Somali Future Council Sets Deadline for National Consensus on Elections

Somali Future Council Sets Deadline for National Consensus on Elections

The Somali Future Council has issued a strong call to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, urging him to convene all national political stakeholders within one month to reach an agreement on timely elections. The appeal was made during a conference held in Kismayo between December 18 and 20, 2025, reflecting growing political tensions ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.

In its communiqué, the newly formed political alliance set January 20, 2026, as the deadline for reaching a national consensus on the electoral process. The Council warned that failure to meet this deadline could result in a constitutional vacuum, heightened security risks, and increased threats from extremist groups.

The statement went further, cautioning that if President Hassan Sheikh ignores the call, the Council would take steps to organize an alternative electoral process. According to the group, such measures would aim to safeguard political stability and prevent the country from descending into crisis.

During the Kismayo conference, opposition leaders discussed not only elections but also Somalia’s broader political, security, economic, and humanitarian challenges. They accused the president of poor governance, alleging that his administration has fostered division, weakened institutions, and failed to deliver meaningful development.

The Somali Future Council also criticized what it described as unilateral constitutional amendments and the erosion of checks and balances within the political system. The group claimed that allowing some federal member states to remain in office beyond their legal mandates represents a dangerous shift in Somalia’s governance framework.

On security matters, the Council accused the government of neglecting the fight against Al-Shabaab. It argued that corruption, favoritism, and abuse of power have undermined the armed forces, leading to declining morale and stalled counterterrorism operations.

Economically, the administration was blamed for worsening hardship and humanitarian suffering. The communiqué cited widespread corruption, forced displacement, the sale of public land, and declining investor confidence as key contributors to the country’s fragile economic situation.

Despite its criticism, the Somali Future Council emphasized its willingness to engage President Hassan Sheikh in dialogue. The group expressed support for a negotiated, transparent, and inclusive election—more advanced than the 2022 process—that strengthens local representation and enhances the legitimacy of parliament. Political analysts warn that without broad consensus, any electoral process risks deepening divisions and triggering post-election instability in Somalia.