Somalia Government Pushes Fresh Opposition Talks Amid Election Dispute

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s federal government is moving to reopen dialogue with opposition leaders as the country heads toward political gatherings in the regional capitals of Dhusamareeb and Jowhar, according to sources familiar with the talks on Saturday.

The latest push for mediation is being backed by Turkey, the sources said, as officials look for a way to lower political temperatures in Mogadishu, where tensions have recently contributed to security unrest.

During discussions on Friday, the government reiterated that it still favors direct elections under a one-person, one-vote system. At the same time, it indicated some flexibility on a narrow set of issues tied to Somalia’s federal arrangement, the sources said.

Villa Somalia is also said to be pressing for a technical committee to handle the unresolved disputes. Opposition groups have already turned down a similar proposal in earlier mediation efforts supported by international partners.

Opposition leaders, for their part, have insisted that any talks should begin with agreement on the electoral process. They have also voiced concerns about entering direct negotiations with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud before a wider political settlement is in place.

The government has not issued a public statement on the new mediation effort, and it is still uncertain whether the opposition will agree to engage.

The standoff unfolds against the backdrop of mounting international pressure for the government and opposition to sit down and reach consensus on Somalia’s electoral path, a deal seen as essential to avoiding further instability.

AXADLETM