MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Talks between Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Future Council collapsed after both sides held firm on their positions over constitutional amendments and upcoming elections, deepening a political standoff that has drawn concern from international partners.
In a statement, the Somali Future Council – which includes the presidents of Jubaland and Puntland as well as opposition figures – said the negotiations broke down over what it described as unilateral constitutional amendments enacted by the federal government. The council insisted those amendments should neither be referenced in discussions on elections nor implemented. The government, however, maintained that it would proceed with its plans regardless of objections.
The council also said it had pushed for elections to be conducted in regional states in accordance with the provisional federal constitution and the constitutions of the regional administrations. It accused the government of seeking to stage “sham elections” similar to those it held for Mogadishu municipality last year, alleging that authorities predetermined the committee overseeing the vote, the candidates allowed to run and the outcome.
The Future Council said it entered the talks in good faith and without preconditions but blamed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his administration for the collapse. It accused the government of planning either to orchestrate an election in which it controls all aspects, including the outcome, or to pursue a term extension.
The leader of Jubaland, who attended the talks, left Mogadishu on Monday afternoon for Kismayo, the administrative seat of the regional state.
The United Nations and the United States urged Somali leaders to resume dialogue despite the breakdown.
“Dialogue and compromise are difficult but essential and we encourage Somalia’s leaders to continue to pursue them,” the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu said in a statement. “A unified Somali political process counters terrorism, strengthens governance, and advances priorities for Somalia and the international community.”
Power Grab
In commentary posted on X, Professor Afyare Abdi Elmi contends the government is engaged in a calculated “power grab,” writing:
I have argued in my previous writings that #Somalia’s government has never been serious about reaching a substantive agreement with the opposition regarding the 2026 dispensation.
Instead, it has focused on performative politics and public relations exercises, lacking meaningful policies or actions to address the political stalemate and the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the country.
Since its unilateral decision to create a new constitution in 2024, the real intention of Villa Somalia has been a power grab disguised as ‘one person, one vote.’ The government aimed to set the election rules, appoint the commissioners who oversee the process, and play the game simultaneously. This plan has not succeeded.
Under pressure from the international community and in response to the opposition’s communiqué from Kismayo, the government called for dialogue, expecting the opposition to refuse on the grounds that the forum, agenda, and process were predetermined.
To the surprise of many, the opposition accepted the invitation. Villa Somalia then changed the terms regarding security arrangements, prompting further intervention from the international community. When the opposition arrived, additional roadblocks were created, leading to the collapse of the talks.
Unfortunately, it is now clear that the government is dismantling the pillars of the fragile political settlement and further polarizing an already divided political class. This is again proving the poor political skills of country’s leaders.
If this trajectory continues, it risks leaving the country without a government that has a mandate or political direction. Amid a humanitarian catastrophe and a changing world, this is dangerous.
Before it is too late and before more external pressures, President @HassanSMohamud must revert to the agreed political settlement, ensure consensus on the 2026 transition, and secure that implementation begins before May 2026.
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