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President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently met with the Somali Salvation Forum, a major opposition alliance, at the Presidential Palace (Villa Somalia). This marked their second high-level meeting in less than a month, signaling a growing effort to build political consensus ahead of Somalia’s next national elections.
The main focus of the meeting was to discuss key national priorities, including promoting national unity, reviewing the provisional constitution, strengthening security and counter-terrorism strategies, and establishing a direct and inclusive electoral system.
To move the talks forward, both sides agreed to form technical committees. These committees will be responsible for negotiating the issues raised during the meeting and finding common ground. The goal is to build a shared understanding on the most pressing matters facing the country.
Leaders from the opposition expressed hope that progress could be made, especially if the federal government remains open to compromise. They emphasized that a spirit of flexibility and cooperation will be essential in resolving political differences and building a more inclusive democracy.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the joint rejection of the indirect electoral system used in 2022. Both the government and the opposition agreed that the previous model was deeply flawed and did not reflect the democratic aspirations of the Somali people. They reaffirmed their support for a “one person, one vote” system, which would allow every eligible Somali citizen to cast a vote directly.
However, some disagreements remain. The two sides are still divided on how the electoral system should be designed, who should sit on election commissions, and how political parties should be allowed to participate. These are complex issues that the newly formed technical committees will have to work through in the coming weeks.
Despite these differences, the talks are seen as a positive step toward building a stable and inclusive political environment in Somalia. As the country prepares for upcoming national elections, leaders are under pressure to ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and representative of all Somali citizens.
President Mohamud has emphasized the importance of unity and dialogue in shaping the future of Somalia. He has continued to call for open discussions between political leaders to prevent divisions and promote national progress.
The Somali Salvation Forum, made up of several opposition parties and figures, has also shown a willingness to engage constructively. Their participation in these talks reflects a shared interest in moving the country forward through peaceful and democratic means.
The ongoing discussions come at a critical time for Somalia. With security challenges still present in some parts of the country and the need for institutional reform growing, national leaders are being called upon to put aside personal and political differences for the sake of the nation.
As the process continues, all eyes will be on how well the government and opposition can cooperate and whether they can deliver meaningful changes that reflect the will of the Somali people. The road ahead may not be easy, but with continued dialogue and genuine effort, Somalia has a real opportunity to build a more unified and democratic future.