Mogadishu, Somalia – The African Union (AU) has officially endorsed the new electoral deal reached in Somalia between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and four prominent opposition politicians, calling it a crucial milestone in the country’s democratic transition.
The agreement, announced earlier this week in Mogadishu, lays the groundwork for Somalia to move forward with its long-delayed elections. It comes after months of tense negotiations between government leaders and political rivals over how to conduct a credible vote in a country grappling with insecurity, constitutional disputes, and deep political fragmentation.
AU officials welcomed the pact, describing it as an encouraging sign of compromise in Somalia’s fragile political environment. The continental body emphasized that inclusive dialogue among political stakeholders is vital for maintaining stability and ensuring the elections strengthen democratic governance rather than fuel further divisions.
The deal is expected to create a framework for resolving disputes over electoral management, candidate eligibility, and representation, issues that have repeatedly delayed previous elections. Analysts say the involvement of opposition leaders in the agreement signals a rare moment of political consensus that could improve confidence in the process both domestically and among Somalia’s international partners.
Somalia’s political trajectory remains highly sensitive, with regional states, clan leaders, and civil society groups all expected to play a role in shaping how the elections unfold. The AU pledged to continue supporting Somalia through technical assistance, mediation, and security backing to ensure that the upcoming polls are peaceful, transparent, and broadly accepted.
For President Mohamud, the deal represents both a political victory and a new responsibility to manage competing interests without alienating key actors. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have framed their participation as a step toward safeguarding national unity and preventing further political crises.
Observers note that while the agreement has eased immediate tensions, its true test will come in implementation. Somalia’s history of fragile power-sharing deals that falter under pressure has left many cautious but hopeful that this time the momentum will hold.