises serious concerns. It is taking place amid an escalation in conflict in the Middle Shabelle region, where Al-Shabaab militants have recently seized new territories. Meanwhile, Somalia’s Federal Parliament is in turmoil, with bitter lower disputes over the leadership of the Upper House, which many argue has now become an extension of Villa Somalia.

From an international standpoint, this is not the inclusive summit that Somalia’s international partners have been urging. Those partners, who remain the backbone of the federal government’s legitimacy and support, have consistently called for a comprehensive conference involving all federal member states, opposition actors, and other key political stakeholders to unite against the growing Al-Shabaab threat. Instead, what is unfolding in Mogadishu appears to be a performance meant to impress external allies while signaling internal divisions by sidelining major regions of the country.

The inclusion of the newly formed SSC-Khaatumo administration has also drawn attention. While Villa Somalia presents this as a move in response to the will of the local population, questions remain: Is the federal government truly seeking a lasting political solution for Somali unity, or is it attempting to use SSC-Khaatumo as a pressure card against Puntland? If Villa Somalia sees SSC as a tool to create friction between two historically connected communities—Puntland and SSC—then this maneuver may become the final blow to any remaining hope of Somali reconciliation.

Moreover, the presidents of Galmudug, South West, and HirShabelle are attending the conference under term extensions orchestrated by Villa Somalia. This calls into question their legitimacy and weakens the impartiality and representative power of the federal member states. How can a genuine political agreement be reached when the table is filled with unmandated actors?

Lastly, it is widely speculated that Villa Somalia intends to announce the creation of a new political party during this conference—one that would serve as a vehicle to push through controversial constitutional amendments. Yet rather than fostering Somali unity, such a move is likely to deepen political divisions and undermine what little cohesion remains in the federal system.

Without unity, the existence of the Somali state remains in jeopardy — and the country continues to suffer under a cycle of political theatrics.

This editorial represents the opinion of the Garowe Online Editorial Board. It reflects the board’s analysis and perspective, not that of any individual reporter.