Puntland Urges President Hassan Sheikh to Respect Outcomes of Kismayo Summit

 

KISMAYO, Somalia — Puntland’s Minister of Presidential Affairs, Abdifitaax Mohamed Abdinur, has called on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to acknowledge and respond positively to the outcomes of the recently concluded Somalia Future Council Summit held in Kismayo. The summit, which ended on December 20, 2025, brought together prominent political figures and opposition leaders to discuss Somalia’s electoral and governance challenges.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister Abdifitaax stressed that national interests should take precedence over personal or political agendas. He warned that ignoring the summit’s results could deepen divisions within the country and exacerbate political instability.

“It is unfortunate that the President has not recognized the positive aspects of the Kismayo Summit. Instead of uniting the Somali people, his approach appears to further divide them,” the Minister said. He added that the President seemed to treat Kismayo as if it were foreign territory, disregarding the voices of those gathered for national dialogue. “Rather than welcoming the summit and hoping for constructive outcomes, he risks steering the country in the wrong direction.”

Minister Abdifitaax also cautioned against excessive concentration of power, emphasizing the importance of political accountability. “Leadership is not permanent, and no one can cling to power indefinitely,” he said, reminding officeholders of their responsibility to uphold democratic principles.

The summit’s participants urged President Hassan Sheikh to convene a follow-up meeting with all political stakeholders within one month. They set January 20, 2026, as the deadline for reaching a consensus on holding timely and credible elections. This call comes amid concerns over potential constitutional vacuums, security challenges, and the risk of extremist activity if electoral processes are delayed.

The Kismayo summit was attended by major Somali political figures, including Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Ministers Mohamed Hussein Roble, Hassan Ali Khaire, Abdi Farah Shirdon (Saacid), and former Minister Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.

Organizers reported that over 1,500 participants, including nearly 80 journalists, attended the summit. Opposition leaders discussed Somalia’s electoral framework, political obstacles, security and economic challenges, and humanitarian concerns. They criticized the federal government for leadership failures and policies that have, in their view, further divided Somali society.

The summit reflects growing pressure on the Somali federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with opposition groups. Analysts note that the gathering demonstrates the opposition’s commitment to ensuring timely elections that strengthen democratic institutions and prevent political instability.

Puntland’s appeal underscores the broader expectation among political stakeholders for compromise, accountability, and inclusive governance. As Somalia approaches the 2026 elections, the response of President Hassan Sheikh and his administration will likely shape the country’s political future and prospects for national unity.

The Kismayo Summit thus represents both a warning and an opportunity: a chance for Somali leaders to reaffirm their commitment to democratic governance, national cohesion, and peaceful political dialogue, while avoiding policies that deepen divisions.