Mogadishu — Somalia has taken a significant step toward formalizing the role of traditional leaders in national governance and conflict resolution after the Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation, H.E. 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 how to solidify 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.
Hosh emphasized that traditional leadership has been the backbone of Somalia’s social fabric for generations. “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,” he stated.
Participants discussed mechanisms to better integrate elders into federal and regional decision-making processes, particularly in mediating inter-clan tensions, preventing violent conflicts, and supporting reconciliation between communities affected by decades of unrest.
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.
Elders at the meeting welcomed the initiative, noting that their contribution to nation-building has often been undervalued despite their critical role in past peace processes. “A nation without its elders is like a tree without roots,” said one elder, urging the government to ensure that the policy is backed by practical implementation rather than symbolism.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continued dialogue, with further consultations expected before the policy is presented to the Cabinet for approval.
If adopted, the National Traditional Elders Policy could become a cornerstone of Somalia’s reconciliation architecture — blending ancestral wisdom with modern state-building efforts to secure lasting peace and unity.