Somalia PM Defends Mogadishu Conference Despite Boycotts  

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Despite the absence of key opposition figures and state leaders in the ongoing national consultative forum in Mogadishu, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has termed it ' successful' while ignoring the consequences of the divisions among the political class.

The PM, who hails from Jubaland, called for national unity and reforms, arguing that the country needs to adopt progressive ideas for it to compete globally on matters of democracy and good governance, besides thriving economically.

Hamza Barre, who is the head of government, maintained there is a need for completion of the provisional constitution, adding that state-building and national transformation are priority areas that must be handled with care and commitment.

“Somalia must move toward principled politics, where citizens have the right to vote and be elected,” he said. “This conference is inclusive and represents all parts of society.”

He called on Somalis to stand together against Al-Shabaab and support the country’s journey toward democracy and stability. The al-Shabaab group has made significant gains in central and southern regions, with critics accusing the government of putting more focus on internal politics.

“With one hand we fight to protect our nation; with the other, we build it,” Barre added.

The conference brings together government officials, political leaders, and civil society to discuss national issues and chart a path forward. However, Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe and his Puntland counterpart, Said Abdullahi Deni, are absent.

Opposition leaders led by former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo are missing from action. They asked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to first commit to honesty before the conference.

GAROWE ONLINE