Somalia’s Opposition Calls for Dialogue as Hassan Sheikh Pursues a Divisive Electoral Course

The Somali Future Council wants a president who listens and negotiates. Its critics argue that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has instead governed unilaterally, deepening political divisions and helping ignite a new conflict in South West State.

MOGADISHU (WDN) — Somalia’s political opposition has issued another warning that the country’s electoral dispute is threatening national unity, federalism and the stability of its already fragile institutions. But the central question remains whether President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is prepared to listen—or whether he will continue pursuing his preferred political course regardless of the consequences.

In a statement, the Somali Future Council strongly rejected the proposed timetable for elections to the two houses of the Federal Parliament and the presidency, accusing the president of making unilateral decisions without an inclusive political agreement.

The council called for mediated negotiations to resume, with the participation of the country’s principal political stakeholders and support from international partners. It argued that the electoral process must be based on consultation and consensus rather than decisions imposed by one side.

The statement reflects a broader opposition concern: that Somalia is approaching a critical political transition without agreement on the rules that should govern it.

A President Who Must Listen

At the heart of the dispute is a fundamental question about presidential leadership. In a federal country as politically divided as Somalia, the president cannot resolve every major constitutional and electoral disagreement through executive authority alone.

While the President’s term has expired in May 2026, nevertheless, Hassan Sheikh is governing as the presidential power entitles him to determine the country’s political direction beyond his term, without securing the consent of other major stakeholders. Many critics argue that his approach has weakened confidence in his leadership and widened the gap between Mogadishu and political forces that reject his electoral plans.

For much of the past year, the opposition has objected to electoral initiatives in Hirshabelle and Galmudug, arguing that the processes have advanced without a sufficiently inclusive national agreement. These disputes have reinforced concerns that regional electoral arrangements are being pursued ahead of consensus on the broader federal framework.

The dispute is therefore about more than an election timetable. It concerns who determines the rules, whether federal and regional institutions can operate independently within the constitutional order, and whether political competition will be resolved through negotiated procedures or unilateral decisions.

The Future Council’s demand is clear: reopen dialogue and agree on a credible electoral framework before the crisis deepens further.

South West State: From Political Dispute to Armed Conflict

The consequences of Somalia’s political divisions have become particularly alarming in South West State, where the struggle over regional leadership has escalated into armed confrontation.

The Federal Government’s intervention in the region has ignited a conflict that could persist well beyond the immediate political dispute. They contend that attempts to reshape regional authority without sufficiently broad political consent have increased tensions and exposed civilians to further insecurity.

The precise responsibility of each political and armed actor must be assessed against the available evidence. Nevertheless, the broader lesson is unmistakable: political disputes over legitimacy and leadership cannot be resolved sustainably through force alone.

Somalia has already endured decades of conflict. A new confrontation in South West State risks diverting security resources, disrupting public services and deepening mistrust between the Federal Government and regional communities.

If the government’s objective is national stability, its response must include meaningful political engagement with those who oppose its approach—not simply efforts to consolidate control.

A Country Facing Multiple Crises

The Future Council also highlighted the mounting pressures facing Somalia, including the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and Islamic State, flooding associated with El Niño, drought linked to climate change and intensifying regional rivalries.

These challenges make political cooperation more urgent. Security operations, disaster response and economic recovery all require coordination among federal institutions, regional administrations and international partners.

Prolonged political confrontation risks weakening that cooperation at a time when Somalia can least afford it.

The council warned that the current deadlock could undermine state-building efforts and damage social cohesion. It urged political leaders to avoid actions that could further polarise the country.

The Warning—and the Way Forward

Although the Future Council said it remained open to genuine dialogue on an agreed electoral process and a realistic timetable, it warned that it would consider further constitutional and political measures if the president continued with decisions it regards as unilateral. It also held the president and those supporting his approach responsible for the potential consequences.

The council appealed to the Somali public to oppose actions it considers unconstitutional and called on international partners to support a political process based on consultation and broad agreement.

The government and opposition may disagree over the electoral model and the interpretation of constitutional arrangements. But those disagreements cannot be settled sustainably if one side proceeds without sufficient political consent and the other sees no credible route to influence the process.

Somalia needs a president who listens, builds consensus and recognizes the limits of unilateral authority—not a presidency that treats political disagreement as an obstacle to be overcome by force of office.

The Future Council’s statement is another appeal for negotiations. Whether it produces a breakthrough will depend on the willingness of the president and opposition leaders to move beyond competing declarations and agree on practical rules for the political transition.

Somalia’s future should not be determined by which side can impose its preferred outcome. It should be determined through a process that commands sufficient confidence across the country to prevent an electoral dispute from becoming a wider national crisis.

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