Mogadishu,Somalia; A high-stakes forum meeting between Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and regional leaders is currently taking place, with the central focus on resolving the ongoing electoral impasse. The meeting comes at a time when little progress has been made on the election process, a crucial issue for the country’s political stability. The primary goal of the forum is to establish a clear roadmap for rescheduling the much-delayed elections, which have become a contentious topic among regional and federal leaders.
At the heart of the disagreement is the question of extending the current government terms at both regional and federal levels. Jubbaland’s President, Ahmed Madobe, has taken a firm stance against extending the term of his regional government, signaling strong opposition to entering a new political phase without first addressing key electoral concerns. While most of the regional leaders in attendance are in favor of a one-year extension to allow for comprehensive discussions on the 2026 federal elections, Madobe is adamantly against this proposal. His refusal to support the idea stems from his view that regional governments should not be tied to federal election cycles.
Puntland, one of Somalia’s most influential regions, is notably absent from the discussions. Puntland’s leadership has voiced dissatisfaction, citing that it has not received its fair share of representation in past election processes, a sentiment that has led to its non-participation in the current forum. Puntland officials reference the 2019 independent election in Jubbaland, where they felt sidelined and believe that the current election planning does not adequately address their concerns.
Ahmed Madobe’s resistance was particularly evident in the lead-up to the forum, as he initially refused to attend the talks. However, strong pressure from Somalia’s Prime Minister forced his hand, and he eventually agreed to participate. Despite his presence at the meeting, Madobe is reportedly doubtful about whether meaningful progress can be made, signaling that his cooperation may be limited without significant concessions on the election process.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is aiming to secure a clear political path forward, with the future of his administration’s projects and the governance of the Villa Somalia at stake. The President is pushing for a resolution that could be solidified within the next 15 days, hoping to release a detailed plan that addresses the electoral challenges and political uncertainties facing the nation. However, with regional divisions still stark and Jubbaland’s opposition clear, the path forward remains uncertain.
As the forum continues, the outcome will have profound implications for Somalia’s political future, particularly as it navigates the complex dynamics of regional autonomy and federal elections. All eyes are now on the ability of Somalia’s leadership to bridge these divides and lay the groundwork for a unified electoral plan.
Telegaraf News