Mogadishu, April 20 — Somali opposition politicians and traditional elders from the Hawiye clan held a political meeting in Mogadishu on Monday to discuss the country’s evolving political situation and efforts to ease tensions ahead of upcoming electoral deadlines.
The gathering brought together senior figures including former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and former prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, along with lawmakers and other members of the opposition camp.
Traditional elders from the Hawiye clan also attended the meeting, saying their role was to facilitate political dialogue between the government and opposition groups in order to reduce disputes and encourage a negotiated solution.
Speaking to reporters, Mohamed Hussein Roble said the country required “national rescue,” criticizing the current political climate and calling for an urgent framework to stabilize the situation.
One of the elders at the meeting said the objective was to “open dialogue between the government and the opposition,” stressing that the elders were not aligned with any side but sought a peaceful, consensus-based outcome.
Opposition leaders have also begun separate consultations on the country’s political future, particularly regarding the electoral transition period, noting that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term is due to end on May 15, 2026.
The talks come amid rising political uncertainty, with stakeholders divided over the electoral model and timeline, raising concerns about a potential constitutional and institutional impasse.
