MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somalia’s Salvation Forum, an alliance of opposition groups, held a two-day meeting in Mogadishu on August 30–31 to discuss the country’s political situation and the challenges facing state-building and national reconciliation.
In a press release read by Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad, the forum expressed deep concern over the government’s focus on constitutional amendments and election disputes instead of combating terrorism, particularly in areas previously liberated from Al-Shabaab and Da’ish.
Below is the full press release:
- The forum is concerned that the government has neglected the fight against terrorist attacks in areas previously liberated, focusing instead on amending the constitution, election disputes, and using the military to advance political agendas and displace vulnerable citizens. The forum calls on the government to refocus on combating Al-Shabaab and Da’ish and to develop a strategic, coordinated, and leadership-driven plan.
2. An immediate halt must be put to the displacement of vulnerable citizens, the auctioning of public land on the black market, and violations of Somali citizens’ property rights.
3. The President should reverse the illegal amendments made to the consensual 2012 constitution to prevent turmoil and conflicting legal frameworks in the country.
4. To avoid political uncertainty, a consensus should be reached on a feasible and comprehensive election process within the remaining term of the Parliament and President, one that is more complete and better than the 2022 process.
5. The forum considers the electoral law, party law, and presidentially appointed electoral commission as self-serving, causing delays at local, federal member state, and federal levels.
6. The forum will not accept any extension of the presidential term beyond the constitutionally scheduled election on May 15, 2026.
7. Federal member states whose terms have already expired should immediately hold full, open, and agreed-upon elections.
8. The forum warns of the risks and consequences of the unilateral and coercive elections being conducted by President Hassan Sheikh in the Banadir region, without clarity on the status of the capital, or agreement on procedures, laws, or the electoral commission.
9. The forum expresses concern over the harm caused by President Hassan Sheikh to national unity, public cohesion, and Somalia’s government credibility, and calls on him to desist from divisive and harmful actions undertaken by him and his administration.
10. The forum condemns the intimidation, harassment, and arrest of citizens peacefully exercising their constitutional rights, such as clan elder, Hussein Mohamed Mahmoud Xaadoole, and calls for his immediate release. It considers the Attorney General’s letter unconstitutional, serving the President’s authoritarian agenda, and suppressing freedom of speech and the legitimate grievances of Banadir residents.
11. The forum warns the national forces against being used to displace vulnerable citizens or destroy markets, health facilities, and places of worship for personal gain.
12. The forum takes responsibility for safeguarding the unity of the Somali people and the country, welcomes all efforts to protect political stability and constitutional order, and calls for an urgent national reconciliation conference involving Puntland and Jubaland.