MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian)- Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday announced that talks with opposition figures and regional state leaders will begin on June 15, amid mounting domestic and international criticism over his push for a contentious shift to a one-person, one-vote electoral system.
The move follows weeks of growing pressure from foreign partners and Somali political stakeholders, including former presidents, who have raised concerns about the timing and transparency of the electoral reform process.
In a statement, Mohamud said the talks will include political leaders and representatives of civil society. While the president did not release a formal list of participants, observers believe the meeting will involve federal member state leaders and key opposition figures who have recently convened in Mogadishu to coordinate a response to the president’s agenda.
The announcement comes as the president accelerates a series of sweeping political and security changes widely seen as efforts to tighten his grip on power. On Sunday, Mohamud reappointed Mahad Salad as director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), nearly a year after sacking him from the same post — a move analysts interpret as an attempt to reinforce loyalty within the security sector.
Earlier this week, the president dismissed Banadir regional governor Mohamed Amir, replacing him with former mayor Hassan Mohamed Hussein “Mungab,” a figure with significant clan influence in Mogadishu. The reshuffle is viewed by insiders as part of a broader strategy to neutralize opposition forces in the capital.
In addition, Mohamud removed key security commanders and is reportedly redeploying loyal forces under the command of family-linked officers, further stoking fears among critics that the president is consolidating power to secure a potential term extension.
The outcome of the June 15 dialogue remains uncertain. But analysts fear that the talks could serve as a delaying tactic, allowing the administration to stall reforms until the electoral calendar is imminent — potentially paving the way for a controversial two-year term extension through a compliant parliament.
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