The United Nations has called on Somali leaders to maintain dialogue following the conclusion of three days of talks that failed to resolve crucial political disputes regarding the transition process. The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) appreciated the commitment from both sides to persist in seeking a positive way forward. As Somalia embarks on a transitional phase, UNTMIS emphasized the importance of the Federal Government engaging all stakeholders to establish a practical and unifying electoral model.
The recent talks, which coincided with the conclusion of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s four-year term, did not bring about a resolution. In March, lawmakers passed constitutional amendments extending presidential and parliamentary terms to five years, a move contested by the opposition and certain federal member states. Despite efforts by foreign diplomats, the dialogue failed to address significant disagreements.
UNTMIS expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in the latest round of talks and urged Somali leaders to come together to tackle pressing issues such as the humanitarian crisis and insecurity. The mission stressed the need for unity and cooperation among political leaders in Somalia and called for restraint while offering support alongside international partners to bridge the existing divisions.
Analysts highlighted that a major point of contention during the discussions was the disagreement on electoral models, with the president advocating for universal suffrage while the opposition preferred a modified version of the traditional indirect voting system. Opposition figures and regional states cautioned that without a conclusive agreement, they would no longer acknowledge the government’s legitimacy post-May 15, the end of Mohamud’s original four-year term under the 2012 Provisional Constitution.
