EU pushes dialogue after Somalia talks collapse
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met European Union Ambassador to Somalia Francesca Di Mauro at the Villa Somalia presidential palace in Mogadishu on Sunday, as international concern grows over the country’s deepening political crisis following the collapse of opposition talks and a disputed extension of the president’s mandate. Villa Somalia said the […]
Black News 
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met European Union Ambassador to Somalia Francesca Di Mauro at the Villa Somalia presidential palace in Mogadishu on Sunday, as international concern grows over the country’s deepening political crisis following the collapse of opposition talks and a disputed extension of the president’s mandate.
Villa Somalia said the meeting focused on the “longstanding strategic partnership” between Somalia and the European Union and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in support of Somalia’s state-building and development agenda.
“Both sides underscored the importance of continued collaboration and constructive engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the presidency said in a statement after the talks.
The meeting came at a sensitive moment for Somalia, where political tensions have intensified after negotiations between the federal government and opposition leaders — reportedly facilitated by the United States and Britain — collapsed last week without a breakthrough on the country’s electoral and constitutional disputes.
The crisis deepened after President Hassan Sheikh moved to extend his rule by one year despite fierce objections from opposition figures and several regional leaders, after his constitutional term expired on Friday.
In a separate statement, Ambassador Di Mauro said she had been briefed by Hassan Sheikh on his position regarding the recent negotiations and indicated that dialogue channels remained open despite the breakdown in talks.
“Having spoken to Said Abdullahi Deni yesterday, I gather that both sides remain open to dialogue,” the EU envoy said.
“Somalis will decide on their political settlement. As a key partner, the EU hopes for an inclusive and democratic one,” she added.
The European Union has long been one of Somalia’s largest international partners, providing support for security, institution-building and humanitarian assistance, while repeatedly urging Somali leaders to resolve disputes through consensus-based dialogue.
The latest political standoff has revived fears of renewed instability in the Horn of Africa nation, where disagreements over elections and power-sharing have previously triggered prolonged constitutional crises and security setbacks.
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