President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the fight against Al-Shabaab and the curent political situation in Somalia.
President Mohamud called on all stakeholders to a meeting for the battle against terrorism and to promote national progress.
“The conference will allow leaders to offer advice on building a modern state based on democracy and federalism,” Mohamud said.
He said the time of fearing small groups like Al Shabab, an al Qaeda-linked group is over.
“We thank Somalis for their support for the national forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab,” he said.
Somali opposition parties released statements to welcome the consultative forum proposed by President Mohamud.
Among those who supported the call were former Presidents Sheikh Sharif and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.
Critics have raised concerns over whether the consultative forum proposed by President Mohamud will take place, citing ongoing political tensions.
They argued that Puntland and Jubaland state leaders are unlikely to attend due to tensions with President Mohamud.
Last year, Somali forces were deployed to Raskamboni in the Lower Jubba region to arrest Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe.
Nearly three weeks later, Madobe’s forces seized Raskamboni, capturing Somali soldiers and sending them back to Mogadishu.
With an arrest warrant issued against him, it remains unclear if Madobe will travel to Mogadishu.
He is now wanted by the country’s Supreme Court on charges of treason and election violations.
However, the proposed meeting is expected to provide a platform for discussing the election model, easing political tensions, and strengthening the fight against Al-Shabaab.
