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The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), together with other international partners, met on Monday with senior officials from the Federal Government of Somalia and representatives of the Somali Future Council after high-level political talks between the two sides collapsed.
The meeting took place just hours after the opposition-aligned Future Council announced that negotiations with the federal government had ended without an agreement. The breakdown has raised fresh concerns about the country’s political future, especially as key constitutional deadlines draw closer.
In a statement shared on social media, UNTMIS expressed disappointment that the discussions had not produced a deal. The mission confirmed that its leadership, alongside other partners, had held talks with senior representatives from both sides in an effort to understand the situation and encourage progress.
Despite the setback, UNTMIS noted that both parties had expressed willingness to continue working toward a solution. The mission urged them to return to the negotiating table and engage in meaningful dialogue.
“We strongly encourage further dialogue in good faith,” the statement said. UNTMIS added that it, along with other partners, remains ready to support Somali-led efforts to reach a practical compromise on the remaining issues.
At the heart of the dispute are disagreements over the country’s electoral model, the order and management of federal and state elections, and the ongoing review of the constitution. These matters are especially urgent because the mandates of several federal institutions are expected to expire in about three months. Without a political agreement, the country could face uncertainty over how power is transferred or extended.
The Somali Future Council has accused the federal government of pushing through constitutional amendments on its own while negotiations were still ongoing. The group also claims that more than 50 lawmakers have been prevented from attending parliamentary sessions. In addition, it alleges that some of its members have faced intimidation and political pressure.
So far, the federal government has not publicly responded in detail to these specific accusations. The silence has added to the tension between the two sides, as supporters and observers wait for clarification.
Political analysts say the involvement of international partners shows growing concern about the possibility of instability if leaders fail to reach consensus. Somalia has made gradual progress in rebuilding its political institutions after years of conflict, but disputes over elections and constitutional changes have often triggered political crises in the past.
Many observers believe that compromise will be necessary to prevent another period of uncertainty. They argue that inclusive dialogue and transparency are essential, especially at a time when public trust in political institutions remains fragile.
As the constitutional deadlines approach, pressure is mounting on both the government and the opposition to find common ground. The coming weeks are likely to be critical in determining whether Somalia can avoid a political standoff and move forward with a clear and agreed-upon roadmap for elections and governance.
For now, international partners, including UNTMIS, say they stand ready to assist but emphasize that any lasting solution must be led and owned by Somali stakeholders themselves.