By Goth Mohamed Goth
MOGADISHU, July 1, 2026 – The Somali Future Council, a civil society advocacy group, has issued a sharply worded statement marking the 66th anniversary of Somalia’s independence, accusing the outgoing administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of deepening political divisions and jeopardizing recent security gains in the fight against ISIS.
In a press release dated June 30, the Council congratulated Somalis at home and abroad on the anniversary of the July 1, 1960 union of the northern and southern regions. However, it noted that six decades later, the founding vision of a sovereign, democratic, and united Somalia “has yet to be fully realized.”
The statement cited persistent challenges including political fragmentation, weak state institutions, clan hostilities, terrorist activity, foreign interference, constitutional deadlock, and pervasive political mistrust. But the Council reserved its harshest criticism for the current federal government, alleging that President Mohamud’s administration is actively worsening these problems rather than resolving them.
“The Council strongly condemns the use of military and security agencies to incite conflicts and political rivalries against Federal Member States and opposition leaders, to serve personal interests,” the statement read.
Particular concern was directed at the semi-autonomous Puntland State, where the Council alleges that militias are being mobilized and security tensions deliberately stoked by Mogadishu. The timing, the Council argued, is especially damaging: Puntland has recently achieved significant operational successes against ISIS forces, with considerable loss of life and resources.
“Stoking further conflict and security instability jeopardizes these gains and undermines the joint efforts of Puntland and the international community in combating ISIS terrorism,” the statement said.
The Somali Future Council, based in Mogadishu, called for renewed commitment to the rule of law, inclusive dialogue, and the preservation of hard-won security progress across the country.
