Galmudug, Southwest & Puntland States’ Absence at the “One Somalia”  Conference Highlights Deepening Divisions.

By.Sadia Elmi.

The recent National Somali Religious Scholars Conference held in Mogadishu, themed “One Somalia” has inadvertently exposed the incompetence within President @HassanSMohamud’s administration, particularly concerning political inclusion and trust-building among Somalia’s regional states. The conference was notably marred by the absence of religious scholars from #Galmudug, #Southwest, and #Puntland states, a clear indication of the government’s failure to engage in genuine political dialogue and inclusivity.

The absence of these key regional states reflects the administration’s inability to foster a sense of inclusivity within its governance framework. The lack of consultation prior to the conference has been a point of contention for Southwest and Galmudug officials, signaling a disregard for collaborative governance. Reports indicate that Galmudug representatives were not informed about the event, while Puntland’s estrangement is further aggravated by ongoing constitutional disputes, both factors contributing to an environment of mistrust.

In addition to the states’ boycott, the appointment and presence of #Mukhtar_Robow, a former leader of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group responsible for numerous civilian attacks, as the Minister of Religion and the organizer of a conference on combating terrorism has provoked significant public outcry in Somalia. Observers note that entrusting someone with Robow’s background with such a crucial role is deeply ironic and counterproductive. This decision is seen as a grievous affront to the victims of Al-Shabaab’s atrocity.

Although President @HassanSMohamud  has called for unity among religious scholars by stating, “We must come together to strengthen our nation” the ongoing fragmentation among the nation’s religious leaders speaks volumes about the prevailing disunity thus the absence of key states is not simply a logistical failure, it underscores a deep-seated fragmentation in the Somali federal system.

As the conference unfolds, the implications of the government’s inability to effectively address political divides become clearer. While the public remains steadfast in its desire to combat terrorism and foster national healing, the presence of terrorists like #Robow who have played significant roles in the suffering of many, serves only to exacerbate existing tensions. Robow’s presence is described as “adding salt to the wound” intensifying the anguish of those who have lost loved ones to acts of terror. This situation highlights a significant disconnect between the government’s actions and the people’s expectations, further complicating efforts to achieve genuine reconciliation and peace.

In summary, the National Somali Religious Scholars Conference not only highlights the critical issues facing Somalia such as political exclusion and trust deficits but also raises troubling questions about the administration’s commitment to fostering a genuine unity, peace and reconciliation process. The path forward requires more than rhetoric, it demands actionable steps towards inclusivity and accountability to mend the fissures tearing the nation apart. Moving beyond conference walls to cultivate true unity remains an essential and pressing challenge for Somalia.

@Sadia_Elmi1