Villa Somalia has officially released the long-awaited agenda for the national reconciliation and security summit initiated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, following a pivotal closed-door meeting in Mogadishu with the leaders of South West, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug regional states.
At the heart of this high-level gathering is a single, clear mission: forging national unity in the war against the militant group Al-Shabaab. According to the presidential press release, the aim is to build a collective, people-driven front that harnesses the strength, voice, and wisdom of the Somali people to defeat what the government refers to as the Khawaarij enemy — a term often used to describe extremist elements.
“The fight against Al-Shabaab must be a national movement,” the statement reads. “Victory in this war will mark the dawn of a unified, hopeful Somalia.”
🔹 Key Highlights from the Villa Somalia Statement:
- Unity First: Leaders agreed on the importance of collaborative and sincere coordination, emphasizing inclusivity in decision-making and respect for public opinion.
- Community-Driven Solutions: The summit underscored the critical role of intellectuals, elders, and civil society in guiding and sustaining the national effort.
- Preparation for the National Dialogue: The leaders aligned in support of President Hassan’s call for a “Gogol Qaran” (National Dialogue Platform), which will formally launch efforts to mobilize the nation around peace and counterterrorism.
- Security Briefings: Regional leaders exchanged updates on the ongoing military operations across the country and reaffirmed their commitment to joint planning and execution.
President Hassan praised the tireless contributions of Somali civilians, national forces, and community fighters, stressing that recent counterterrorism gains have only been possible because of unwavering public support.
The meeting comes amid renewed Al-Shabaab offensives, including the recent takeover of key areas in Lower Shabelle, such as Awdheegle, making coordination between federal and regional actors more urgent than ever.
