By Zakaria Soohoyde

President Hassan Sheikh has declared the end of the traditional era of National Conferences, the primary mechanism historically used to establish and restructure the government. Speaking at the 81st anniversary celebration of the Somali Police Force, President Sheikh emphasized that Somalia has moved beyond the need for these large-scale national gatherings, highlighting the capability of existing governmental institutions to manage crucial state-building processes such as constitutional amendments and the establishment of electoral systems.

“That era is done,” President Sheikh stated firmly to consultation seekers and the broader Somali community. He criticized opposition politicians for their attempts to revive the extensive National Conferences previously held in neighboring countries like Kenya and Djibouti during the early 2000s. “We will no longer take our country’s matters abroad. Our governmental institutions are fully responsible for these tasks. We have rejected negotiating our constitution overseas and will not accept external interference in our electoral processes,” he asserted.

This announcement comes amidst escalating political tensions within Somalia. Recently, two significant regions—Jubaland and Puntland—have cut ties with the Federal Government based in Mogadishu. Jubaland announced its decision in November 2024 due to disagreements over the national electoral process, while Puntland followed in March 2024 over disputes concerning constitutional amendment procedures. Both regions are predominantly inhabited by the Darod clan, exacerbating clan-based conflicts. Additionally, Somaliland continues to remain outside the federal system since its inception, further complicating national unity.

Political analysts have expressed concerns that the Federal Government’s legitimacy is being undermined by the lack of representation for nearly half of Somalia’s population and the fragmentation of its territories. “The absence of representation for a substantial portion of the Somali population and its territories significantly weakens the Federal Government’s legitimacy,” stated a leading political analyst. “It is crucial for the president to engage with the National Consultative Council to promote inclusive and constructive dialogue.”

The push for a grand national conference to unify Somalis has intensified following the recent cuts in ties by Jubaland and Puntland. Experts caution that without comprehensive representation and inclusive governance, Somalia’s federal structure is at risk of further destabilization. President Sheikh’s decisive move to discontinue National Conferences underscores his commitment to strengthening central governance amidst the nation’s ongoing struggle for stability and unity.

As Somalia navigates these challenging political dynamics, the international community remains attentive, advocating for peaceful resolutions to internal disputes that threaten the integrity of the nation’s federal system. The president’s stance represents a critical moment in Somalia’s quest for cohesive and effective governance, aiming to foster a more resilient and unified state.

President Sheikh’s declaration marks a pivotal moment in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to establish a stable and unified governance structure. As the nation faces internal divisions, the emphasis on strengthening central institutions aims to pave the way for a more cohesive and resilient Somalia.