The United States Embassy in Somalia has called for a unified political process in Somalia amid ongoing dispute over election model between the serving government and opposition leaders.
The call comes after the second round of talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders grouped under the Somali Future Council collapsed without agreement, exposing deep divisions over the country’s electoral framework.
The meeting, held at Villa Somalia over the weekend, ended in deadlock after both sides failed to reconcile differences on key political issues tied to Somalia’s upcoming elections, according to local reports.
The US embassy on Monday issued a statement appealing for political unity in Somalia, warning that “dialogue and compromise” are essential to prevent a national crisis as the country remains locked in deepening electoral stalemate.
In a statement posted to X, the embassy emphasized that a unified political process is the only way to safeguard Somalia’s recent gains. The call comes at a precarious moment: the federal government’s mandate is set to expire in May 2026, yet leaders remain deadlocked over the electoral model and controversial constitutional amendments.
“Dialogue and compromise are difficult but essential and we encourage Somalia’s leaders to pursue them,” the embassy stated. “A unified Somali political process counters terrorism, strengthens governance, and advances priorities for Somalia and the international community.”
The diplomatic intervention follows a series of setbacks in Mogadishu, where a highly anticipated national dialogue recently stalled over security disputes involving regional leaders from Puntland and Jubaland.
Opponents of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have accused the administration of attempting to concentrate power at the centre and unilaterally push for a “one-person, one-vote” system that critics argue is logistically impossible before the May deadline.
MG/as/APA