Somalia: President Hassan Sheikh Eases Position, Meets Opposition Leaders 

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Leaders of Somalia’s opposition coalition have entered Villa Somalia for private talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in a meeting that could mark a significant turning point in the country’s protracted political standoff, Garowe Online has learned.

The opposition group — which has publicly opposed what it calls illegal constitutional amendments, unconsensual one-person-one-vote proposals, and the previously used indirect electoral model — is demanding a fully independent electoral process, free from interference by both the federal government and federal member states.

The high-stakes meeting is currently ongoing in Mogadishu and is expected to directly shape the future of Somalia’s electoral framework and political negotiations.

President Hassan Sheikh, who had earlier been criticised for his inflexible stance, has reportedly softened his position and reached out to opposition leaders to break the deadlock. The move follows months of tension, during which opposition figures, along with the leaders of Puntland and Jubaland, boycotted federal-led talks in June, citing a lack of seriousness from the presidency.

An opposition spokesperson confirmed the talks, stating: “Yes, contact has been made. We’re meeting to move forward on electoral issues, though a full one-person-one-vote model remains unrealistic at this time.”

Meanwhile, Villa Somalia is reportedly unhappy with Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe’s recent visit to Garowe, where he met with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni. The visit was seen as a setback for Villa Somalia’s efforts to politically isolate Jubaland.

Madobe and Deni, both strong critics of the federal government’s centralist approach, discussed federalism, security, and economic cooperation. The two leaders have long opposed what they describe as Mogadishu’s authoritarian handling of intergovernmental affairs.

Earlier this year, tensions escalated when Jubaland forces clashed with federal troops in El-Wak and Ras Kamboni, resulting in significant losses for federal forces, who reportedly relied on support from the Kenyan Defence Forces to withstand the clashes.

As today’s meeting continues, all eyes remain on Villa Somalia, with many hoping it could usher in a more inclusive and legally sound path toward national elections and federal reconciliation.

GAROWE ONLINE