Federal Government-Opposition talks scheduled for today postponed amid separate meetings in Mogadishu

Talks between Somalia’s Federal Government and opposition leaders, which were scheduled to take place today, have been postponed amid continuing separate meetings between the two sides.

The delay comes as both sides hold separate meetings in Mogadishu in an effort to address outstanding issues ahead of the planned negotiations.

The divided opposition has been reportedly reluctant to attend the talks, demanding the involvement of a third party from the international community to mediate between them and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Some opposition figures have also called for a return to previously discussed issues that led to the prolonged suspension of the negotiations, arguing that the disagreements remain unresolved.

The absence of the presidents of Puntland and Jubbaland has emerged as another potential obstacle. Some opposition leaders believe the two regional leaders must be involved before meaningful negotiations can begin. However, their absence from Mogadishu, coupled with conditions they have set for attending the meeting, could further delay the process.

The Federal Government has already outlined its 2027 electoral roadmap, while the Independent National Electoral Commission, which has overseen public elections, has presented the proposed election timetable. However, opposition leaders have rejected the government’s electoral arrangements.

Despite being divided into different factions, opposition figures also remain divided over the electoral process. Some support direct elections but have raised concerns about the electoral commission and how the process is being managed, while another faction continues to advocate for an indirect electoral system.

The growing disagreements have raised questions about whether the government and opposition can reach a compromise, given that both sides continue to approach the negotiations with separate demands and conditions.

Mustaqbal