OPINION | From Dialogue to Destiny: Somalia’s Journey Rekindled in Arta

Abdirahman Jeylani Mohamed is the Director of Arlaadi Media Network, a foreign policy journalist, and communications specialist.

In the tranquil city of Arta, Djibouti, two leaders — President Ismail Omar Guelleh and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud — stood side by side on Thursday (30 October 2025) to inaugurate the Memorial of Peace, a monument marking twenty-five years since the 2000 Arta Peace Conference.

What unfolded was more than a ceremonial unveiling. It was a moment of reflection—on how far Somalia has come, and how far it still must go. For some, Arta25 symbolized continuity, friendship, and hope; for others, it stirred memories of promises yet unfulfilled and the complex reality of rebuilding a fractured nation.

A Monument Revisited

The Memorial of Peace in Arta City stands as a tribute to a pivotal moment in Somali history— the 2000 peace conference that rekindled national dialogue after nearly a decade of civil war. It was in Arta where Somalis, weary from conflict, came together under Djibouti’s mediation to envision a new beginning. The outcome was the Transitional National Government (TNG)—the foundation of Somalia’s modern political order.

For many Somalis, that conference marked the rebirth of their nation. It was the moment when dialogue triumphed over division, and the world witnessed regional diplomacy at its finest.

Yet even as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and President Ismail Omar Guelleh cut the ribbon at the new memorial, voices within Somalia reminded the nation that the ideals of Arta—unity, inclusion, and accountability—remain works in progress.

A Tribute of Gratitude and Enduring Friendship

During the ceremony, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud conferred upon his Djiboutian counterpart the National Honor Medal, one of Somalia’s most esteemed decorations. The gesture, widely praised across political lines, was an acknowledgment of Djibouti’s steadfast solidarity throughout Somalia’s turbulent decades.

“The people of Djibouti do not want wealth, property, or land from us,” President Hassan Sheikh declared with emotion. “The greatest reward we can give for their sacrifice is to achieve the strong, unified Somali nation they championed for us.”

His words captured the deep fraternity between the two nations—neighbors bound by language, blood, and mutual destiny. Supporters of the Somali government saw in his speech a renewed diplomatic maturity, a sign that Somalia is repositioning itself on a path of unity and respect within the Horn of Africa.

The Call for Institutional Renewal

In his remarks, President Hassan Sheikh also struck a reformist tone, urging Somalia to rise above clan-based politics and personality-driven governance.

“We must move beyond politics based on personality and clan,” he said. “A person is not permanent, but political institutions are.”

To his supporters, these words echoed the spirit of Arta—a call for institutional continuity over transient power struggles. They interpreted his message as an effort to move the nation toward the long-promised ‘One Person, One Vote’ elections, signaling a transition from compromise politics to democratic legitimacy.

However, opposition figures and independent analysts voiced a more measured view. They welcomed the rhetoric but questioned its implementation, noting that progress on electoral reforms and constitutional completion has been slow.

“Symbolism is powerful,” remarked one opposition lawmaker. “But symbolism must lead to substance. The unity and democracy Arta promised cannot survive without genuine inclusion and fairness in political practice.”

Guelleh’s Reflections: A Diplomat’s Legacy

President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Djibouti’s long-serving leader and architect of the original Arta Conference, reflected on the tireless diplomacy that brought Somali leaders together twenty-five years ago. His recollection of “night and day” efforts painted a picture of persistence and hope.

He concluded with a poetic verse that carried the weight of both nostalgia and optimism:“Waa baa beryey bilicsan, arooryo bahsan baa," meaning "A beautiful new day has dawned, a promising morning".

For many, Guelleh’s words represented Djibouti’s enduring faith in Somalia’s recovery. Yet others noted the subtle reminder that, while external support is invaluable, Somalia’s future must ultimately be shaped by its own political will and internal consensus.

A Legacy Still in Motion

The Arta Peace Conference remains one of the most significant moments in Somalia’s modern story. Emerging from the ashes of state collapse, it gave rise to the Transitional National Government, marking the start of the Third Republic—an era characterized by reconstruction and federal dialogue.

From independence in 1960 to military rule (1969–1991), and then to a decade of collapse, Somalia’s journey has been long and uneven. Arta symbolized a turning point—but the ideals it fostered, particularly inclusion and national reconciliation, continue to challenge every Somali administration since.

While supporters of the current government see Arta25 as a reaffirmation of those ideals, opposition voices caution against political complacency. They stress that for the Arta vision to be truly honored, Somalia must embrace dissent as part of its democratic evolution—not as a threat, but as a necessary partner in reform.

A Shared Horizon for the Horn

Beyond domestic politics, the ceremony in Arta carried a larger message for the region. The image of two presidents standing together was a visual reminder that peace in one nation strengthens stability in all.

Djibouti’s continued engagement reflects a regional philosophy of partnership and peace-building that remains essential in a turbulent Horn of Africa. For Somalia, that partnership offers both reassurance and responsibility—to show the world that its reconciliation is not a temporary truce but a sustained transformation.

A Promise Remembered—and Renewed

Twenty-five years after the first Arta talks, Somalia once again finds itself at a crossroads. With functioning institutions, growing diplomacy, and a renewed sense of purpose, the nation stands poised to advance—but it must also confront the shadows of exclusion and political mistrust that linger.

As one civil society leader put it: “Arta was not just about ending war—it was about building trust. We must not lose that lesson.”

President Hassan Sheikh’s words echoed that very sentiment. Somalia, he said, owes its neighbors not merely gratitude, but the realization of the vision they once helped nurture: a united, stable, and democratic Somalia.

And as President Guelleh’s poetic refrain reminded the gathering:“A beautiful new day has dawned, a promising morning.” Nevertheless, for both nations — and for the wider Horn of Africa —Arta25 was not only a commemoration of peace past, but a challenge to keep that peace alive.

The author is Abdirahman Jeylani Mohamed, the Director of Arlaadi Media Network, a foreign policy journalist, and communications specialist.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Garowe Online's editorial policy.