Somalia president opens forum boycotted by opposition, federal states

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday opened a national dialogue conference in Mogadishu, despite a boycott by key opposition leaders and two influential federal member states.

Puntland and Jubaland, along with several prominent opposition figures, declined to attend the talks, citing a lack of transparency and an unclear agenda on divisive issues such as elections and constitutional amendments.

The forum, designed to bring together political stakeholders for national dialogue, was held at a hotel inside the heavily fortified Mogadishu airport zone. It drew attendance from several pro-government groups and allies of the president.

In his opening remarks, Mohamud said the talks were an important opportunity to build consensus and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive dialogue on Somalia’s future.

The conference began a day later than scheduled. A second round of discussions is set for June 22, but it remains unclear if leaders from all federal member states will participate.

GAROWE ONLINE