Somali opposition leaders announce new coalition to guide political transition

NAIROBI, Kenya — A group of prominent Somali political leaders announced Thursday the formation of a new coalition, the “Somalia Future Council,” aimed at unifying national efforts and helping steer the country through its ongoing political transition.

The announcement came after a high-level meeting in Nairobi that brought together Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Abdi Farah Shirdon, and lawmaker Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, representing the Somali Salvation Forum.

The leaders said an upcoming summit will finalize the structure of the opposition coalition. They emphasized the importance of national unity and political stability during a sensitive period in Somalia’s state-building process.

Jubaland said the meeting focused on Somalia’s current political and security situation, resulting in agreements on several key points:

1 - The establishment of a "Somalia Future Council" to unite Jubaland, Puntland, and the Somali Salvation Forum.

2 - A follow-up summit to be held inside Somalia, aimed at addressing the political transition.

3 - A public call for Somali citizens to uphold unity, peace, and cooperation.

4 - An expression of gratitude to the Kenyan government for facilitating and supporting the meeting.

The talks are seen as a potentially pivotal step toward political stability and a more unified path forward for Somalia’s future.

The move comes as the mandate of current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has seven months remaining amid disputes over constitutional amendments and the electoral process.

Somalia is facing a security threat from Al-Shabaab, which retook three districts - one in Middle Shabelle and two in Hiran regions in this year.

GAROWE ONLINE