In a televised address from Villa Somalia on Saturday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced a national dialogue on counterterrorism, inviting political and community leaders to contribute to Somalia’s strategy for eradicating terrorism. This initiative aims to unify military efforts against the al-Qaeda-linked group, Al-Shabaab, and bridge political divisions within the country.
In his Eid al-Adha address on June 28, 2023, President Mohamud emphasized the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and corruption. He called upon community leaders to stand against those undermining Somalia’s stability and security through such activities.
President Mohamud has previously expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with Al-Shabaab. During a debate in Oslo, Norway, he stated, “We believe that the end game of Al-Shabaab is negotiations when they are ready. We were ready yesterday and tomorrow, we still hope they will be ready for that.” This reflects a strategic shift towards exploring peaceful resolutions alongside military efforts.
However, in a speech to a joint parliamentary session on November 26, 2023, President Mohamud ruled out any dialogue with Al-Shabaab, emphasizing the government’s commitment to defeating the group militarily. He highlighted significant victories against Al-Shabaab, reclaiming many territories previously under their control.
This national dialogue initiative aligns with Somalia’s broader strategy to combat terrorism through a comprehensive approach that includes military action, political engagement, and efforts to address the root causes of extremism. By involving diverse political and community leaders, the government seeks to foster unity and develop effective strategies to eradicate terrorism from the country.
The announcement also comes amid evolving regional dynamics, including the United Nations’ authorization of a new mission to support Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab. This mission aims to deploy up to 12,626 personnel, replacing the previous African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with a more streamlined operation.
Additionally, Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations after a year-long rift, a development that could have implications for regional security cooperation against militant groups. The reconciliation was facilitated by Turkey’s mediation, resulting in the Ankara declaration where both nations pledged to resolve differences through dialogue.