Thursday July 3, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with
the Somali Salvation Forum, a key opposition coalition, at the Presidential
Palace (Villa Somalia) on Thursday — marking their second high-level dialogue
in less than a month.
The meeting focused on four major national priorities:
advancing national unity, reviewing the provisional constitution, enhancing
security and counter-terrorism efforts, and establishing a direct and inclusive
electoral system.
Both parties agreed to form technical committees tasked with
negotiating the points raised during the talks, with the goal of reaching
consensus on outstanding issues.
The opposition expressed optimism, noting that tangible
progress is possible if the federal government demonstrates flexibility and a
willingness to compromise.
Significantly, both sides rejected a return to the
controversial 2022 indirect electoral process, which they described as deeply
flawed. While united in their support for a “one person, one vote” system, the
two sides remain divided on the electoral model, the composition and mandate of
election commissions, and the criteria for political party participation.
The talks are part of a broader effort to ensure inclusive
governance and prevent political polarization as Somalia prepares for its next
national elections.