President Hassan Sheikh Eases Stance on Constitution Amid Calls for Political Dialogue

Mogadishu, Somalia – June 20, 2025 — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signaled a notable shift from his previously rigid position on Somalia’s constitutional process, according to a statement released after the conclusion of the National Consultative Forum.

The communiqué emphasized the importance of addressing ongoing disagreements surrounding both the four already ratified chapters of the constitution and the remaining chapters through inclusive political dialogue. The statement reiterated that such dialogue must adhere to the legal frameworks already established in the provisional constitution.

Referring to the constitution as a “living document,” the communiqué underlined its potential for amendment at any time and reaffirmed the finalization of the constitution as a national obligation and strategic priority. It confirmed that the four chapters previously passed by the Federal Parliament remain fundamental components of the constitutional framework.

The statement proposed that any political concerns related to both the ratified and pending sections of the constitution should be resolved through consensus-building and procedures stipulated by the constitution itself.

The communiqué, issued at the conclusion of the forum—which was convened by President Mohamud but boycotted by key opposition factions—highlighted two core themes: the completion of the constitutional process and the advancement of democratic governance through credible elections.

On the issue of elections, the statement rejected any return to indirect voting models, instead advocating for the prompt implementation of local government elections, similar to those recently conducted in Puntland and Somaliland.