Somali president invites Federal Member State leaders to National Consultative Forum

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially invited the leaders of the Federal Member States to attend the upcoming National Consultative Forum in Mogadishu, scheduled for 1–2 May, as political tensions persist between the federal government and some regional administrations.

Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, said in a statement that the invitation follows the president’s 31 March call for unity and national dialogue, aimed at addressing Somalia’s most pressing challenges, including the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab and the completion of state-building efforts.

The statement added that the forum will serve as a key platform to reinforce national cohesion and boost joint operations against armed groups across the country.

“The Federal Government of Somalia reaffirms its commitment to ensuring Somali national interests through consultation, cooperation and collaboration, with top priorities including the liberation of remaining areas under armed group control, completion of state-building, and national development,” the statement read.

President Mohamud is also expected to consult with elders and representatives of civil society, the statement added.

However, it remains unclear whether the presidents of Puntland and Jubaland, who have severed ties with the federal government, are among those expected to attend.

Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe had previously welcomed the idea of a national consultation process when it was proposed in March. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has yet to publicly respond, although his regional information minister recently stated that Puntland is focused on operations against the ISIS-Somalia faction and cannot participate in any such forum at this time.

Local media have reported that President Mohamud has come under mounting pressure from international partners to convene political stakeholders and address deepening divisions within the federal system.

The statement made no mention of opposition politicians, instead focusing on broader public engagement, including planned meetings with traditional leaders and community representatives.