Former President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, has issued a strong critique of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s handling of the upcoming National Consultation Forum, which was announced on June 1st.
In his statement, Farmaajo said that the process, the invitees, and the stated agenda all indicate that President Hassan is still avoiding a genuine approach to resolving the country’s ongoing political crisis, especially on critical issues that have caused deep national divisions.
Farmaajo emphasized that decisions affecting the future of the Somali people and the country’s governance system must be addressed through inclusive political consultation involving both the Federal Government and Federal Member States. He warned that President Hassan is continuing on a path of unilateral decision-making, ignoring inclusive national dialogue.
According to Farmaajo, the President’s selective invitation process and the lack of focus on the core political disputes—notably the constitutional amendments and the electoral framework—are clear signs of an impending crisis. He accused President Hassan of planning illegal constitutional changes to the 11 chapters that were previously agreed upon.
He further criticized the implementation of a unilateral electoral process based on laws and electoral commissions formed solely by the president. He expressed concern over what he described as forced voter registration and violations of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Farmaajo concluded by calling on President Hassan to return to the original constitutional framework and to ensure that any national dialogue or decisions with lasting impact be inclusive, involving all levels of government—federal and regional—to safeguard Somalia’s unity and shared governance.