Somalia’s President, Opposition Set for Talks at Mogadishu’s Halane Compound

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders are expected to hold high-level talks in Mogadishu’s heavily fortified Halane compound as international partners intensify efforts to resolve a deepening political standoff over delayed elections and constitutional changes.

The meetings, expected in the coming days, will bring together officials from Somalia’s federal government and members of the opposition alliance known as the Somali Future Forum, according to political sources familiar with the preparations.

Said Abdullahi Deni, the president of Puntland state, arrived in Mogadishu today and is expected to take part in the discussions, which observers see as critical to breaking the impasse over Somalia’s electoral process.

The talks come amid growing tensions over accusations by opposition figures that President Hassan Sheikh extended his mandate by one year after elections failed to take place on schedule. The opposition has also criticized amendments to parts of Somalia’s provisional constitution, saying the changes were made without broad political consensus.

Sources close to the negotiations said representatives from the international community and senior diplomats have stepped in to mediate between the sides, urging Somali leaders to reach an inclusive agreement aimed at preventing further political instability.

Ahmed Madobe, the president of Jubaland state, is also expected to join the discussions, according to political insiders.

The sources say the planned talks represent one of the most significant attempts in recent months to ease tensions between Somalia’s federal leadership and opposition groups, with disagreements centered on the electoral framework and constitutional review process.

The negotiations are being closely watched by Somalis and international partners concerned that prolonged political divisions could undermine security and state-building efforts in the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE