Tuesday May 5, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — The opposition-aligned Somali Future Council has announced it is willing to participate in the upcoming national dialogue proposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, but only under strict conditions tied to the country’s electoral process.
In an official letter issued Tuesday, the Council said meaningful engagement with the Federal Government would depend on “genuine political integrity,” outlining two key demands.
Second, the Council demanded the appointment of an independent and credible mediator to oversee the talks, arguing that previous dialogue efforts over the past two years have failed to produce tangible results.
“If progress is not made on these issues by May 15, 2026, we will take measures to preserve the country’s sovereignty,” the statement said, without specifying what actions might follow.
The Council also warned of the risk of a constitutional crisis or potential state collapse if political differences are not resolved through a credible and inclusive process.
The announcement comes in response to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s invitation to opposition groups to attend a high-level meeting scheduled for May 10 in Mogadishu. The presidency has said the talks aim to address key national priorities, including the electoral process and the country’s political future.
International partners, including the United Nations, the United Kingdom and the European Union, have welcomed the initiative and urged both sides to engage constructively and reach consensus.
The standoff highlights growing political tensions ahead of the May 15 deadline marking the end of the president’s current term, with no agreement yet on the electoral model or timeline.
