Prime Minister Hamza Urges Opposition to Join National Dialogue

Friday May 8, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Wednesday said Somalia’s federal government is ready to hear opposition concerns, but drew a firm line against any rhetoric or actions he said could threaten the country’s security and hard-won stability.

At a press briefing in Mogadishu, Hamza took aim at recent comments by some former national leaders who have aligned themselves with the opposition, cautioning that political language should not be allowed to deepen national tensions.

“I hope those statements, which are unbecoming of former leaders of the country, will stop,” Hamza said.

He said the relative stability Somalia enjoys today came at a heavy cost and was made possible by the sacrifices of ordinary Somalis, warning that political rivalry must not be allowed to put those gains at risk.

“Politics driven solely by the pursuit of power and supported by foreign interests should not damage the security and stability we have achieved,” he added.

Hamza also called on opposition leaders to take part in the consultation forum announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, set for May 10 in Mogadishu.

The prime minister said he hoped the gathering would help build political consensus and open the door to more constructive engagement among Somalia’s political actors.

His remarks came as opposition groups prepared for a planned demonstration on Sunday, the same day President Hassan Sheikh is expected to launch talks between the federal government and opposition leaders amid mounting disputes over elections and the country’s constitutional future.