Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has hosted an official state dinner for traditional leaders from across the country, using the occasion to reaffirm his government’s commitment to universal suffrage.
The event, held at the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu, saw the president commend the elders for their role in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and safeguarding national unity.
He also briefed them on recent government achievements in security, democratic reforms, institutional development, and decentralisation.
In his address, President Hassan Sheikh stressed that restoring citizens’ constitutional right to directly elect their leaders is a non-negotiable goal after 57 years without a full one-person, one-vote system.
“We remain firmly committed to ensuring that the Somali people regain their constitutional right to elect leaders of their choice,” the president said. “Incomplete electoral processes in the past have left us with many challenges, foremost among them insecurity.”
In response, several traditional leaders praised the government’s visible progress in combating Al-Shabaab, rebuilding infrastructure, and advancing democratisation and decentralisation. They also thanked the president for recognising their role in the country’s political future.
