EU pushes dialogue after Somalia talks collapse

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met European Union Ambassador to Somalia Francesca Di Mauro at the Villa Somalia presidential palace in Mogadishu on Sunday, as international concern grows over the country’s deepening political crisis following the collapse of opposition talks and a disputed extension of the president’s mandate.

Villa Somalia said the meeting focused on the “longstanding strategic partnership” between Somalia and the European Union and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in support of Somalia’s state-building and development agenda.

“Both sides underscored the importance of continued collaboration and constructive engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the presidency said in a statement after the talks.

The meeting came at a sensitive moment for Somalia, where political tensions have intensified after negotiations between the federal government and opposition leaders — reportedly facilitated by the United States and Britain — collapsed last week without a breakthrough on the country’s electoral and constitutional disputes.