MOGADISHU, (HAN) – Reports indicate that the international community, particularly the United Nations and the United States, has officially stepped in to mediate the ongoing political standoff between Somalia’s Federal Government and the opposition coalition.
According to sources, the new mediation efforts are being spearheaded by James Swan, the UN Special Representative for Somalia, alongside the U.S.
Ambassador in Mogadishu. Their main objective is to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table to resolve contentious issues such as the electoral process and the review of the national constitution.
On Monday evening, opposition leaders convened a closed-door meeting in Mogadishu to discuss the proposals and messages delivered by the UN and U.S. representatives. Sources familiar with the talks revealed that the opposition signaled a willingness to listen to international advice.
However, they underscored that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud must clearly withdraw from what they described as plans to extend his mandate.
Meanwhile, Villa Somalia has reportedly welcomed the calls and messages from the international community, signaling the President’s readiness to re-engage in dialogue if a credible framework can be established to ensure mutual understanding.
Political insiders suggest that there is a strong possibility of a face-to-face meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders in the coming days. Such a meeting could prove decisive in breaking the current deadlock, as both sides acknowledge the dangers of prolonged tensions and political paralysis.
The UN and the U.S. are said to be playing a dual role of diplomatic pressure and facilitation, aiming to prevent a repeat of the 2021 crisis, when disputes over elections and term extensions triggered violent clashes and deepened instability.
Observers view the renewed efforts as a fresh opportunity for Somalia’s political stakeholders to commit to genuine dialogue and compromise, paving the way toward political stability and avoiding further escalation.
