U.S. Urges Inclusive Political Process in Somalia.

U.S. Urges Inclusive Political Process in Somalia

May 9, 2025 | Mogadishu – The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs issued a strong statement on Somalia’s evolving political landscape, calling for an inclusive approach to electoral reforms. The statement emphasized, “All relevant stakeholders should have a say in changes to Somalia’s federal and election systems. Decisions taken without broad-based support will lack legitimacy and distract from pressing security challenges.”

The U.S. remarks come amid growing domestic tensions, as Somali opposition leaders raise concerns over the federal electoral process. Key opposition figures argue that recent decisions regarding electoral changes have been made without sufficient consultation, risking national cohesion and undermining the credibility of the 2026 elections.

Despite the concerns, there have been notable developments welcomed by large segments of the Somali public. The Federal Government’s official recognition of SSC-Khatumo as a federal member state was met with widespread approval across the country, signaling progress in addressing long-standing regional disputes.

In Jubaland, opposition groups have also expressed support for the federal government’s move to establish a legitimate regional administration. The resolution passed by NCC tasks the Ministry of Interior with leading consultations and delivering recommendations—a process being praised as a possible solution for inclusive governance in Jubaland. Jubaland’s widely rejected elections in November 2024 is not recognized by the federal government or the NCC.

However, pressure continues to mount for a broader consensus on Somalia’s federal electoral framework, with many citizens voicing concerns over and inclusivity in the lead-up to next year’s critical elections. Public sentiment reflects a strong desire for political stability through consensus-building and stakeholder engagement.

Analysts warn that failure to reach such consensus could exacerbate divisions and detract from efforts to combat terrorism and maintain security—a point echoed in the U.S. Bureau’s caution against unilateral political maneuvers.

As the electoral calendar advances, attention now turns to how the federal government will respond to internal demands and international expectations for a participatory electoral process.