Somalia's national dialogue failed to open as scheduled in Mogadishu, with the presidency saying consultations are ongoing as opposition groups demand guarantees and international mediation.
The talks were expected to begin on Saturday, November 14, and run through November 18, bringing together government representatives, opposition groups and civil society organisations to discuss key national issues, particularly the country's disputed electoral process.
In a statement, the presidency said it was maintaining contact with the invited political and civil society groups to secure their participation in the proposed consultations.
"The Presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia wishes to inform the public that communications are ongoing with the parties invited to the national consultation forum as part of preparations for the meeting," the statement said.
It added that final preparations were under way and that the conference would be officially opened in Mogadishu soon.
"The forum, convened by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on October 26, 2026, will open soon," it said.
The presidency insisted that the invitation remained open, signalling that the government was still hoping to bring the rival political factions to the negotiating table despite the delay.
The postponement comes amid disagreements between the government and opposition figures over the conditions and framework for the proposed dialogue.
Opposition leaders have reportedly insisted on guarantees to ensure that any agreement reached during the negotiations would be respected and implemented. They have also called for international mediation, arguing that the involvement of external facilitators would help build confidence and ensure a credible process.
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The dispute comes against the backdrop of a broader political crisis over Somalia's electoral arrangements and the country's political transition.
The groups invited to the consultations include the Nabad iyo Nolol party, the Somali Future Council, the National Unity Forum and the Civil Society Coalition.
The Somali Future Council brings together prominent opposition figures and federal member state leaders who have challenged the government's approach to the electoral process and called for a negotiated political settlement.
President Hassan has sought to use the proposed consultations to bring the competing sides together and address issues considered critical to the country's political future, with elections emerging as the central point of contention.
Somalia has been divided over the government's push for a direct, one-person-one-vote electoral system, which has faced resistance from opposition leaders who argue that major political decisions must be reached through broad-based consensus.
Previous rounds of discussions between the government and opposition representatives failed to produce a substantive agreement, deepening mistrust between the two camps.
The latest initiative comes at a sensitive time, with political divisions threatening to complicate preparations for the next electoral cycle and raising concerns about the possibility of renewed tensions.
While the presidency has not announced a revised opening date, its statement suggested that the government was continuing efforts to persuade the invited groups to attend.
Whether the planned consultations can proceed will largely depend on the government's ability to address opposition demands over guarantees, mediation and the overall framework for negotiations.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
