Somalia: Govt pushes fresh opposition talks amid election dispute

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia's federal government is seeking to revive talks with opposition groups ahead of upcoming political meetings in the regional capitals of Dhusamareeb and Jowhar, sources familiar with the discussions said on Saturday.

The renewed mediation effort is reportedly being facilitated by Turkey as authorities attempt to ease political tensions that have recently fueled security unrest in the capital, Mogadishu.

According to the sources, the government maintained during discussions on Friday that direct elections based on a one-person, one-vote system remain its preferred option, while signaling openness to negotiations on a limited number of issues related to Somalia's federal structure.

The sources said Villa Somalia is also advocating the creation of a technical committee to address outstanding disputes, a proposal that opposition groups previously rejected during earlier mediation efforts backed by international partners.

Opposition figures have argued that negotiations should focus first on reaching a consensus over the electoral process, while expressing reservations about direct talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud without a broader political agreement.

The government has not publicly commented on the latest mediation proposals, and it remains unclear whether opposition groups will accept the initiative.

The political dispute comes amid growing international calls for dialogue between Somalia's government and opposition leaders to prevent further instability and secure agreement on the country's electoral roadmap.

GAROWE ONLINE