Somalia: Major opposition meeting opens in Mogadishu as political tensions continue

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A major opposition meeting opened Tuesday night in Mogadishu as political tensions persist over the country’s electoral process, according to Garowe Online's correspondent in the capital. 

The session, held at the Jazeera Hotel and attended by leaders of the Somali opposition coalition known as the Madasha Samatabixinta Soomaaliyeed, focused on concerns about the federal government’s handling of upcoming elections and the electoral framework.

Participants included opposition politicians, members of civil society, business figures, women’s groups, and internally displaced people aligned with the coalition. Organizers said the forum aims to collect public views ahead of a broader opposition conference planned in Kismayo.

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire told the meeting that Somalia lacks the security and institutional readiness required to conduct one-person, one-vote elections within the remaining months of the current administration’s term.

He accused the federal government of acting without political consensus and undermining constitutional provisions related to the electoral timeline.

“One person, one vote elections are a national aspiration that require thorough preparation and hard work, but the country’s leaders have turned it into a tactic to justify an unacceptable term extension," said Former Prime Minister of Somalia Hassan Ali Khaire.

Somalia has faced prolonged political disagreements between the government and opposition groups over election models, constitutional interpretation, and governance, raising concerns about delays and instability ahead of the next electoral cycle.

GAROWE ONLINE