Somali Presidential Candidate Dr. Mohamud Calls for a National Political Agreement Ahead of Elections

OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH
DR. MOHAMUD MOHAMED MOHAMUD
Presidential Candidate of the Federal Republic of Somalia
Somali Presidential Candidates Council

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Assalaamu Calaykum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.
Distinguished members of the Somali Presidential Candidates Council,
Fellow Presidential Candidates,
Respected scholars, intellectuals and political leaders,
Religious leaders, women and youth representatives,
Honored guests,
And my fellow Somali citizens,
First and foremost, I thank Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity to come together today to discuss the future of our country and the destiny of the Somali people.
I stand before you today as Dr. Mohamud Mohamed Mohamud, a candidate for the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It is also an honor for me to contribute to the building of a political platform where presidential candidates can share national visions, responsibilities, and aspirations.
Somalia at a Historic Moment
Distinguished Guests,
Somalia stands today at a historic crossroads.
We have an opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past, strengthen our national institutions, restore public confidence, and build a new generation that believes Somalia can become a united, peaceful, secure, prosperous, and law-governed nation.
But achieving this vision requires leadership with vision, patience, integrity, courage, and a genuine commitment to the national interest.
The Somali Presidential Candidates Council
I believe that the Somali Presidential Candidates Council must be more than a place where presidential candidates simply meet.
It must become a national platform dedicated to protecting the interests of Somalia.
Together, we must work to move Somali politics away from personality, clan division, and narrow interests, and toward a political culture based on the Constitution, the rule of law, accountability, transparency, and the common good.
Let me state this clearly:
A presidential candidacy is not a personal war. It is a competition of national visions.
Each of us has a vision and a program that we believe can lead Somalia toward a better future. We should compete respectfully on the basis of ideas, policies, and leadership.
But when the election is over, regardless of who wins, we must all stand together for Somalia.
1. National Sovereignty and Unity
Somalia must overcome division and fragmentation.
We envision a Somalia where every citizen lives with dignity and equality; a Somalia where people are not judged by their clan, place of origin, or political influence, but by their citizenship, competence, integrity, and commitment to the nation.
We believe:
Somalia is one country.
The Somali people are one nation.
The national interest is the responsibility of us all.
2. Good Governance and Accountability
A country without strong institutions cannot build a strong future.
We must therefore build government institutions that are independent, transparent, accountable, lawful, and dedicated to serving the people.
Our national resources are a trust belonging to the Somali people.
Public funds, government land, our marine and natural resources, and all national assets must be managed according to law, transparency, accountability, and the public interest.
We cannot accept a political culture in which national wealth is treated as the property of an individual, family, or group.
3. Security and Peace
Distinguished Guests,
There can be no sustainable development without security.
There can be no strong economy while our people live in fear.
Somalia needs a strong, professional, patriotic national security sector that operates under the authority of legitimate constitutional institutions.
At the same time, we need genuine national reconciliation.
Political disagreements can be resolved.
Social conflicts can be resolved.
Our differences can be addressed through dialogue, justice, mutual understanding, and political compromise.
4. The Youth of Somalia
Our youth are not merely the future of Somalia.
Our youth are Somalia today.
They must have access to quality education, professional skills, employment, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in national decision-making.
We must transform the energy, talent, and creativity of Somali youth into employment, productivity, innovation, and national development.
5. Economic Development
Somalia possesses significant natural resources and, most importantly, a talented and resilient population.
We need a government that creates a favorable environment for investment, supports Somali businesses, promotes domestic production, develops economic infrastructure, and manages our national resources responsibly and transparently.
The Somali diaspora is also an important partner in national reconstruction.
Their knowledge, expertise, experience, and investment should be transformed into opportunities for national development.
A National Political Agreement
Distinguished Members of the Council,
I call upon the Somali Presidential Candidates Council to establish a national political agreement based on our shared national values.
Under such an agreement, every presidential candidate should commit to:
Respecting the Constitution and the rule of law;
Accepting a free, fair, and credible electoral competition;
Rejecting political violence;
Protecting the unity and sovereignty of Somalia;
Respecting the outcome of an election when it is conducted transparently and credibly;
And placing the national interest above personal or political interests.
This is more than a political commitment.
It is our responsibility to the generations of today and tomorrow.
Conclusion
Distinguished Guests,
Allow me to conclude with one fundamental conviction:
Somalia does not need leadership based solely on power.
Somalia needs leadership that unites its people.
Somalia does not need politicians who divide our citizens.
We need politicians who build trust.
Somalia does not need a government that distances itself from its people.
We need a government that serves its people.
Somalia does not need politics driven by narrow interests.
We need national politics driven by the common good.
As Dr. Mohamud Mohamed Mohamud, I assure you that my political commitment is directed toward building:
A united Somalia,
A peaceful Somalia,
Transparent and accountable government,
A growing and inclusive economy,
And a new generation prepared to lead our country into the future.
Let us make politics a path toward national unity.
Let us make this Council a platform for building trust.
Let us make elections a competition of policies, programs, and national visions.
And let us build a Somalia that our children will be proud to call their own.
Somalia is our country.
Somalia is our honor.
Somalia is our responsibility.
ONE UNITED NATION
TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT
A SHARED FUTURE
Wabillaahi Tawfiiq.
Thank you.