Mogadishu, Somalia – Representatives of Somalia’s opposition parties held a high-level meeting in Mogadishu on Sunday with envoys from the international community, where they raised concerns over the country’s political trajectory and recent security setbacks.
According to participants, the discussions centered on the stalled negotiations between opposition leaders and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with both sides acknowledging the urgent need to restore confidence in the political process. The opposition warned that excluding key stakeholders risks undermining consensus on critical reforms ahead of the 2026 elections.
“We believe that the future of Somalia depends on a transparent and inclusive dialogue,” one opposition figure told reporters after the meeting.
“This means bringing together all actors—political parties, federal member states, civil society, and government representatives—to agree on the election roadmap and the constitutional review process,” the opposition politician added.
The talks also highlighted growing concerns over the security situation, following recent deadly attacks by Al-Shabaab and public criticism of lapses in state preparedness. International partners reiterated their support for Somalia’s stabilization efforts but urged political leaders to prioritize unity in order to avoid further fragmentation.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that Sunday’s meeting was part of broader consultations aimed at reducing tensions between the government and opposition, while encouraging Somali-led solutions to governance challenges.
The 2026 electoral process and pending constitutional amendments remain among the most pressing issues on Somalia’s political agenda. Failure to secure broad consensus, analysts warn, could risk repeating the prolonged disputes and delays that marred past transitions.
For now, opposition leaders say they remain open to dialogue but insist that the president must demonstrate greater commitment to compromise if Somalia is to move forward peacefully.