By Asha Gelle Dirie, Independent Politician

Dear Mr. President

Please accept my warmest greetings and best wishes for your continued health and leadership. I write this open letter, which I have titled “Guidance and a way forward” with a sincere heart, hoping to offer counsel befitting the enormous responsibilities you shoulder as the leader of our nation. Having had the privilege of working alongside you in the past, and holding you in the highest regard, I feel compelled to share my thoughts as a Somali citizen who seeks to see our nation thrive.

I am reminded of the Somali adage, “A brother’s support lies in offering honest guidance“ for only through self-reflection can a leader correct misstep and guide the country toward success.

Mr. President,

As a Somali, a patriot, and a witness to the profound events that have shaped our nation’s history, I write to you from a place of deep concern and hope. Having been actively engaged in the efforts to rebuild our country after its tragic collapse in 1991, I feel a personal responsibility to highlight lessons from the past and propose a way forward. I have observed closely the suffering our people have endured: displacement, poverty, and the immense burdens placed on Somali women, who took on the mantle of resilience to hold families together amid the chaos. I have also witnessed the resolve with which our communities sought peace and governance, rebuilding their lives within their ancestral territories and creating a semblance of order in the form of regional administrations. These local administrations brought stability and a sense of hope to our people, who began to rebuild their lives.

On this foundation, Somalia embraced the federal system, with the expectation that it would foster cooperation and mutual respect between the central government and its member states. Unfortunately, however, the promises of federalism have not been fulfilled. From the inception of the Federal Government, cooperation and mutual trust between the central government and regional states have been elusive. What should have been a partnership founded on support, the rule of law, and a shared vision for the future has instead devolved into a power struggle marked by mistrust, competition, and conflict.

Mr. President

When you were reelected, I held great optimism for your leadership. I believed your return to power would bring the wisdom and experience necessary to address Somalia’s longstanding challenges and navigate the complexities of rebuilding a fractured nation. I hoped your administration would serve as a unifying force, bridging the divides between the Federal Government and Federal Member States while strengthening our federal system in line with the constitutional framework designed to uphold justice, equity, and inclusion.

Unfortunately, contrary to your election campaign slogan “Soomaali heshiis ah Dunidana la heshiis ah- Somalia at peace with itself and the world” I must express my deep disappointment that rather than fostering cohesion and collaboration, the relationship between your administration and the Federal Member States has become increasingly strained, exacerbating divisions that threaten the unity of our nation. The current trajectory of Somalia is deeply concerning. Instead of strengthening the federal system—a model intended to ensure equitable power-sharing and empower regional administrations—the growing discord and mistrust between the Federal Government and the Federal Member States have cast a shadow over Somalia’s progress.

Puntland, a cornerstone of federalism and a region that has consistently championed decentralization and self-governance, has been estranged from the Federal Government for nearly two years. This prolonged rift undermines the principles of collaboration and trust upon which federalism was built, posing a direct threat to Somalia’s stability and governance. Similarly, the courageous people of the SSC regions, who have made tremendous sacrifices to uphold Somalia’s unity and resist secessionist ambitions, have not received the recognition, solidarity, or resources they deserve. This neglect sends a disheartening message to those who prioritize the vision of a unified Somalia. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable communities across the country, particularly in Mogadishu, continue to face persistent neglect, struggling to access even the most basic necessities. Their plight is a glaring reminder of the unaddressed social inequalities that deepen the divide between the government and its people.

Economic stagnation compounds these challenges, leaving many Somalis without meaningful opportunities. Youth, once the hope for Somalia’s future, are increasingly disillusioned, with many risking dangerous migration in search of a better life. Entrepreneurs, too, have relocated their investments to neighboring countries, notably Kenya, while families who can afford it have sought refuge abroad. Even members of the diaspora, once hopeful about Somalia’s recovery, have grown disheartened and settled permanently in their adopted countries. Somalia faces its gravest challenges today, with mistrust and civil conflicts spreading across regions. The hopes for reconciliation are fading, replaced by a toxic culture of exclusion and division. The Federal Government’s inconsistent approach to Jubaland has exacerbated tensions, fostering conflict rather than collaboration. Targeting or sidelining any Federal Member State, particularly Jubaland, not only creates unnecessary conflict but also weakens the collective strength of our federation. Now is the time for bold and inclusive leadership.

