The Somali Salvation Forum, a broad political coalition that includes former presidents, the parliamentary speaker, government officials, ministers, and members of the Federal Parliament, concluded a pivotal four-day national conference in Mogadishu from May 27–31, 2025.
The forum held comprehensive consultations with various societal segments, including:
- Traditional elders
- Scholars
- Youth
- Women
- Media representatives
- Civil society organizations
It addressed the country’s most pressing issues, from terrorism and constitutional crises to youth migration and corruption.
Somali Salvation Forum 2025 Discusses Humanitarian Crisis and Youth Migration
The Somali Salvation Forum extended its heartfelt condolences to the families and the Somali public for the tragic deaths of Somali youth who perished while attempting to migrate across the Mediterranean between Algeria and Spain.
These young people were fleeing the country’s deteriorating political and economic conditions, reflecting a deep crisis of hope among Somali youth.
Key Resolutions and Policy Statements from the Somali Salvation Forum
1. Security and the Fight Against Terrorism
The Forum called for a comprehensive overhaul of Somalia’s counterterrorism strategy, emphasizing the need for accountability in leadership, and increased support for the Somali National Army and local fighters battling Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
It criticized the government’s inadequate response and poor coordination in the war on terror, warning that the nation’s sovereignty is at stake.
2. National Unity and Political Inclusion
Strong condemnation was issued against the political polarization and unilateralism exhibited by President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud’s administration.
Somali Salvation Forum also reaffirmed its commitment to the foundational principles of Somalia’s Third Republic, particularly those established during the Arta and Mbagathi peace conferences, including federalism, power-sharing, and a parliamentary system.
3. Term Extensions and Regional Governance
The Forum expressed serious concerns over illegal term extensions in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Southwest regional states, which it claims violate both federal and regional constitutions.
These actions, alongside the dismantling of the National Consultative Forum, were described as signs of dictatorial ambitions and a plan to stage an uncompetitive election.
4. Corruption, Nepotism, and Resource Mismanagement
Rampant corruption, abuse of power, and favoritism were heavily condemned.
The Forum criticized:
- Sale of public land for private gain
- Secret deals over natural resources like oil and minerals
- The concentration of financial resources in the hands of a few presidential allies
- The plummeting land values and business closures driving capital flight
- Despair that is forcing Somali youth to risk migration or death.
5. Media Freedom and Political Repression
The Forum highlighted increasing violations against independent media and political actors.
It opposed:
- Forced election participation
- Travel bans on political leaders
- Censorship of journalists
- The administration’s broader suppression of dissent
Somali Salvation Forum 2025 Action Plan and Recommendations:
- Preserve the principles of the Third Republic, including federalism, consensus-based governance, and transparent four-year electoral cycles.
- Support the Somali Armed Forces, Puntland Defense Forces, and local militias like Hirshabelle’s Mawiislay fighters, urging national solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
- Warn against the dangers of the amended constitution, labeling it a threat to national unity and state-building.
- Condemn the political marginalization of Puntland and Jubaland, and demand the reopening of Gedo region’s political space.
- Reject the auction of public land, urging full transparency in all agreements regarding natural resource management.
- Call for an emergency national dialogue involving federal leaders, regional governments, and opposition parties to resolve political deadlock and coordinate on security and economic challenges.
- Support electoral reform that enables a fair, one-person-one-vote system based on the 2012 Provisional Constitution, moving away from flawed 2022 processes.
- Encourage the resumption of Somalia–Somaliland dialogue, cautioning against foreign interventions aimed at dividing the Somali nation.
The Somali Salvation Forum expressed gratitude to the Somali people.
Particularly civil society contributors who participated in shaping the Forum’s conclusions.
Appreciation was also extended to Hotel Jazeera for hosting the event and to the international community for its continued support of peacebuilding and governance in Somalia.
