Djibouti City – At the 25th anniversary of the historic Arta Peace Conference in Djibouti, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivered a powerful and forward-looking message — one that resonated deeply with both nostalgia and renewed hope for Somalia’s political future.
“Somalia is ready to move beyond the politics of clan and personality. We want to fulfill the promise we made: to finalize our provisional constitution and hold ‘One Person, One Vote’ elections,” President Mohamud declared, drawing applause from dignitaries, former leaders, and regional partners in attendance.
The Arta Conference, held in 2000, marked a pivotal moment in Somalia’s modern history — the first major peace process that brought together Somali factions, elders, and civil society after nearly a decade of state collapse. It laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Transitional National Government, a precursor to today’s Federal Republic.
Two and a half decades later, President Mohamud’s speech invoked the same spirit of national renewal, but with a sharper focus on completing unfinished state-building tasks.
“The dream that began in Arta is not yet fully realized. But today, we have the strength, the institutions, and the unity to finish what was started,” he said.
The president’s remarks come at a time when Somalia is working to complete the review of its provisional constitution — a foundational step toward institutionalizing a system of governance rooted in equality and democracy rather than clan representation. The government has repeatedly emphasized that the upcoming political transition will prioritize universal suffrage, signaling a decisive break from the power-sharing formulas that have dominated Somali politics for decades.
Attendees at the commemoration included regional leaders, former Somali prime ministers and speakers of parliament, as well as representatives from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Many hailed the event as both a reflection on how far Somalia has come and a reminder of the work still ahead.
For President Mohamud, whose administration has been vocal about advancing political reforms, the anniversary was more than ceremonial. It was a reaffirmation of a national covenant — to heal old divisions and build a state that belongs to all Somalis, regardless of clan or background.
As the commemorations concluded, one message stood out clearly: Somalia is ready to turn the page on its old political narratives — and write a new chapter defined by unity, accountability, and the power of the people’s vote.