Somalia opposition sets conditions for attending president’s election talks
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s Future Council on Tuesday said it cautiously welcomed an invitation from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for talks scheduled for May 10, while raising concerns about the government’s actions. “The Council clarifies that it had previously entered into talks in good faith and with sincerity, even as the President pursued unlawful, parallel […]
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MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s Future Council on Tuesday said it cautiously welcomed an invitation from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for talks scheduled for May 10, while raising concerns about the government’s actions.
“The Council clarifies that it had previously entered into talks in good faith and with sincerity, even as the President pursued unlawful, parallel measures, including changes to the country’s constitution. Furthermore, following the invitation he has now extended, he announced, a day later, a unilateral election timetable, while the displacement of vulnerable communities and the arrest of young people have continued. These actions constitute clear evidence that the invitation is merely procedural and that he remains unprepared for genuine dialogue,” the Council said in a statement.
The Council reiterated that it remains open to meaningful negotiations but warned that ongoing government actions risk undermining trust.
“The Council reiterates its commitment to participating in genuine dialogue aimed at reaching a national consensus on the country’s elections, but maintains that such dialogue cannot be possible while parallel measures continue that undermine negotiations and agreement.”
The group said it would only participate in the talks if the president demonstrates a genuine commitment to dialogue, halts what it described as unilateral steps toward elections, and agrees to an independent mediation mechanism acceptable to all parties.
The Council also called for a political agreement to be reached before May 15, when the president’s term is set to expire. It warned that failure to reach a deal could prompt it to take what it described as “responsible measures,” in cooperation with the Somali people, to safeguard the unity and continuity of the state.
In earlier remarks, council officials threatened to form a parallel government if the president’s term expires on May 15 without a political agreement on elections.
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