Mogadishu – The Somali federal government officially announced the convening of a national conference with opposition leaders affiliated with the Somalia Future Council, aimed at accelerating discussions on the country’s public policy, particularly electoral matters.

A press statement from the Prime Minister’s office on Monday noted that the decision reflects President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s commitment to fast-track national consultations regarding Somalia’s political future.

The government indicated that the conference will focus on strengthening national unity, fostering social cohesion, supporting a consultation-based democratic process, and ensuring citizens’ voices play a central role in shaping the country’s future.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Maalim will lead preparations for the conference alongside the Somalia Future Council, which will appoint members to set the agenda. The conference is scheduled to be held in Mogadishu, beginning on February 1, and will span several days.

This initiative follows previous decisions by the opposition in Kismayo, which emphasized the need for the federal government to convene a national dialogue by January 20 to specifically address the conduct of upcoming elections and agree on mechanisms to unify all relevant political stakeholders.