Somalia’s Consultative Conference: A Chance to Resolve Political Deadlock

Somalia’s Consultative Conference: A Chance to Resolve Political Deadlock

Somalia’s main opposition alliance, the Somali Future Council, has confirmed its decision to participate in a federal government-led consultative conference in Mogadishu, aimed at addressing the country’s deepening political and electoral challenges.

The Council emphasized that its decision is guided by the need to prevent a constitutional vacuum and to achieve an inclusive political settlement that safeguards the unity and statehood of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The opposition warned that Somalia is entering a critical and fragile phase, where unresolved political and constitutional disputes threaten territorial cohesion, social stability, and recent development gains. They stressed that prolonged deadlock could create openings for militant groups, including Al-Shabaab and ISIS, as well as other actors seeking to exploit instability.

Key priorities for the talks include national security, combating extremist groups, reaching consensus on an electoral framework for federal institutions, strengthening national unity, and addressing the worsening drought affecting large parts of the country.

The Somali Future Council announced that its technical preparations for the conference will be led by a committee chaired by lawmaker Abdullahi Abukar Haji (Abdullahi Arab).

The federal government described the consultative conference as a step to reinforce national unity, social cohesion, and a democratic process based on dialogue and compromise, ensuring that citizens’ voices play a central role in shaping Somalia’s political future.

International partners, including the UN, European Union, and the UK, welcomed the government’s invitation to the Somali Future Council, viewing it as a positive step toward easing political tensions, safeguarding state-building efforts, and restoring momentum to Somalia’s fragile democratic transition.

The conference represents a crucial opportunity for Somali leaders to act responsibly, build consensus, and secure the country’s stability, while demonstrating that inclusive dialogue remains the most effective path to national unity and sustainable development.