Mogadishu — All eyes are on the Somali capital as prominent opposition figures from the Somali Salvation Forum, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, arrived at Villa Somalia today for a highly anticipated closed-door meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The gathering underscores mounting political pressure on the administration to address critical national priorities ahead of the 2026 elections.
According to sources close to the talks, the meeting’s agenda focuses on three contentious areas: the election model for the 2026 polls, ongoing constitutional reform efforts, and the government’s strategy against Al-Shabaab. Opposition leaders, many of whom are presidential hopefuls themselves, have voiced concerns over the lack of political consensus surrounding the constitutional amendments and election preparations.
A senior member of the Somali Salvation Forum, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that “transparent electoral procedures and broader political inclusion” would be non-negotiable demands during the discussion. The opposition bloc has long advocated for a credible and timely one-person-one-vote election and has warned against rushed constitutional amendments that may alienate key stakeholders.
The fight against terror is also expected to feature prominently. Despite military advances in rural areas, leaders from the opposition argue that the federal government must enhance coordination with regional states and local militias to consolidate these gains and prevent any resurgence.
President Mohamud’s administration, which views these consultations as part of its commitment to political stability, is reportedly open to dialogue. However, some insiders caution that reaching broad agreement could prove difficult, especially given the lingering mistrust between the ruling camp and opposition factions.
With Somalia standing at a critical juncture, this high-stakes meeting may well shape the tone of the political landscape heading into 2026 — and could determine whether Somalia can transition peacefully through its next electoral cycle. The Somali public, civil society, and international partners will be watching closely for signals of compromise and a unified path forward.