Mogadishu (WDN) – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly urged Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom to support expanding the participation of opposition figures in Somalia’s anticipated political dialogue, according to senior sources familiar with the discussions.
Sources told WardheerNews that the President has made it clear he does not support negotiations limited to a single opposition bloc, arguing that such an arrangement would not provide broad and balanced political representation. Instead, he is said to have proposed expanding the talks to include additional opposition leaders among them former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, in an effort to make the dialogue more inclusive and representative.
Although the President’s call for broader political participation is widely perceived as aimed at supporters of his unilateral One Person- One Vote, there is broad consensus that any durable political settlement must include civil society and other key stakeholders. Many political observers also argue that an expanded dialogue should begin with former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, as a key opposition leader, to ensure that any agreement enjoys broad political legitimacy.
Political observers note that if the Somali Future Council rejects the inclusion of other opposition groups, the planned negotiations could collapse before they begin. Such an outcome, they argue, would likely prolong the current political deadlock and could inadvertently work to President Hassan’s advantage by delaying efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement.
The proposal comes as international mediators intensify efforts to revive negotiations aimed at resolving Somalia’s prolonged constitutional and political crisis. Sources indicated that the negotiations will take place in two phases. The first phase will consist of separate consultations with the international community to understand the positions of each political group. The second phase is expected to bring together the opposition leaders and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for a joint dialogue aimed at reaching a political consensus.
Sources further indicated that no official date has yet been set for the next round of talks. However, both sides are understood to have agreed in principle to resume negotiations following the inauguration of South West State’s new leadership in Baidoa.
The proposed expansion of the talks reflects continuing efforts by international mediators to build a more inclusive political process at a time when Somalia remains deeply divided over constitutional reform, federal governance, and the country’s electoral roadmap.
WardheerNews
