Somali Opposition Boycotts Talks With President, Citing Exclusion of Key Stakeholders

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s opposition leaders on Sunday formally announced a boycott of national talks scheduled by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud from June 15 to 22, denouncing the process as a politically selective effort that undermines inclusive dialogue.

In a joint statement, opposition parties condemned what they described as “efforts to selectively mobilize allies and bypass a broader consensus-building process involving federal member states and opposition leaders.”

They argued the talks lack transparency and inclusivity, warning that the approach threatens national unity and the legitimacy of any outcomes from the discussions.

President Mohamud, whose current term has less than one year remaining, is under growing pressure from international partners to convene a credible national dialogue aimed at resolving long-standing disputes over the electoral process and constitutional reforms.

The boycott comes amid heightened political tensions between the federal government and several regional administrations, raising concerns over Somalia’s fragile state-building process and the future of its democratic transition.

GAROWE ONLINE