Oslo, Norway – In Oslo, Somali scholar and reform advocate Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow met with Norway’s Special Envoy to Somalia, Einar Rystad, and Narve Nub Kveseth, Somalia’s focal point at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a meeting that underscored the need for a new approach to rebuilding the Somali state. Said Maad of NOREAF also attended the discussions.
Dr. Baadiyow, a co-founder of Mogadishu University and one of Somalia’s most respected intellectuals, used the occasion to present his latest book, Somalia: A State in Search of Exceptional Leadership. The book examines the country’s complex political journey and argues that Somalia’s recovery has been hindered by the importation of a Western-developed state model that does not fit the nation’s historical, social, and cultural realities.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Baadiyow emphasized that the time had come to move beyond foreign-imposed frameworks and instead develop a Somali-led vision of governance rooted in local values, Islamic ethics, and inclusive leadership.
“Somalia’s state-building process cannot succeed through borrowed models. Our solutions must grow from within—based on our traditions, our people, and our shared aspirations for justice and progress,” he said.
The Norwegian officials expressed appreciation for Dr. Baadiyow’s insights, noting Norway’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s peace and development efforts. The exchange reflected a growing recognition among international partners that sustainable governance in Somalia must emerge from indigenous approaches that genuinely reflect Somali society’s character and resilience.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding that intellectual engagement and dialogue remain essential to charting a more authentic and sustainable path for Somalia’s future.