By Sayyid Omar

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA – Former President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, has welcomed the announcement by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud regarding the opening of the Political and Community Leaders Consultative Forum, scheduled for June 15, 2025, emphasizing the importance of Puntland and Jubbaland’s participation.

In an official statement released today, Farmaajo stressed the necessity for all federal member states, particularly Puntland and Jubbaland—which continue to harbor reservations regarding the forum—to fully engage in the consultations in order to achieve fruitful outcomes.

“For this forum to succeed, I reiterate calls for the full participation of the Federal Member States, especially Puntland and Jubbaland who have concerns about the National Consultative Forum,” Farmaajo said.

The federal member states of Puntland and Jubbaland were notably absent from the last National Consultative Forum, amid political disputes with the federal government led by President Hassan.

Farmaajo also urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to reconsider unilateral actions that have triggered political disagreements, including unresolved constitutional issues, incomplete electoral laws, unfinalized committees, and measures undermining the forum.

He warned that such actions jeopardize state-building efforts and cooperation between the federal government and member states.

Farmaajo’s call follows a similar statement from the Somali Consultative Forum, which is comprised of opposition political groups.