In a statement issued from Nairobi on Saturday, the Council said its decision was driven by the need to prevent a constitutional vacuum and pursue an inclusive political settlement that preserves Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.

The opposition warned that the country is entering a critical and fragile period, with unresolved political and constitutional disputes threatening territorial integrity and social stability. It cautioned that a prolonged deadlock could be exploited by militant groups such as al-Shabab and ISIS, as well as other actors seeking to benefit from instability.

#NEWS ALERT: Somali Future Council, the main opposition and Puntland and Jubaland have agreed to attend a dialogue forum to be held in Mogadishu on 1 February 2026 on the invitation of Federal Government.

However, the Council, in a statement issued today, conditioned that:

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— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) January 24, 2026

“The current situation poses a serious risk to Somalia’s statehood and unity,” the Council said, urging political leaders to act responsibly and with restraint.

However, the Council attached conditions to its participation, calling on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to ensure the conference takes place in an atmosphere of trust and goodwill, including:

• Halting any amendments to the 2012 Interim Federal Constitution.
• Focusing discussions on high-priority issues, including:
• National security, particularly the fight against al-Shabab and ISIS.
• Reaching consensus on an electoral process for federal institutions.
• Strengthening the country’s unity and solidarity.
• Addressing the ongoing drought affecting large parts of Somalia.

The Somali Future Council emphasized that the talks must foster genuine dialogue and be conducted in good faith. Technical preparations for the conference will be overseen by a committee chaired by lawmaker Abdullahi Abukar Haji, also known as Abdullahi Arab.

The federal government has stated that the consultative conference aims to strengthen national unity and social cohesion, promote a democratic process based on dialogue and compromise, and ensure citizens’ voices are central to shaping Somalia’s political future.

The talks come amid growing pressure on Somali leaders to agree on an electoral model as political mandates near expiration. Diplomats and analysts have warned that failure to reach consensus could reopen political divisions, undermine recent security gains, and stall broader state-building efforts.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), alongside the European Union and the United Kingdom, welcomed the government’s decision to convene the forum and formally invite the Somali Future Council, describing it as a positive step toward easing political tensions and advancing Somalia’s fragile democratic transition.

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However, the elections are facing serious disputes and strong disagreements, with many complaints about how the process is being conducted.

Some people believe that the elections are being driven by the outgoing president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term is nearing its end.

Role of the media in Mogadishu

Hussein Mohamed, a journalist who writes for The New York Times and a political analyst specializing in Somali affairs, has stated that there is widespread confusion surrounding how the elections in Mogadishu are being organized.

Among the most contested issues is the electoral commission, which opposition groups claim is biased toward one side. There are also many allegations regarding how members were selected from the president’s party, known as the JSP.

The president has only about four months remaining in his term, a situation that could push the country into political instability, especially since the electoral framework in Somalia remains unclear.

Hussein Mohamed also said that people have been forced to obtain voter cards. He explained: “This happened to me personally.

While I was traveling, my vehicle was stopped and I was required to get a card.” He added that such actions create serious problems and raise doubts about how people can trust the electoral process.

Residents of Mogadishu are increasingly concerned about the way things are unfolding, which undermines the possibility of holding an election in Somalia that is widely accepted and agreed upon by all sides.

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