Mogadishu, Somalia – Tensions within Somalia’s fragile political landscape resurfaced this week after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met privately with several regional leaders at the State House in Mogadishu. The lengthy meeting, held behind closed doors, came at a time when relations between the federal government and its member states are once again under strain, sparking renewed debate about Somalia’s political future.
While Villa Somalia has not released an official statement, insiders described the talks as wide-ranging and occasionally heated. Participants reportedly focused on how to revive dialogue between the federal government and the Jubbaland administration, led by President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, as well as on charting a unified path toward the 2026 elections. The question of mandate extensions — a topic that has divided Somali politics for years — is said to have featured prominently.
Proponents of extending the current political mandates argue that doing so would provide the time needed to finalize constitutional amendments, implement security reforms, and stabilize regions still recovering from conflict. However, opposition figures and civil society groups have cautioned that any attempt to delay elections would undermine public trust and risk reigniting unrest in a country still healing from years of political volatility.
Analysts say President Mohamud’s decision to host the meeting reflects a growing recognition that open confrontation between Mogadishu and the federal member states could jeopardize Somalia’s recent gains, including progress in debt relief, security transition, and international recognition. Yet, the absence of a clear communiqué from the presidency has fueled speculation over whether the discussions produced tangible results or merely postponed deeper disagreements.
In Mogadishu’s teashops and markets, the uncertainty has stirred a mix of hope and skepticism.
As Somalia approaches a critical period ahead of the 2026 polls, the outcome of these latest consultations could determine whether the country advances toward lasting political stability or slips once more into cycles of division and delay.