“Ready to Dialogue”: Somalia President Reaches Out to the Opposition

Somalia, 20 December 2025 Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has said that his administration  is ready to listen to and engage with any views or decisions emerging from the ongoing Kismayo Conference, organized by members of the opposition, provided they are grounded in the country’s system of governance and constitution.

The president made the remarks during the 82nd anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Somali Police Force, held in Mogadishu on Friday, where he directly addressed politicians and officials taking part in the Kismayo meeting which opened on Thursday.

President Hassan Sheikh stressed that the government is not opposed to dialogue or mutual understanding, but underscored that political debates must be based on clear, constructive proposals that contribute to strengthening state institutions. He cited as an example a previous engagement involving a rescue platform that reached an understanding with Villa Somalia.

“Anything that is disputed can be discussed and listened to, but proper politics takes place within the framework of state institutions,” the president said.