KISMAYO, Somalia — Somalia’s main opposition coalition, the Somali Future Forum, on Thursday afternoon opened a closely watched political conference in the southern port city of Kismayo, bringing together influential leaders amid growing tensions over the country’s political direction.
Hosted by Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), the gathering is expected to focus on some of Somalia’s most contentious national issues, including proposed constitutional amendments and the format and legitimacy of the 2026 elections.
The conference has drawn prominent political figures, including former presidents, federal member state leaders, and presidential hopefuls, many of whom voiced sharp criticism of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.
Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said Somalia remains on a difficult state-building journey, accusing the current leadership of ignoring advice from political stakeholders.
“We are still in the process of building our state. For 35 years, this country has relied on consultation and dialogue,” Sheikh Sharif said. “What we are seeing today is a president who is turning a blind eye to advice.”
Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe echoed the criticism, accusing the federal government of undermining his administration while rejecting any attempt to extend the president’s term.
“President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his government have caused harm to Jubaland,” Madobe said. “We have no interest in revenge or grudges, but we will not accept any term extension.”
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni issued one of the strongest warnings, questioning the federal government’s legal competence and hinting at decisive action if no political settlement is reached.
“It is a shame that the country is being run by people who do not understand the law and treat federal member states as if they do not exist,” Deni said. “If a solution is not found with the current government, then after May 15, 2026, I believe this country must decide its future. We are moving forward.”
Former minister and presidential candidate Mohamed Aden Fargeti also cast doubt on the credibility of upcoming elections planned in Mogadishu later this year.
“An election said to be held in Mogadishu on December 25, 2025, already has a known outcome,” Fargeti said. “The reason participation has not exceeded 16,000 people is because citizens were forced into the process from the start.”
The Kismayo conference is expected to conclude with a joint communiqué outlining the opposition’s position on constitutional reform, electoral processes, and relations between the federal government and member states — potentially setting the stage for a new phase in Somalia’s fragile political landscape.
