MOGADISHU, May 15, 2026 — Talks between Somalia’s federal government and opposition leaders ended in failure on Friday after the two sides failed to reach agreement on the country’s electoral process, sources familiar with the discussions said.
According to the sources at the meetings in Mogadishu, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insisted that his administration would proceed with plans for one-person, one-vote elections.
Opposition leaders strongly rejected the proposal, calling instead for an electoral framework based on broad political consensus and inclusive negotiations, the sources said.
The talks, which lasted for three days, were mediated by representatives from the international community seeking to broker agreement on electoral arrangements and constitutional disputes that have deepened political tensions in Somalia.
Sources said opposition leaders were expected to hold separate meetings in the coming hours to discuss the country’s political situation following the collapse of the negotiations.
International partners are also expected to issue an official statement on the outcome of the Mogadishu talks, which concluded in political deadlock amid growing uncertainty over Somalia’s electoral roadmap.
