Somali military and intelligence chiefs hold talks with opposition ahead of November political forum

Mogadishu (HOL) — Senior Somali military and intelligence officials have held talks with opposition leaders in Mogadishu amid growing political tensions over constitutional amendments and the electoral process.

The discussions took place at the residence of former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and were attended by National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Mahad Mohamed Salad, Somali National Army Commander Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud and Armed Forces Court Chairman Col. Hassan Ali Nur Shuute.

Sources familiar with the discussions said security officials shared concerns about alleged activities involving foreign actors that they believed could threaten Somalia's security and stability.

However, the sources did not identify the foreign actors, provide details of the suspected activities or disclose evidence supporting the allegations.

The meeting comes as tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration and opposition groups continue over constitutional amendments, the mandates of federal institutions and arrangements for the country's next elections.

The Somali Future Council has called for an inclusive political agreement on the electoral process and warned against unilateral decisions that could deepen divisions among political stakeholders.

The discussions with senior security officials were seen as a potential effort to ease tensions and improve communication between the government and opposition amid continuing security challenges, including military operations against al-Shabab.

It was not immediately clear whether the participants reached any agreement or established a framework for further discussions.

In a statement, the party said senior military commanders had instead visited Farmaajo separately at his residence to deliver a message from President Hassan Sheikh concerning the national consultative forum scheduled for Nov. 14–18 in Mogadishu.

“The commanders of the Armed Forces visited the 9th President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, at his residence. They delivered a message from the outgoing President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, regarding the conference he has announced for the 14th to the 18th of this month,” the statement said.

The party said Farmaajo had asked the commanders to convey his position that the planned consultations must be inclusive and based on mutual trust to achieve meaningful results.

He also emphasized the importance of respecting earlier international mediation efforts and resuming negotiations from where they ended on Sept. 3.