Somali President hosts opposition leaders in bid to break political deadlock
According to a statement from the presidency, discussions focused on the electoral process, constitutional amendments, national unity, the ongoing drought and military operations against al-Shabab.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday hosted opposition leaders, including members of the Somali Future Council, for a luncheon in Mogadishu to break a political deadlock over elections and constitutional reforms.
The meeting comes weeks after the federal government invited opposition leaders to a National Consultation Conference aimed at addressing disputes that have deepened divisions between Villa Somalia and opposition-aligned regional leaders.
According to a statement from the presidency, discussions focused on the electoral process, constitutional amendments, national unity, the ongoing drought and military operations against al-Shabab.
President Hassan Sheikh emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue and collective responsibility at a time of mounting political and humanitarian pressure.
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“The country’s future requires collective responsibility and inclusive dialogue,” the presidency quoted him as saying.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, senior cabinet members and representatives of the Somali Future Council attended the meeting. The council includes key political figures and leaders from Puntland and Jubbaland, both of which have voiced strong reservations about the federal government’s approach to constitutional change and the format of upcoming elections.
The planned consultation conference is expected to center on contested amendments to the Provisional Constitution and the framework for the next electoral cycle. Opposition leaders have called for a negotiated electoral model and greater consensus before advancing constitutional revisions currently under debate in parliament.
The federal government maintains that completing the constitutional review and preparing for broader suffrage are essential to avoid institutional uncertainty and stabilize governance.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.