Mohamed Mukhtar Ibrahim
Tuesday January 6, 2026
Standing in the bustling heart of Dhusamareeb, the capital of Galmudug State, I couldn't help but feel that the 9th Annual Forum for Ideas (AFI 2025) was more than just a conference—it was a testament to Somali resilience. As I joined around 500 participants, including the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Parliament, opposition heavyweights, and civil society leaders, I realized that the very existence of this gathering was a minor miracle.
The Heritage Institute and the Galmudug administration navigated a diplomatic minefield to ensure the event succeeded. During a farewell lunch hosted by Ambassador Ahmed Abdisalam at Capital Garden, the Mayor of Dhusamareeb, Cabdiraxmaan Cali Maxamed (Geedaqorow), summed it up best: we were just moments away from cancellation on three fronts.
The Three Challenges
The second challenge was political inclusivity. Rumors had circulated that the main opposition, the Somali Salvation Forum, would boycott the event, fearing it would serve as a mouthpiece for government propaganda. Had figures such as Sheikh Sharif (Chairman), Abdi Farah Shirdon (Deputy Chair), and Abdirahman Abdishakur stayed away, the conference would have lacked the critical edge needed to advance a true national vision. Through tireless back-channel diplomacy, Heritage and President Qoor-Qoor ensured the opposition was not only present but prominently represented.
The third, and perhaps most difficult, challenge was the government’s perception. At various points, the federal administration feared the forum had been "manipulated" by opposition voices to become a hostile platform. This tension was so high that the agenda had to be revised four distinct times—as evidenced by the shifting drafts provided to us—to balance the delicate sensitivities of Mogadishu.
A Pivot in the Face of Geopolitical Crisis
The resilience of Heritage is well known; we all remember the somber 2023 forum in Djibouti, which was shortened by the tragic passing of Minister Khadija Mohamed Diriye. This year, the test was geopolitical.
Initially set for 28 December, the forum was abruptly postponed for two days. Israel’s sudden recognition of Somaliland had sent shockwaves through the country. The Federal Government requested the delay to hold emergency consultations with regional leaders and the opposition to form a unified national response. While this delay threatened AFI 2025's momentum, it ultimately enriched the discussion, making the forum the first central public platform to address the sovereignty crisis.
Defining the Future
Under the theme "A Unified Political Vision for Somalia: Aligning Goals for 2026-2030," the debates were electric. One of the most significant moments came from the Speaker of Parliament, Sheikh Adan Madobe, who clarified the legislative roadmap. He addressed the amended constitution, confirming that the current federal term is five years, ending in April 2027 rather than 2026—a statement that sparked a prolonged debate after the conference ended.
The final communiqué, issued as we departed the dusty but proud streets of Dhusamareeb, was a powerful document. The forum concluded with a shared recognition that Somalia is at a critical crossroads. Somalis need to defend their national sovereignty, resolve internal conflicts through dialogue, and reject foreign interference.
The Dhusamareeb Momentum and the Mogadishu Breakthrough
The most tangible impact of the AFI 2025 conference materialized on January 4, 2026, when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a surprise, unannounced visit to the Mogadishu residence of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed immediately following the latter's return from Dhusamareeb. By personally seeking out the former President—who serves as a key leader within the opposition—President Hassan bypassed traditional protocol to request a direct dialogue and solicit Sharif’s influence in bridging the gap with other opposition figures. This high-level gesture of reconciliation was born directly from the momentum generated at the Heritage Institute’s forum.
The Dhusamareeb Legacy.
The success of AFI 2025 demonstrated that when Somali institutions—whether a policy think tank like Heritage or a regional state like Galmudug—possess the necessary patience and diplomatic skill, no obstacle is insurmountable. Dhusamareeb didn't just host a conference; it hosted the hope for a unified Somali future.
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Mohamed Mukhtar Ibrahim can be reached by email at [email protected]