In recent days, President Hassan Sh. Mohamud’s public address has raised more questions than answers about the future of Somalia’s fragile democratic journey.
In recent days, President Hassan Sh. Mohamud’s public address has raised more questions than answers about the future of Somalia’s fragile democratic journey. While the President appeared sincere, his remarks betrayed a disconnect from the current political reality and the expectations of the Somali people.
The presidency is not a platform for personal grievance or clan-based rhetoric. It is a sacred trust, demanding statesmanship, strategic communication, and a vision that transcends immediate political challenges. President Mohamud’s current approach seems to be failing on these fundamental leadership principles.
The Urgent Need for Strategic Leadership
The President’s recent sermon revealed a leader seemingly cornered, searching for public sympathy in a moment that demands bold, decisive action. His admission of being outmaneuvered by regional leaders like Madobe is less a sign of transparency and more an indication of political weakness.
However, amidst the criticism, there is a constructive path forward. The commitment to one-person, one-vote (1P1V) elections is commendable, but rhetoric must be matched with transformative action.
A Roadmap to Credible Elections
To restore faith in the democratic process, President Mohamud must:
- Prioritize National Interest over Personal Ambition: Declare that he will not seek re-election. This selfless act would immediately elevate his stature and demonstrate a commitment to genuine democratic transition.
- Create an Inclusive Electoral Environment: Bring together all political stakeholders, moving beyond narrow clan interests to build a comprehensive national dialogue.
- Establish a Genuinely Independent Electoral Commission: The current hand-picked commission undermines the credibility of the electoral process. A truly independent body is non-negotiable.
- Seek a Measured Extension with Clear Objectives: Request a targeted two-year extension from parliament, explicitly tied to implementing free and fair elections. This approach could garner broad support if presented transparently.
- Pilot Democratic Processes: Begin with local elections in Mogadishu. Let the capital city elect its mayor through a transparent, independently managed process. This would serve as a proof of concept and rebuild public trust.
Unifying National Priorities
Beyond electoral reform, the President has two critical opportunities to reshape his legacy:
- Confront External Threats: Unite the country against potential Ethiopian territorial ambitions. This is an issue that transcends political divisions and can galvanize national sentiment.
- Complete the Fight Against Al-Shabaab: Renew and complete the military campaign against this terrorist threat. Success here would cement his place in Somalia’s historical narrative.
The Wisdom of Measured Leadership
The path of least resistance is not always the path of greatest progress. President Mohamud stands at a critical juncture where his choices will define not just his presidency, but potentially the trajectory of Somalia’s democratic evolution.
Leadership is about making difficult decisions, prioritizing national interest, and having the humility to recognize when personal ambition must give way to broader national needs. The President must govern in reality, not in a constructed narrative of his own making.
The Somali people deserve nothing less than a leadership committed to transparent, inclusive, and meaningful democratic transformation.
by Dr Hodan Ali
