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The Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of the country’s main opposition leaders, says its recent discussions with the federal government have ended without any agreement that could improve Somalia’s political, security, or electoral situation.
In a statement released on Thursday, the group explained that several meetings had been held over the past few weeks with top government officials, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. However, the talks did not produce any breakthrough.
The Forum — which includes former presidents, prime ministers, and other influential political figures — did not confirm whether the negotiations had officially collapsed or if they might resume in the future.
According to the statement, the aim of the discussions was to reach a political understanding that could bring stability and pave the way for free and fair elections. The Forum said the failure to reach such an agreement was a missed opportunity to give hope to the Somali people and prevent further political uncertainty.
Call for Inclusive Dialogue
The Somali Salvation Forum stressed that any future political talks must include Puntland and Jubbaland — two of the country’s federal member states that have often had tense relations with Mogadishu.
The group argued that leaving out these states from the national dialogue would only make it harder to reach a comprehensive and lasting political settlement. They urged all parties to work together on a clear and transparent roadmap for elections that is accepted by all sides.
“We need direct, transparent, and mutually agreed elections that represent the will of the people,” the statement read. “The agreement that could have saved the country from political chaos has unfortunately not been reached.”
Concerns Over President’s Remaining Term
The Forum also highlighted the urgency of resolving the question of Somalia’s next elections. With only nine months left in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s current term, the opposition leaders are pushing for immediate preparations for direct elections — in line with earlier political agreements.
They warned that any delays or disputes over the electoral process could lead to further instability.
Criticism of Government-Led Conflicts
The opposition leaders also voiced concern over ongoing government-led military operations in certain regions, particularly in Gedo. They said such internal conflicts are distracting the country from its real priorities — achieving political unity and addressing security threats like al-Shabaab.
The Forum called for an immediate end to armed confrontations between federal forces and regional administrations, urging political leaders to settle their differences through dialogue instead of force.
A Missed Opportunity for Unity
For many Somalis, the recent talks between the opposition and the federal government had raised hopes of an agreement that could bring together the country’s divided political actors. The lack of progress has now deepened concerns over whether Somalia can achieve the stability needed for credible elections.
The Somali Salvation Forum said it remains committed to seeking a peaceful and democratic path forward, but stressed that this would only be possible if all key stakeholders are included in the process.
“The Somali people deserve a leadership that works together to overcome political disputes, not one that fuels divisions,” the group stated.
The statement ended with a renewed call for political courage, compromise, and unity — warning that without them, Somalia risks heading into a period of heightened political crisis as the presidential term nears its end.