MOGADISHU — Political discussions over the formation of a proposed Task Force have reportedly stalled after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said he would personally appoint all eight members of the body, according to political sources.
The proposal has reportedly faced opposition from opposition figures and some international partners, who are said to have rejected the idea of allowing the president to select all eight members without broader consultation.
The disagreement centers on how the Task Force should be constituted and whether its membership should be agreed through a broader political process involving the government, opposition groups and other stakeholders.
According to the sources, the dispute led to the latest meeting ending without an agreement, leaving the formation of the committee unresolved.
Opposition representatives are reportedly calling for a more inclusive arrangement, arguing that the composition of the Task Force should reflect broader political consensus rather than being determined solely by the presidency.
The disagreement comes amid wider political discussions in Somalia over electoral arrangements, political participation and the relationship between the federal government and opposition groups.
The Task Force is expected to play a role in addressing issues linked to the ongoing political process, making its composition a sensitive issue among Somalia’s political stakeholders.
The reported disagreement also highlights broader tensions between the federal government and opposition figures over the management of the country’s political transition.
However, the claims regarding the dispute have not yet been officially confirmed by Villa Somalia or other parties involved in the talks.
No final agreement on the eight-member Task Force has been publicly announced, and further consultations are expected as political actors attempt to resolve the disagreement.
The outcome of the negotiations could have wider implications for Somalia’s political process, particularly if the government and opposition remain divided over the composition and mandate of the proposed body.
