Somalia: Mogadishu Talks Collapse as Election Deadlock Deepens Before Deadline

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A tense round of talks between Somalia’s Federal Government and the opposition “Council of the Future” ended in deadlock on Wednesday, with the country’s long-running electoral dispute once again exposing a widening political rift, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

Held behind tight security at the heavily fortified Halane base, the meeting broke up without a breakthrough after hours of sharp exchanges over the stalled voting process. The two sides remained far apart on the central issues and agreed only to continue discussions on Thursday.

According to insiders, Villa Somalia is seeking the formation of technical committees to work through the disputed points. Opposition leaders, however, see the proposal as a delaying maneuver meant to push past the crucial May 15 deadline, when the government’s current mandate comes under a significant constitutional test.

“The government is pushing for technical committees to prolong the process and make May 15 appear like an ordinary day,” a source familiar with the negotiations told Axadle.

The Council of the Future has rejected the idea of technical committees so far, insisting instead on a quicker and more concrete political settlement.

The mood at the venue was described as strained, with foreign troops responsible for guarding Western embassies providing security around the site. The collapse in the talks comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces growing pressure to reach agreement on a consensus-based electoral model.

Both camps are expected to hold separate internal consultations tonight before returning to the negotiating table tomorrow. International observers are watching closely, warning that failure to strike a deal before Friday could push the country into another political crisis.

AXADLETM