Mogadishu (WDN) — Somalia’s newly elected Speaker of the House of the People, Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur “Jama,” has begun efforts to reach out to lawmakers opposed to the Federal Government’s political agenda, in what could become an important first step toward healing the deep divisions within Somalia’s parliament.

Jama has reportedly held a private meeting in Mogadishu with members of a group of opposition lawmakers who have styled themselves the “Free Parliament.” The group has aligned itself with the broader Future Council opposition coalition, which has emerged as one of the government’s strongest political challengers.

The Future Council brings together several prominent Somali political figures, including former presidents, prime ministers, parliamentary speakers and senior ministers. Its influence among opposition lawmakers could therefore make Jama’s attempt at parliamentary reconciliation both politically difficult and potentially significant.

A Young Speaker Facing an Old Political Problem

Sources close to the new Speaker say Jama’s recent meeting with opposition MPs was intended to listen to their grievances and explore ways of reducing tensions inside the legislature.

The initiative comes at a critical moment for Somalia, with parliament deeply divided over elections, constitutional reforms, federal relations and the broader direction of the country’s political transition. Jama’s personal profile could give him an advantage in attempting to bridge those differences.

A relatively young with substantial experience in government and politics, he enters the speakership with the opportunity to present himself not simply as the leader of the government-aligned parliamentary majority, but as a Speaker for the entire House. That distinction could prove crucial.

The central question now is whether Jama can persuade opposition lawmakers that Parliament can serve as a forum for political compromise rather than another battleground between rival camps. The challenge is considerable.

Many of the opposition MPs have longstanding political relationships with leaders of the Future Council and may remain closely aligned with the coalition’s broader strategy. Some are likely to be even more firmly opposed to the government than the senior figures leading the opposition.

As a result, efforts to win over individual lawmakers could prove difficult if they are perceived as an attempt to divide the opposition rather than address its underlying grievances. For Jama, the more promising strategy may therefore be to focus on institutional reform, parliamentary independence and inclusive dialogue rather than political calculations.

If he can demonstrate that opposition MPs will be heard, that parliamentary procedures will be applied fairly and that the House can exercise meaningful oversight regardless of political affiliation, he could gradually build the confidence necessary to bring rival factions closer together.

Jama’s outreach also offers an opportunity to redefine the role of Somalia’s parliament at a time when public confidence in political institutions remains fragile. Rather than allowing Parliament to become an extension of the political confrontation outside the chamber, the new Speaker could seek to establish the House as a neutral arena where disagreements are debated, negotiated and resolved through constitutional procedures.

The road ahead will not be easy. Yet if Jama succeeds where previous parliamentary leaders have struggled—by bringing government supporters and opposition lawmakers around the same table—his speakership could mark the beginning of a more united, effective and credible Somali parliament.

For now, his decision to reach out to the opposition is a promising signal. The real test will be whether he can turn dialogue into trust, and trust into a parliament capable of representing Somalia rather than its political divisions.

WardheerNews