Jubbaland Vice President calls for National Dialogue to Address Political Divisions Ahead of 2026 elections
Jubbaland Deputy President Mahmud Sayid Aden urged Somalia’s leaders to hold an inclusive national dialogue to address political divisions ahead of the 2026 elections. He called on presidential candidates and the President to prioritize unity and pragmatic governance.
The Vice President of the Jubbaland Regional State, Mahmud Sayid Aden, has expressed deep concern over the escalating political divisions within Somalia’s governance institutions. In a statement published on his official Facebook page, he highlighted that the country continues to face serious challenges that require a unified national approach to ensure stability and the restoration of public trust.
Vice President Aden noted that Somalia has yet to experience leadership that prioritizes the public interest over individual or factional agendas, describing this as a significant obstacle to rebuilding effective governance and strengthening citizen confidence in the state.
In his statement, Mahmud Sayid Aden proposed three urgent measures to prevent further political fragmentation and promote national cohesion. First, he called for an inclusive, unconditional meeting of the National Consultative Council leaders to discuss critical agendas fueling current political conflicts. According to Aden, such a meeting could generate consensus decisions that unify the country and guide future governance.
Secondly, the Deputy President emphasized the need to engage presidential candidates for the 2026 elections in dialogue about the significance of decisions taken by the National Consultative Council. He stressed that their cooperation is crucial for shaping Somalia’s political direction and ensuring that national interests are prioritized over individual ambitions.
Finally, Aden urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to confront the country’s current challenges with courage and pragmatism. He encouraged the President to lead the Somali people by focusing on what is realistically achievable today, emphasizing unity, stability, and constructive governance as key priorities.
The statement by the Jubbaland Deputy President underscores the growing concern among regional leaders over Somalia’s political polarization and highlights calls for immediate measures to prevent further instability. Analysts suggest that if implemented, Aden’s recommendations could play a pivotal role in facilitating national dialogue and ensuring that upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that strengthens, rather than weakens, national cohesion.
