Puntland Development and Research Centre (PDRC) convened the 33rd PDRCTalks under the theme “Revisiting Modern Somalia: Forgetting the Past Means Reliving It,” continuing its mission to promote informed public dialogue on governance, peace, and development. Held on October 2, 2025, in Garowe, the event featured Professor Mohamed Haji Mukhtar, a distinguished historian and Chairperson of the National Academy of Maay Culture and Sciences, as the keynote speaker. Since its launch in 2019, PDRCTalks has served as an interactive platform that brings together scholars, policymakers, civil society actors, and citizens to reflect on critical national questions and exchange ideas through evidence-based discussion.
This report captures the key arguments, reflections, and debates from the session, with a focus on Somali identity, cultural diversity, language politics, and state-building. Professor Mukhtar challenged long-held assumptions about homogeneity in Somali society, highlighting how historical narratives, linguistic hierarchies, and unequal political representation have shaped exclusion and conflict. The panel discussion and audience engagement further explored these themes, offering contrasting views on language policy, governance models, and national cohesion. Together, these contributions point to historical accuracy, linguistic inclusion, and fairer political structures as foundations for sustainable peace and development in Somalia.