Somali women call for urgent national dialogue to resolve political and security crisis

A women-led national peace conference called Sunday on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to urgently launch an inclusive national dialogue to resolve Somalia’s deepening political crisis. In a statement, the conference said any dialogue must include civil society groups, especially Somali women, to help produce a lasting political settlement based on consensus and consultation. The conference said Somalia is at a critical juncture after clashes between federal government forces and opposition-aligned groups caused deaths, injuries, displacement and property damage in Mogadishu. Participants said a lasting solution can only come through dialogue, tolerance, political compromise and consensus. They warned that what cannot be achieved through dialogue cannot be gained through force or war. The conference called on the federal government and opposition parties to stop all actions and statements that could further inflame political tensions or threaten peace and stability in Mogadishu and across the country. On elections, the women urged political leaders to agree on an inclusive, transparent, fair and credible electoral process to strengthen public confidence and political stability. The conference also called on Somalis to defend peace, preserve social cohesion and protect the country’s stability. It urged citizens to unite in safeguarding lives, property and Somalia’s future at a time of growing political uncertainty. Also, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo called for an urgent meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former Somali presidents to seek a political solution to the country’s deepening crisis. The different calls come after days of violence in Mogadishu and rising tensions over elections, constitutional changes and President Mohamud’s mandate. Opposition leaders accuse the federal government of pushing through reforms without consensus, while federal officials say they are moving Somalia toward one-person, one-vote elections and must protect public order.