Mr. President,

I urge you to rebuild trust through meaningful dialogue with Federal Member States, recognizing their legitimate concerns and respecting their constitutional mandates. Extend an olive branch to Puntland, SSC, and Jubaland, engaging them with humility and fostering mutual respect. Avoid policies or actions that could be perceived as targeting specific regions or leaderships, as such approaches undermine the principles of fairness and equality. Your administration must prioritize addressing the needs of vulnerable communities by launching comprehensive initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities, empowering the most marginalized, and ensuring that no Somali feels left behind. Strengthening Federal Member States through genuine collaboration, resource-sharing, and capacity-building will not only bolster the federal system but also foster a sense of national unity. Furthermore, a national reconciliation initiative that brings together traditional leaders, civil society, the diaspora, and other stakeholders is essential to heal divisions and restore faith in governance. Somalia’s future depends on leadership that transcends partisanship and focuses on the collective good. Mr. President, the Somali people yearn for leadership that prioritizes stability, equity, and progress. I remain hopeful that your administration can rise to meet this moment with the courage, humility, and inclusivity that the nation so desperately needs.

Recommendations: Ten Steps for Unity and Progress:

To address the pressing challenges facing Somalia and ensure a brighter future for all its people, I humbly propose the following recommendations:

1) Rebuild Trust through dialogue

Convene a national forum that includes Federal Member States, traditional leaders, civil society, the opposition, and other key stakeholders. This platform should foster open and honest discussions to resolve grievances and rebuild trust.

2) Strengthen Federal Collaboration

Establish a framework for regular, structured engagements between the Federal Government and Federal Member States to promote cooperation, respect autonomy, and address mutual concerns effectively.

3) Prioritize Puntland and SSC, Jubaland Engagement

Extend a hand of partnership to Puntland and SSC Jubbaland regions. Acknowledge their legitimate grievances and demonstrate tangible support for their struggles to uphold Somalia’s unity.

4) Empower Member States

Strengthen the autonomy and capacity of Federal Member States by ensuring equitable distribution of resources, promoting local governance, and respecting the principles of federalism.

5) Address Social inequalities

Launch targeted initiatives to improve the living conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations. Commit to equitable development across all regions to bridge social and economic divides.

6) Champion Political and Electoral Reform

Ensure that major political decisions, including electoral reforms, are achieved through consensus. A truly democratic Somalia requires inclusive and transparent processes.

7) Lead with Humility and Accountability

Acknowledge past missteps and adopt a leadership style that emphasizes collaboration, compromise, and accountability. Trust is built through actions, not promises.

8) Promote National Reconciliation

Launch a comprehensive national reconciliation initiative to heal divisions caused by years of conflict and mistrust. This effort should engage all communities and prioritize inclusivity.

9) Harness the Somali Diaspora

Create mechanisms for meaningful engagement with the Somali diaspora, allowing them to contribute financially, intellectually, and diplomatically to Somalia’s recovery and progress.

10) Invest in Economic Opportunities

Develop sustainable economic policies that create livelihoods, particularly for the youth, to combat the push factors of illegal migration and foster hope for a prosperous future.

A Call to Action

Mr. President, these steps represent a path toward unity, stability, and progress. History will remember your tenure not for its promises but for its ability to inspire hope and deliver meaningful change. The Somali people yearn for leadership that transcends divisions and builds a nation where collaboration and prosperity prevail.

May Allah guide and grant you wisdom in your decisions.

Respectfully,

Asha Gelle Dirie
Email: ashagelle@yahoo.com
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Asha is an independent politician, civil society activist and advocate for Somalia’s unity

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