MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Talks between the Future of Somalia Council and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have encountered a new setback after the meetings scheduled for today, Saturday, and yesterday were cancelled.
The meetings, which began last week, have so far resulted in only two sessions. The first meeting took place at the Turkish-owned Decale Hotel, while the second was held at Villa Somalia, where the leaders of the Future of Somalia Council met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
During that meeting, a BKM-type rifle was reportedly stolen from the security detail of the President of Jubaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe).
On Thursday, the two sides debated two major issues, according to sources close to the opposition.
The two key points discussed—but on which no agreement was reached—were the amended constitution, which the Future of Somalia Council opposes, and the nature of the 2026 elections and how they should be conducted.
President Hassan Sheikh is said to have been reluctant to accept these points.
Sources told Kaab TV that the two sides agreed to establish joint committees to continue the talks. Although there were already committees representing both sides, they agreed to form new ones to move the discussions forward.
On Friday, the opposition alliance released the list of its members who will serve on the agreed technical committee. However, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has yet to appoint the members expected from his side.
Opposition officials now say that 24 hours have passed since they submitted their list, in line with Thursday’s agreement, but no response has come from the president’s office. They also allege that activities aimed at undermining the process are ongoing.
Critics argue that all Hassan Sheikh wanted was to stage a photo session and create the impression that he had brought the parties together. They say he was never genuinely committed to reaching a meaningful agreement on the political stalemate, which risks pushing Mogadishu into another cycle of violence.
The presence of Puntland President Said Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe in Mogadishu is reportedly placing significant political pressure on Hassan Sheikh.
Some opposition figures believe that allowing the talks to collapse could be a strategy to ease that pressure, as it would likely force both leaders to return to their respective regions.
If that happens, observers warn it could take a very long time to bring all sides back to the negotiating table.
The situation now appears increasingly complicated, with growing pessimism about reaching a resolution to Somalia’s ongoing political transition crisis.
Unless the international community intervenes to mediate between the parties, the prospects for a breakthrough remain very low.