Mogadishu, Somalia – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has fiercely criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s proposed national dialogue initiative, calling it “exclusionary” and warning it threatens to destabilize the country.
In a statement issued Thursday, Farmaajo accused the current administration of pursuing a unilateral political agenda that sidelines key stakeholders and undermines national unity.
He expressed grave concern over ongoing constitutional amendments and the rollout of an electoral process without broad consensus.
“These actions risk plunging Somalia into deeper political turmoil,” Farmaajo cautioned. “A national dialogue must be inclusive, transparent, and rooted in consensus—not imposed from above.”
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions as President Hassan pushes forward with reforms he says are necessary to stabilize and rebuild the nation. However, opposition voices argue the process lacks legitimacy without wider consultation.
Farmaajo’s statement adds pressure to an already fragile political environment, with many calling for renewed efforts to foster inclusive dialogue and avert further division.