MOGADISHU, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced on Saturday evening plans to launch a comprehensive national dialogue on counterterrorism, inviting input from political and community stakeholders to shape a cohesive strategy against extremism.

The announcement came during his Eid address, in which the president highlighted the importance of a united front in confronting the threat posed by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Al-Shabaab.

“Tackling terrorism is not solely the duty of the government,” President Mohamud said. “We need collective insight and engagement from all sectors of our society to effectively respond to the security challenges we face.”

Addressing the Opposition’s Demands

The president’s decision comes in response to recent appeals from opposition leaders, who have pushed for a more inclusive approach to Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts.

Prominent opposition figures have called for a nationwide consultation process to foster broader political and public support for military operations against Al-Shabaab, stressing the urgency of unified action.

Experts believe this initiative could be a calculated step to bridge political divides and reinforce national cooperation, especially at a time when Somalia’s security situation remains precarious.

Despite ongoing military campaigns, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat, and political fragmentation has often impeded a coordinated response.

Objectives and Outlook

The planned dialogue is set to include participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including government officials, opposition members, traditional leaders, religious figures, civil society actors, and security professionals.

Discussions are expected to cover ways to improve military cooperation, curb Al-Shabaab’s recruitment networks, and enhance intelligence-sharing systems.

Beyond military measures, the dialogue will also address the underlying social, economic, and ideological drivers of extremism. Key areas of focus will include education reform, economic empowerment, and strengthening governance institutions to build long-term resilience.

Details regarding the structure and schedule of the national dialogue are anticipated in the coming weeks. Stakeholders across the spectrum are awaiting clarification on how the process will unfold and what mechanisms will be employed to implement its outcomes.