KISMAYO, Somalia — Key Somali political figures arrived in Kismayo on Wednesday for high-level consultations on the country’s upcoming 2026 elections, officials said.
President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire arrived separately in the city and were warmly received by Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam. The visit underscores Kismayo’s role as a hub for opposition political dialogue.
The meetings are expected to bring together opposition presidential hopefuls to discuss major national issues, including electoral arrangements, power-sharing between federal and regional authorities, and efforts to build consensus ahead of the next general election.
Officials said the consultations aim to foster political stability and national unity, with Jubaland pledging support for dialogue that promotes compromise and strengthens Somalia’s democratic institutions.
The visit comes at a sensitive time for Somalia, as political leaders negotiate key aspects of the electoral process and the framework for governance leading into 2026.
