Somalia’s Opposition Questions Legitimacy of Hassan Sheikh’s National Consultation Platform

MOGADISHU (SD)— Opposition politicians have questioned the legitimacy and purpose of a national consultation platform convened by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as political tensions continue over Somalia’s electoral process and the country’s political future.

The Somali presidency said the meeting is scheduled to take place in Mogadishu from November 14 to 18, 2026, and will address what it described as critical national issues, particularly federal elections. The presidency urged participating political parties to demonstrate goodwill and a willingness to compromise.

Abdullahi Abukar Haji, known as Arab, secretary of the Somali Future Council, challenged the legitimacy of the initiative, arguing that President Hassan Sheikh’s term of office has expired.

Member of Parliament Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame also criticized the proposed platform, saying the president was conflating consultation with negotiation. Warsame argued that Somalia requires genuine negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement on major national issues, with all parties prepared to make concessions and place national interests above personal or political considerations.

The initiative comes amid an ongoing dispute between the federal government and opposition groups over elections and the country’s political direction. Previous talks intended to resolve the disagreements have failed to produce an agreement, leaving uncertainty over the path toward a political settlement.

The opposition’s response highlights a fundamental disagreement over both the legitimacy of the current political leadership and the process needed to resolve Somalia’s electoral dispute. While the presidency is presenting the November meeting as a forum for consultation, opposition figures appear to be demanding a more formal negotiating process in which the parties can reach binding political understandings.

The dispute over President Hassan Sheikh’s term could complicate efforts to bring the government and opposition to the same table. If the sides cannot agree on the legitimacy, mandate and objectives of the proposed platform, the meeting may struggle to produce a consensus on elections.

The outcome will depend on whether the presidency is willing to address the opposition’s concerns and whether opposition groups are prepared to participate in a process that could lead to compromise. Without an agreed framework, the November consultation risks becoming another episode in Somalia’s prolonged political deadlock.