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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a closed-door meeting late Sunday in Mogadishu with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a move widely viewed as a possible step toward easing long-standing political tensions at a time when the country is facing serious security and governance challenges. The meeting was not announced in advance, adding to its political weight given the history of strained relations and differing political positions between the two leaders.
According to a statement issued by Himilo Qaran, the political party led by Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the talks focused on the overall situation of the country. Key issues discussed included political disagreements, security concerns, and the current stage of Somalia’s state-building process. The statement stressed the importance of open national dialogue and renewed efforts to reduce deep political divisions that have slowed progress for years.
The party said President Hassan Sheikh emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among political leaders, arguing that unity is essential if Somalia is to overcome its many challenges. He reportedly highlighted that political differences should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation, especially as the country continues to battle insecurity and works to strengthen its institutions.
During the meeting, President Hassan Sheikh also expressed his willingness to convene a national consultation conference, a demand that has been repeatedly raised by opposition leaders and other political stakeholders. Such a forum, he noted, could provide an opportunity for leaders from across the political spectrum to openly discuss disagreements and work toward shared solutions.
According to Himilo Qaran, the president urged former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to take an active and leading role in ensuring the success of the proposed consultations. He stressed that the involvement of experienced political figures would be critical to building trust and achieving a broad national agreement that reflects the interests of all Somalis.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who served as Somalia’s president from 2009 to 2012, welcomed the initiative and expressed readiness to participate in any genuine effort aimed at uniting the country. He said Somalia’s repeated political crises can only be resolved through sincere dialogue, compromise, and a shared commitment to the national interest. He emphasized that no single group or leader can address the country’s problems alone.
The former president also underlined the importance of putting the needs of the Somali people above political rivalries. He noted that prolonged political disputes have often distracted leaders from addressing urgent issues such as security, economic hardship, and service delivery, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the consequences.
Observers see the meeting as a significant signal in Somalia’s deeply divided political environment. Disagreements over elections, constitutional amendments, and power-sharing arrangements have frequently led to political deadlock, delaying reforms and weakening public confidence in the political system. Engagement between current and former leaders is therefore viewed as a positive, though cautious, step toward breaking these cycles.
Analysts say the timing of the meeting reflects growing pressure on Somalia’s political leadership to show unity. The country continues to face threats from militant groups, economic strain, and the complex task of completing its state-building process. Without political consensus, many fear these challenges could deepen.
While no concrete outcomes or timelines were announced following the talks, the meeting itself has raised hopes that dialogue could replace political standoffs. Many Somalis are watching closely to see whether this engagement will lead to broader consultations and meaningful compromises, or whether it will remain a symbolic gesture in a long history of stalled political efforts.
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