Mogadishu, June 13, 2025. The Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has taken a brave and controversial step by formally dissolving the C6+ coordination framework, which has long served as the political backbone for foreign participation in Somalia. The decision, announced by an official letter from State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar (also known as Ali Balcad), is a watershed moment in Somalia’s efforts to restore its sovereignty—but not without repercussions.

This announcement did not occur in isolation. It came after the president convened a high-level political meeting in a last-ditch attempt to bring Somalia’s feuding political leaders together behind a common vision. However, despite its symbolic importance, the event failed to produce practical agreement, emphasising the fundamental differences that beset Somali politics.

C6+: From lifeline to liability

Established in 2018 amidst a climate of significant vulnerability, the C6+ framework united six pivotal international entities and organisations to harmonise assistance efforts directed towards Somalia. This initiative emerged as a reaction to the disintegration of institutions, the rise of warlordism, and the prevailing influence of Al-Shabaab, offering a framework for Somali collaborators to enhance governance and security.

But in a letter dated June 10, 2025, Minister Ali Omar asserted that the original conditions necessitating C6+ engagement no longer apply. In light of advancements in institutional development, the evolution of a democratic process, and a national vision bolstered by the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh, Somalia has now proclaimed its independence from externally imposed political frameworks.

“At present, Somalia has transcended its status as a nation in transition… It does not adhere to the tenets of collaboration, reciprocal regard, and sovereign stewardship,” the letter articulated.

A sovereign declaration or a strategic gamble?

For those who advocate for President Hassan Sheikh, the decision has long been anticipated. For an extended period, there has been scrutiny—both in public discussions and in private conversations—regarding the involvement of foreign diplomats and organisations functioning from the Halane compound in Mogadishu. A considerable number of Somalis view these actors as encroaching upon domestic matters, interfering unduly, and exerting an outsized influence on national priorities.

Viewed through this lens, the dissolution of the C6+ should not be interpreted as a repudiation of collaboration but rather as a strategic realignment—an endeavour to reinstate dignity within Somalia’s political framework. The administration asserts its continued willingness to engage with C6+ nations, albeit exclusively through equitable, bilateral frameworks that honour Somali autonomy.

“It is time that Somalia defines the terms of engagement—not be defined by them,” a senior official from Villa Somalia commented under condition of anonymity.

Lessons from the past, warnings for the future

President Hassan Sheikh’s endeavour to bring together Somali stakeholders during a recent national dialogue conference was met with approval; however, the results did not yield a substantial consensus. The government’s dissolution of the C6+ could represent a strategic shift—a message to internal stakeholders that Somalia is reasserting its authority. However, the danger lies in the fact that this approach may estrange essential allies during a period when achieving internal unity proves challenging.

It is somewhat paradoxical that Hassan Sheikh, initially regarded as a leader capable of withstanding foreign influence more adeptly than his predecessor Farmaajo, now encounters scrutiny for yielding excessively in multiple directions. To his supporters, he is articulating the principles of Somali sovereignty with clarity and conviction. To those who harbour doubts, including leaders of the opposition, he seems to be in a politically precarious position—straddling the line between affirming national sovereignty and preserving essential international alliances.

Faith and federalism: A delicate Equation

This crisis emerges during a period characterised by significant political instability. President Hassan Sheikh’s call for a national political conference indicated a willingness to pursue reconciliation; however, the outcomes of the conference did not result in any significant actionable agreements. Prominent opposition figures and regional leaders were present; however, a cohesive framework did not materialise. Sources indicate that certain factions have suggested a new international initiative, allegedly inspired by the Kampala Accord, which aims to circumvent Villa Somalia and facilitate political dialogue via foreign mediation.

The dismissal of the C6+ could indicate a strategic move to counter this alternative. The removal of the international structure by the president appears to have effectively hindered the potential for externalising Somali political negotiations again. The determination of whether this represents a strategic masterstroke or a political miscalculation is yet to be established.

Opposition parties anticipated that the C6+ would serve as a mechanism for holding the administration accountable. Their frustration arises from the perception that Hassan Sheikh—previously celebrated as the solution to Farmaajo’s centralised authoritarianism—has not delivered on that expectation. Critics contend that he is now equally vulnerable to foreign influence as his predecessor or, perhaps even more concerning, lacks a unified national strategy.

A nation on the brink: Military and political tensions rise

Reports that the president may launch a big military attack against Al-Shabaab add to the stress. If proven, this would drastically aggravate the situation, perhaps resulting in a de facto state of emergency. Critics warn that if international coordination fails, logistics, information sharing, and humanitarian missions would suffer greatly.

Furthermore, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ letter verified rumours that the federal government’s recent talks with federal member states and other political players failed. The C6+ group allegedly recommended holding a new high-level political conference that would unite all factions—government, opposition, and regional states—under a revamped, external facilitation paradigm. That option may now be off the table.

The road ahead: Bold or blind?

At this very time, Hassan Sheikh’s presidency may be defined. It would be an incredible feat for his administration to promote internal discourse, stabilise governance, and maintain security advances without C6+ support. We will remember the risk as careless if the nation fails in the face of political chaos and isolation.

It is possible that the C6+ will remain despite Somalia’s statements. While complete disengagement is very improbable, member nations may seek more stringent conditions in order to maintain their support. Politics in Somalia have changed, for better or worse.

Now it is a matter of whether Hassan Sheikh can lead unwaveringly, maintain unity within his federal system, and confidently traverse this precarious route. The very sovereignty he is trying to recover may be at stake if he is unsuccessful. 

Conclusion

Somalia is at a turning point. On one road is independent self-determination, which comes from wanting to run the country without any help from other countries. On the other side is the truth: the country is still dealing with political divisions, lack of safety, and weak institutions. The breaking up of the C6+ framework shows that President Hassan Sheikh wants to enforce the first one. But it may make the latter more vulnerable faster.

This change could make Somalia’s political character different, for better or worse. It could make people in the country feel more invested in the peace process, or it could make things even less stable. It could boost national pride or weaken unity between countries. It is clear that the president is now fully responsible, without the protection or excuse of foreign intervention.

In the end, Somalia’s shaky trial with a federal government may rely on Hassan Sheikh’s ability to turn this risk into government. Can he bring the political class together, keep the federal government in balance, stop Al-Shabaab, and keep important foreign help coming in? Can he use the words of power without shutting down peace talks?

The next few weeks are very important. At the moment, the Somali state is facing an unclear future, with a president ready to risk everything on his vision and a federal system that is not stable.

Author: Mohamed Hirsi Salad

Researcher and Analyst, Studied International Security & Peace Conflict, Specialist in the Horn of Africa, and Secretary of former President of Somalia Dr Abdikasim Salad Hassan (TNG)