Mogadishu, Somalia – A second round of high-stakes talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the opposition Forum for Somalia Salvation is scheduled for Thursday in Mogadishu, as the country grapples with deepening political divisions ahead of the 2026 elections.
The upcoming discussions follow initial negotiations held recently at Villa Somalia (the State House), where both sides exchanged views on several critical issues, including the contentious 2026 electoral model, outstanding constitutional disputes, and the level of participation by the federal member states of Puntland and Jubbaland in the national political process.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the opposition bloc — which includes prominent political figures and former senior officials — has expressed concerns over what they describe as a lack of transparency and inclusivity in the ongoing constitutional review and electoral preparations.
They are demanding clear mechanisms for state participation, particularly that of Puntland and Jubbaland, which have so far remained partially disengaged from recent federal processes.
President Mohamud, who has emphasized dialogue and national reconciliation as key to achieving political stability, is expected to offer new proposals aimed at bridging the rift. During the first round of talks, he reportedly assured the opposition that the government remains committed to a consensus-based approach and inclusive state-building.
The talks come at a pivotal moment as Somalia approaches a critical juncture in its federal development. The 2026 election is widely seen as a test of the country’s democratic resilience following years of reform attempts, electoral disputes, and federal tensions.
Observers from civil society, international partners, and regional stakeholders are closely watching the outcome of Thursday’s meeting, hoping it will lead to a breakthrough that paves the way for a unified political roadmap.
The outcome of the second round could shape not only the format of the next elections but also the broader trajectory of Somalia’s federal governance and constitutional order.