Somalia Labels C6+ ‘Obsolete’ as Opposition Withdraws from Dialogue

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Facing uncertainty over growing concerns from members of the public, international partners, and political rivals due to his political 'missteps', President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has regrettably turned his fury to members of the diplomatic community, who have been calling for order.

The opposition has pulled out of the June 15th political dialogue, citing 'insincerity' from Hassan Sheikh, further diluting the mantra of the meeting, whose objective was to reduce political tensions through boardroom consensus.

And Villa Somalia has now issued a strong diplomatic note, which targets members of the international community who have traditionally played a vital role in Somalia’s peacekeeping mission and stabilization.

In a letter dated June 10, 2025, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar (Ali Balcad), a close ally of HassanSheikh, urged UN envoy James Swan that the C6+ countries (US, UK, EU, Turkey, Qatar, UN) should refrain from issuing unified statements on Somalia’s internal affairs.

He warned that these countries, despite being key partners, have divergent interests, and their “one voice” approach risks interfering in Somalia’s political direction and undermining its sovereignty.

"Accordingly, the federal government of Somalia considers the C6+ an obsolete structure whose original purpose and logic no longer apply. We urge all partners to engage Somalia through established and recognized frameworks that reflect our current status, such as bilateral cooperation," read the statement.

"Somalia remains committed to a close and constructive partnership with all C6+ members grounded on mutual and shared goals. We trust your respective missions will recognize the importance of aligning engagement with realities on the ground."

Analysts believe this appears to be a preemptive move to block a possible joint C6+ statement on the worsening political standoff. The team has often chipped in whenever there is a disconnect between the government and the opposition.

The president is pushing for universal suffrage elections, an idea opposed by federal states and the opposition, who accuse him of plans for term extensions. The team insists on indirect polls, which they term as 'convenient and timely'.

GAROWE ONLINE