Mogadishu – On the second day of a pivotal three-day consultation conference in Mogadishu, prominent religious clerics joined the Opposition Forum for Somalia’s Salvation, offering critical input toward shaping a roadmap for a credible, negotiated election process by May 2026.
Their participation marks a notable shift, lending religious legitimacy and public trust to the opposition’s push for an inclusive political settlement.
The move is seen as a significant step forward in efforts to build consensus on Somalia’s future electoral model.
This development comes despite the federal government’s continued commitment to holding a direct vote, a stance that has faced resistance from several political stakeholders who argue for broader consultation and compromise amid persistent security and institutional challenges.
The conference, bringing together opposition leaders, civil society figures, and now religious authorities, seeks to forge a unified national vision ahead of the next election cycle.
