MOGADISHU: The United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) and the United Kingdom have welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to convene the Somali Future Council, describing it as a timely measure to address critical national priorities. In a statement, UNTMIS said the meeting offers an important opportunity to jointly chart a way forward on key national issues. The mission called on all stakeholders to engage constructively and in good faith, emphasizing that the interests of all Somali citizens must remain the foremost priority.
Similarly, the British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, expressed support for the initiative, asserting that dialogue remains the most viable approach to enhancing stability, handling national priorities, and safeguarding the interests of the Somali population. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud formally invited the Somali Future Council to a national consultative meeting scheduled for May 10, 2026, as part of ongoing federal efforts to promote inclusive political dialogue. The invitation follows a series of consultations the president has held with political leaders, former national figures, traditional elders, and civil society representatives, all aimed at forging consensus on key national priorities.
The European Union representative in Somalia, Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro, has also endorsed the opposition coalition’s participation, characterizing it as a positive development for the nation’s political stability. Ambassador Di Mauro communicated via social media that the Somali Future Council has accepted the invitation to attend the dialogue, describing the move as a “constructive step.” She further noted the necessity of creating a favorable political atmosphere to enable productive discussion among all participants.
Both UNTMIS and the UK reiterated their commitment, alongside other international partners, to back Somali-led initiatives focused on resolving ongoing challenges and fostering comprehensive political involvement. The Somali Future Council, a political alliance formed in October 2025 by key opposition figures including the presidents of Puntland and Jubaland, former prime ministers, and leading members of the Somali Salvation Forum, was established as a unified platform to steer the country through its next phase of political transition.
The invitation to the May 10 meeting follows a series of engagements between the government and the Future Council, including high-level talks held in February 2026 aimed at resolving disputes over elections and constitutional reforms. Those discussions concentrated on electoral consensus, security cooperation, and humanitarian crises, though deep disagreements, particularly over the proposed “one-person, one-vote” system versus indirect elections, prevented a final resolution at the time. The Federal Government has maintained that the May 10 consultative meeting represents a renewed opportunity for dialogue.
