MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Efforts to bridge the widening political divide in Somalia have suffered another setback after the latest round of talks between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders concluded without a breakthrough, Universal Somali TV reported on Sunday.
The meeting, held at the presidential palace in Mogadishu, brought together a number of high-profile political figures, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, several ex-Prime Ministers, former parliamentary speakers, and other influential opposition leaders. Despite heightened expectations, the discussions failed to produce any substantive progress.
At the heart of the impasse are sweeping constitutional amendments — particularly changes to Chapter Four — that affect the country’s electoral framework. While President Mohamud had previously indicated a willingness to reverse some of the controversial revisions pending consultations with his cabinet and parliament, he reportedly backtracked during the latest talks, reiterating his refusal to undo the changes.
This apparent reversal has deepened opposition mistrust, raising fears of a total breakdown in dialogue. In an attempt to avert collapse, President Mohamud proposed reconvening on Wednesday for further deliberations.
The contentious amendments, coupled with disputes over the timeline and structure of upcoming elections, remain the primary sticking points. Opposition figures have called for full transparency, insisting that any agreements reached during the dialogue process be made public to ensure accountability.
Some opposition leaders have accused President Mohamud of exploiting the talks as a political stalling tactic, aiming to exhaust opposition momentum and prolong his administration’s grip on power until his term expires in 2026 — a scenario that, critics warn, could plunge the country into deeper uncertainty.
The federal government, for its part, has repeatedly pledged to deliver Somalia’s first one-person, one-vote election. Voter registration efforts are currently underway in Mogadishu, though reports have emerged of citizens being compelled to disembark from vehicles or summoned from their homes to register — raising concerns about the voluntary nature and integrity of the process.
As the political stalemate deepens, many Somalis fear that without a negotiated consensus, the prospect of a peaceful and inclusive transition may remain elusive.
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