
Friday January 31, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed met with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia, in Mogadishu on Thursday to discuss Somalia’s ongoing political challenges, particularly those linked to the upcoming elections.
The meeting focused on the electoral process, which has been a source of tension between the opposition coalition, including Sheikh Sharif’s political party, Himilo Qaran, and the current federal government leaders.
Both the UN envoy and Sheikh Sharif emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus on the electoral framework to ensure the legitimacy and public acceptance of the process.
“Today, I had a meeting with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia. We discussed a broad range of issues, particularly politics, the contested electoral model, and the need for a consensual, credible, and legally compliant election to happen in the upcoming elections,” Sheikh Sharif said.
The discussion comes as Somalia gears up for Local Council Elections, scheduled to begin in June 2025. According to the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC), the elections will be held in Mogadishu, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Jubaland (including Gedo), Southwest State, and the interim SSC Khaatumo administration.