By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Somalia’s main opposition alliance, the National Salvation Forum (NSF), announced on Thursday that its most recent round of negotiations with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has ended without a breakthrough, deepening the country’s ongoing political crisis.
In a statement issued after a meeting in Mogadishu, the Forum described the collapse of the talks as “unfortunate” and said the deadlock undermines public trust in the government’s ability to resolve mounting disputes over elections and constitutional reforms.
“Regrettably, no agreement was reached that could have restored public confidence and prevented further political turmoil,” the opposition coalition declared, while reiterating its readiness to remain engaged in dialogue.
The NSF — which brings together several influential opposition figures, former officials, and regional political actors — has accused the government of trying to unilaterally push through electoral changes and constitutional amendments without broad consensus. Opposition leaders say such actions threaten Somalia’s fragile democratic progress.
The failed talks were part of ongoing efforts to break a months-long stalemate that has paralyzed progress on key national priorities, including preparations for elections, finalization of the country’s provisional constitution, and the implementation of federal power-sharing arrangements.
Tensions have sharply escalated in recent weeks, with both sides trading accusations over political interference and misuse of state institutions. Observers warn that without compromise, the impasse could fuel instability in a nation already grappling with security challenges from Al-Shabaab militants, humanitarian crises, and economic hardship.
The United Nations, African Union, and other international partners have repeatedly urged Somali leaders to engage in inclusive, good-faith negotiations to avoid a repeat of past political confrontations that have occasionally turned violent.
As the standoff continues, Somalia faces what analysts describe as a critical juncture — one that could either lead to renewed consensus-building or push the nation deeper into political fragmentation.
