U.S. denies mediating Somalia political dispute as election tensions rise
“Washington welcomes dialogue between the two sides and supports efforts to resolve political disputes peacefully. But Somalia’s political future must be decided by Somalis and their leaders,” he said.
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — The United States has pushed back against reports that it is serving as a direct mediator in talks between Somalia’s federal government and opposition leaders, even as political friction grows over elections and the country’s transition process.
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Acting U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Justin Davis said this week that Washington is not hosting or leading any mediation between Somali political parties.
Davis said U.S. officials have held discussions with both sides to better assess the political landscape, but stressed that the United States is not formally stepping in as a mediator.
“Washington welcomes dialogue between the two sides and supports efforts to resolve political disputes peacefully. But Somalia’s political future must be decided by Somalis and their leaders,” he said.
The ambassador added that the U.S. position remains unchanged, saying Washington supports Somali citizens’ right to determine their electoral system and decide what kind of leadership they want.
His remarks come as tensions continue to rise between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government and opposition figures over constitutional changes, elections and the broader political transition. Opposition leaders say the government is pressing ahead with major reforms without enough consensus, while federal officials argue the process is part of Somalia’s effort to build a more stable electoral framework.
The Somali government has also denied claims that a political meeting would take place May 13 at the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Bal’ad said the U.S. Embassy was not preparing to directly intervene in Somalia’s political tensions and that no embassy-led mediation meeting had been scheduled.
The controversy over alleged U.S. mediation comes as international partners continue to urge Somali leaders to pursue dialogue and prevent further escalation. The standoff has sharpened in recent weeks, alongside opposition-led protests in Mogadishu over elections, governance and forced evictions in the capital.
