The National Dialogue Forum of Somalia has concluded in Mogadishu after four days of intensive discussions focused on unity, peacebuilding, constitutional reform, and democratic transition.

Held at a hotel inside the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp from 16th to 19th June 2025, the forum brought together top leaders from the Federal Government of Somalia, federal member states, civil society, youth groups, religious leaders, political parties, and representatives from federal member states.

The event was spearheaded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who underscored the government’s commitment to dialogue and inclusive governance.

He reaffirmed that the dialogue would remain open and that no one would be excluded from future discussions.

“Whoever tries to fragment Somalia will gain nothing but wasted time, effort, and futile diplomacy… Somalia is a sovereign nation,” President Mohamud warned during the conference.

A Joint Communiqué issued on Friday at the end of the forum outlined four key areas of agreement. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia.

They emphasized the importance of dialogue between the Federal Government and Somaliland to reach a sustainable solution, urging a peaceful path forward that avoids foreign interference or unilateral declarations.

“This forum shows our commitment to hearing different views. Everyone is welcome to help build our governance system,” read in parts a Joint Communique adopted by the participating stakeholders.

The convention largely focused its discussions on national security and counter-terrorism.

The National conference acknowledged the progress made by the Somali National Army (SNA), with support from local communities, in combating terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS, particularly in areas like Galmudug and Puntland.

The communiqué highlighted the need for collective Somali ownership of the fight against extremism. It called for united efforts led by Somali security forces and community-based defense.

Constitutional reforms were discussed as a central priority during the symposium.

The delegates agreed that Somalia’s provisional constitution is a living document and must be open to amendment.

The House of the People, Somalia's Federal Parliament, has passed the amendment of four chapters of the constitution and the rest remain pending.

The officials called for accelerated efforts to finalize the constitution through inclusive dialogue that respects foundational national principles.

The roundtable conference also proposed agreements to clarify the division of power between federal and state governments.

The representatives emphasized the importance of returning to elections, with participants declaring, “No type of indirect election should ever be repeated again.”

They called for “a clear and urgent roadmap toward direct elections across the entire country.”

Drawing lessons from elections held in Puntland and Somaliland, the communiqué called for urgent preparations for local government elections across Somalia as part of the broader transition to democracy.

In a section titled “Call and Appeal,” the forum praised President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for initiating the dialogue and encouraged its continuation.

It urged all Somali political actors, elders, and community leaders to support the national dialogue process and engage in constructive discussions.

“The national agenda must be Somali-owned,” the communiqué stated, adding that peace, stability, and long-term development must be achieved without foreign interference.

The leaders also called on scholars, religious leaders, traditional elders, and civil society groups to play a more active role in public education, conflict resolution, and bridging political divides.

They warned against the misuse of political differences to block humanitarian aid and development projects in communities.

Key opposition figures and some political organizations, such as the Somali Salvation Forum, boycotted the event, citing a lack of transparency and genuine representation.

Dr. Mohamed Adan Koofi, Secretary General of the group, described the forum as a “cosmetic consultation” and accused the government of sidelining critical voices.

Hassan Adan, a communication strategist in Mogadishu, said despite the boycotts, many observers see the forum as a potential turning point.

“It offered a structured platform for dialogue and produced a clear roadmap for Somalia’s next steps,” said Aden.

“But success will depend on the political will to implement the agreements reached and efforts to include those who were absent,” he added.