Senior Somali military and security officials have held separate closed-door meetings with opposition leaders in Mogadishu, urging them to participate in a national dialogue proposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The meetings, held over the past two nights, brought together senior government security officials and prominent opposition figures amid growing concerns that the planned dialogue could collapse due to disagreements between the government and opposition.
The first meeting took place at the Mogadishu residence of former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi were in attendance.
The government delegation included the commanders of the Somali National Army, National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and Police, as well as the chairman of the Military Court.
The security officials, who were reportedly conveying a message from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, urged the opposition leaders to attend the national dialogue scheduled for the middle of this month.
The opposition figures, united under the Future Council, discussed ways of strengthening political dialogue and creating an environment conducive to reaching consensus on security matters and the country’s electoral future.
Both sides reportedly agreed on the importance of working together to maintain national security, fight Al-Shabaab and ensure peaceful elections free from political instability.
On the second night, the security chiefs visited former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo at his residence in Mogadishu, where they presented the same request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Farmajo welcomed the President’s invitation but urged the security officials to ensure that all opposition groups are included in the proposed dialogue. He also called for the continuation of talks facilitated by the international community.
The meetings come amid fears that the proposed national dialogue could fail after the Future Council, which brings together several major opposition figures, expressed reservations about participating. The security officials have therefore stepped up efforts to persuade the opposition to attend.
Last month, Somalia’s National Electoral Commission announced that the country was moving towards elections, setting May 15, 2027, as the date for both parliamentary and presidential elections.
Mustaqbal
