High-Level Conference on Completing Somalia’s Constitutional Vision:

Background:

The longer Somalia languishes without a permanent constitution, the longer the republic itself runs the risk of itself being perceived as a provisional government, even though the tenure of the Transitional Federal Government ended long ago, with the 2012 inauguration of the present government. This high-level conference will bring together leaders and experts to chart the way forward for a more peaceful and prosperous Somalia.

Objective: To convene key stakeholders including government officials, constitutional experts, and civil society representatives to:

• • Assess Progress and Challenges:Review the achievements and identify the remaining challenges in completing Somalia’s constitutional process.
  • Identify Opportunities:Explore opportunities presented by the current political climate, regional dynamics, and international support for advancing constitutional development.
  • Chart the Way Forward:Develop a roadmap and consensus on the steps needed to finalize and implement a constitution that is inclusive, responsive, and reflective of Somalia’s unique context.

Themes: The conference will focus on the following thematic areas:

1. Constitutional Process: Advancing from a provisional constitution. Defining the political, legal and institutional frameworks necessary to finalize and implement the constitution.
2. 2026 Elections: Building political consensus, overcoming security concerns and ensuring equitable representation.
3. Federalism: How are powers and responsibilities distributed? What conflict resolution mechanisms exist- case of Puntland. What strategies should we use to share resources and generate revenue?
4. National Unity: How do we keep the country together and protect it from external threats and internal division?

Format: The conference will be structured around plenary sessions, thematic panels, and interactive workshops to facilitate in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking among participants.

Participants: Participants will include high-level government officials, constitutional experts, representatives from civil society organizations, academia, regional organizations, and diaspora leaders actively engaged in Somalia’s constitutional process.

Keynote Speakers: See the program pamphlet.

Conclusion:

The completion of Somalia’s constitutional vision is pivotal for the country’s long-term stability, prosperity, and inclusive governance. This high-level conference aims to harness collective wisdom, experience, and commitment to advance this critical agenda. By engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering consensus, the conference seeks to propel Somalia towards achieving a constitution that reflects its unique identity and aspirations.