By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Uncertainty has surrounded a meeting expected today at the Somali Presidential Palace between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and leaders of the Opposition Forum, headed by former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
The talks follow a meeting held on Sunday, after which President Hassan Sheikh requested a three-day pause. Both sides then appointed committees—three members from each—to prepare a consensus on reversing amendments made to Chapter Four of the Provisional Constitution.
Over the past few days, the committees from the Presidency and the Opposition have held continuous negotiations, but the latest session, held last night, reportedly ended without progress.
The main sticking point remains how to roll back the constitutional amendments.
1. President Hassan Sheikh has shown willingness to compromise, with his committee proposing to reverse some, but not all, provisions in Chapter Four—such as changes to the electoral system, the number of political parties, and the office of the Prime Minister.
2. The Opposition Forum, however, insists on a full reversal of all amendments to Chapter Four and refuses to negotiate on any single clause.Alongside the official committee talks, some members of President Hassan Sheikh’s team have held separate meetings with individual opposition leaders, some of whom are said to be softening their stance.
Latest reports indicate that both sides are now engaged in private discussions. The Opposition leadership has agreed internally not to compromise on Chapter Four, but there are concerns of possible divisions within their ranks.
The Presidency is pushing either to secure a draft agreement with the Opposition or to win the backing of key opposition members.
Today’s meeting is expected to draw intense attention, following the failure of the committees to reach a deal. Observers believe the talks could either be extended or end in a public declaration of collapse.
