MOGADISHU — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has emphasized the need for traditional elders to play a more significant role in fostering unity and reconciliation, during a gathering with Puntland representatives at the presidential palace in the capital.
Addressing attendees at Villa Somalia, the president highlighted that elders continue to be pivotal in peace initiatives and community involvement, stressing the importance of enhanced collaboration between customary leaders and governmental bodies to address regional issues.
Government Commitment to Partnership
The head of state affirmed that his administration is dedicated to partnering with elders to reinforce peace-building processes, enhance public services, and maintain stability throughout the nation.
The president indicated that continuous partnership with traditional governance frameworks would be essential in building confidence between local communities and the central government, especially in areas experiencing political and security difficulties.
Elder participants in the meeting voiced their willingness to contribute to nationwide initiatives focused on solidifying peace and promoting developmental progress.
Federal Efforts to Formalize Traditional Leadership
The meeting aligns with broader federal efforts to institutionalize the role of traditional leaders in national governance. In September 2025, the Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, chaired a high-level consultative meeting with prominent clan elders on the proposed National Traditional Elders Policy.
Held in Mogadishu, the meeting brought together influential elders from across the Federal Member States to deliberate on solidifying their longstanding role in reconciliation, peacebuilding, and local administration. The discussions centered on establishing a unified framework that recognizes elders as key partners in governance and community stabilization.
“Our elders have always been the first responders in resolving disputes and maintaining peace at the grassroots level. This policy seeks to honor that legacy by providing them with formal recognition and support,” Minister Hosh stated at the time.
The policy aims to standardize how elders are selected, consulted, and empowered — ensuring transparency while preserving cultural authenticity. It also proposes capacity-building programs to equip elders with tools to navigate modern governance challenges without undermining traditional authority.
President’s Engagement with Traditional Leaders in Baidoa
The comprehensive dialogue was dedicated to enhancing regional peace, community reconciliation, and robust governance. Key agenda items included reinforcing the nationwide democratization process, coordinating vital logistics to tackle the persistent drought crisis, and vigorously promoting localized state-building initiatives.
During his address in Baidoa, the president heavily stressed the absolute importance of traditional leaders maintaining active involvement in Somalia’s historic transition to a “one-person, one-vote” electoral system. He formally praised the elders for their vital historical role in maintaining community unity, mediating localized conflicts, and consistently supporting the expansion of national governance.
Prime Minister’s Engagement with Traditional Leaders
In January 2026, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre held a high-level meeting with traditional elders in Las Anod, the administrative capital of the newly recognized North Eastern State.
During that session, Prime Minister Barre expressed gratitude to the traditional leaders for their crucial role in peacebuilding, particularly in resolving inter-clan conflicts across the nation. He emphasized their historical function in enhancing social cohesion and sustainable peace among Somalis.
“Traditional elders and intellectuals carry both religious and constitutional duties to protect peace, maintain national unity, and address conflicts arising from clan divisions,” the Prime Minister stated.
Minister Hosh’s Engagement with Traditional Leaders
In January 2026, Minister Hosh paid a courtesy visit to the residence of Sultan Said Mohamed Garase in Las Anod, accompanied by a high-level security and political delegation including the Commissioner of the Somali Police Force, General Asad Osman Abdullahi (Diyaano).
The visit was viewed as part of broader efforts to promote reconciliation and deepen federal cooperation with local communities, with engaging influential elders described as a key component of the Federal Government’s strategy to ensure social cohesion and recognize the role of cultural leadership in the nation-building process.
Reconciliation Efforts in Wanlaweyn
In November 2025, Minister Hosh convened a meeting with traditional elders and political leaders from Wanlaweyn district to address ongoing clan tensions that had disrupted local communities and hindered social cohesion.
During the discussions, participants explored avenues for reconciliation, focusing on restoring trust among rival clans and establishing mechanisms to prevent future conflicts. The minister emphasized the importance of dialogue, local leadership, and community-driven solutions in achieving lasting peace.
Political Context and Challenges
This dialogue occurs as Somalia continues to manage persistent political conflicts and security concerns, with the government progressively depending on community-centered strategies to strengthen stability and national unity.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has announced his intention to remain in Mogadishu until the conclusion of President Mohamud’s term, signaling a deepening of the political deadlock regarding the country’s upcoming elections.
Addressing a meeting of the newly formed Somali Future Council, a coalition uniting Puntland and Jubaland leaders with key opposition figures, Deni accused the federal leadership of attempting to monopolize power. The dispute centers largely on the model for the 2026 elections, with opposition groups rejecting the federal government’s push for a “one-person, one-vote” electoral framework without broad political consensus.
Despite these political tensions, the government continues to prioritize engagement with traditional leaders as a cornerstone of its peace-building and state-building strategy.
