Mogadishu, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has reaffirmed that dialogue remains the government’s preferred path in addressing the country’s widening political rifts with Puntland and Jubbaland, two federal member states that have openly opposed recent constitutional reforms.
Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya, President Mohamud expressed optimism that the disputes, particularly with Jubbaland’s leadership, could be settled before the next national elections in 2026. While he did not outline specific steps or a timeline, his remarks appeared aimed at calming mounting political tensions ahead of a critical electoral cycle.
At the heart of the disagreement are constitutional amendments passed earlier this year, which the federal government argues are necessary to streamline governance and strengthen national institutions. However, Puntland and Jubbaland leaders have rejected the changes, accusing Mogadishu of centralizing power at the expense of federal autonomy. The structure and procedures of the upcoming 2026 presidential election have become another flashpoint.
Diplomatic sources have confirmed that external mediation efforts are underway, involving regional partners and international actors, to bridge the divide and prevent the dispute from escalating into a broader political crisis. Observers warn that prolonged deadlock could undermine Somalia’s fragile federal arrangement and complicate preparations for the next electoral process.
Despite these challenges, President Mohamud struck a conciliatory tone, underscoring that dialogue remains “open and necessary” for resolving differences. His comments suggest a willingness to negotiate, even as political maneuvering continues both in Mogadishu and among the federal states.
The coming months are expected to test whether Somalia’s leaders can reconcile competing visions of federalism and reach common ground before the country embarks on its next electoral transition.