Mogadishu (WDN)- The international community has urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to broaden his recently proposed national consultative dialogue, calling on the Federal Government of Somalia to expand its scope and include all key political stakeholders.

Diplomats based in the Halane compound are pressing for a comprehensive national dialogue that goes beyond the government’s focus on counterterrorism. They insist that critical political issues—such as the contentious constitutional amendments and the stalled electoral process—must also be addressed. According to diplomatic sources, the goal should be an inclusive process that fosters political consensus and long-term stability.

“There must be a genuine dialogue that reflects Somalia’s political diversity,” one source noted, adding that collaboration between the Federal Government and Federal Member States is essential to safeguard national unity and prevent further political fragmentation.

President Hassan convened a closed-door meeting in Mogadishu on April 4^th with the presidents of South West State, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug. While Villa Somalia claims the talks centered on intensifying operations against Al-Shabaab, insiders suggest the dialogue was also meant to lay the groundwork for a broader political agenda.

The president’s announcement earlier this week of a national consultation forum was initially welcomed by civil society and opposition groups. However, the lack of a clear agenda and the exclusion of key federal states such as Puntland and Jubaland have raised concerns about the credibility and inclusiveness of the process.

Sources within Villa Somalia confirm that no official schedule has been released, and the current focus remains heavily tilted toward security matters. Pressure is mounting on the presidency to expand the dialogue and include all political factions in order to build a unified national vision.

This week’s meeting is seen as a preliminary step in what could become a more inclusive series of negotiations—if the government heeds calls for openness and broader participation.

President Hassan returned to Mogadishu recently after a brief visit to Turkey, and observers note that his next moves will be closely watched by both domestic actors and international partners.

WardheerNews