Mogadishu, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged to expand political consultations beyond the current participants in the country’s governance process, signaling a fresh attempt to defuse growing tensions within the federation.
Addressing the bicameral Federal Parliament on Monday, President Hassan said he is prepared to engage “all stakeholders who feel excluded,” a statement widely interpreted as an olive branch to dissenting regional leaders.
His remarks come amid reports that Puntland and Jubbaland — two influential Federal Member States — have suspended cooperation with the Federal Government over disputed constitutional amendments. According to sources close to Villa Somalia, the president is planning direct talks with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Madobe to restore dialogue.
The standoff erupted after Mogadishu moved ahead with constitutional revisions that critics say were rushed and lacked consensus. Puntland and Jubbaland accuse the central government of undermining federalism and weakening state autonomy, while the presidency insists the changes are necessary to stabilize governance and transition toward a full democratic system.
President Hassan’s appeal for broader inclusion reflects mounting pressure to avert further escalation, which could derail ongoing security operations against Al-Shabaab and disrupt preparations for the 2026 elections.
“Somalia cannot afford political fragmentation at this critical juncture,” said a senior parliamentarian following the session. “Dialogue is the only way forward.”
No timeline has been publicly announced for the proposed meetings, but diplomatic sources say regional and international partners are quietly encouraging reconciliation efforts.
For now, all eyes are on whether President Hassan’s outreach will translate into meaningful negotiations — or deepen the widening fault lines within Somalia’s fragile federal structure.