Mogadishu, (WDN) – What was meant to be a crucial National Dialogue Conference has instead become an exercise in political theater, as Somalia’s Federal Government proceeds with talks in Mogadishu from June 16-19 without the participation of critical stakeholders.

The conference, ostensibly organized to chart a path forward for Somalia’s political future, has been rendered largely symbolic with President Hassan Sheikh’s perspective, after being boycotted by the regional states of Puntland and Jubaland, along with prominent opposition leaders. These key players have dismissed President Hassan’s initiative as a performative exercise rather than a genuine attempt at inclusive dialogue.

Many are left to wonder- How can a government hold a national dialogue when the most critical voices are excluded?  This was indeed a missed opportunity to build consensus, and it risks further polarizing an already fractured political landscape.

The opposition comprising Puntland, Jubaland and the National Salvation Forum, – has set clear preconditions for participation, demanding the government rescind two contentious moves: its unilateral constitutional amendments and the imposition of an electoral process for 2026 without national consensus.

The oppositions and key player’s refusal to participate stems also from a fundamental lack of trust in the government’s intentions. “This isn’t dialogue – it’s a monologue,” said one opposition figure who talked to WardheerNews. “How can we discuss Somalia’s future when the government has already predetermined the outcomes.

The boycott highlights deepening political fractures in Somalia. The absence of oppositions critical voices has reduced what could have been a landmark conference to little more than a staged political event.

International partners monitoring the situation have expressed quiet concern about the conference’s diminishing credibility. With President Hassan showing no willingness to compromise, Somalia’s political impasse appears set to continue, raising serious questions about the country’s ability to achieve consensus on its democratic future.

As the conference concludes on June 19, without meaningful participation from all stakeholders, any agreements reached will lack legitimacy and do little to resolve Somalia’s ongoing political crisis.

WardheerNews