Tuesday July 22, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Lawmakers from Somalia’s National Salvation Council have warned that months-long talks between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the opposition have failed to yield progress, deepening the country’s political crisis and risking national instability.
In a statement released Monday, the opposition MPs said the meetings—ongoing for the past two months—have produced no meaningful outcomes, calling the situation “dangerous” and a potential trigger for political chaos and public disillusionment.
The MPs also expressed concern over what they described as illegal arms shipments entering the country. They called for urgent efforts to safeguard Somalia’s future and protect the aspirations of its people.
President Hassan Sheikh held his third meeting with members of the Somali National Salvation Forum on Sunday, amid rising political tensions related to constitutional reforms and the nation’s electoral roadmap. However, no joint statement was issued, and there was no indication of agreement on key issues, including security, electoral timelines, or constitutional changes.
The standoff comes as federal member states Puntland and Jubbaland continue to reject the current trajectory of the federal government’s reform agenda. Both administrations argue that the process lacks proper consultation and threatens Somalia’s federal structure.
As dialogue stalls, opposition lawmakers have called for a renewed national consensus to avoid deepening the political divide and to ensure that Somalia remains on a stable path toward democratic governance.