Mogadishu,Somalia–

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and members of the Opposition Salvation Forum are expected to meet soon at the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace, in a much-anticipated move that could signal a shift in the country’s tense political landscape.

The upcoming meeting follows the Salvation Forum’s recent decision to accept an invitation from the President, after previously boycotting a similar gathering hosted at the Decale Hotel. This marks the first direct engagement between the two sides since the forum publicly launched its political stance during a declaration at the Jazeera Hotel.

The forum, a coalition of prominent opposition figures and former leaders, has been vocal in its criticism of the President’s administration—particularly over the controversial constitutional amendments and the lack of consensus around the upcoming elections. In a previous statement, the Forum demanded that President Hassan Sheikh rescind the amended constitution and enter into inclusive discussions to chart a path toward a nationally agreed electoral process.

The Villa Somalia meeting is expected to focus on resolving the political impasse, addressing electoral concerns, and possibly discussing the future of the constitutional reform process.

Political observers in Mogadishu see the dialogue as a crucial opportunity to ease growing tensions and avert further polarization ahead of key national milestones

Telegaraf News