MOGADISHU, Somalia — The European Union has warned that political instability in Somalia could weaken efforts to combat militant groups, urging Somali leaders to accelerate dialogue ahead of a key constitutional deadline in May 2026, Arlaadi Media Network (AMN) reports.
Francesca Di Mauro, the EU’s envoy to Somalia, said meaningful talks between the federal government, regional states and opposition groups must begin before the current constitutional mandate expires on May 15, 2026.
In an exclusive interview with Arlaadi Media‘s Abdirahman Jeylani, she stressed the need for an inclusive environment for negotiations on constitutional reforms and the structure of the 2026 elections.
Talks postponed, then rescheduled
Political talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and opposition leaders grouped under the Future Council, backed by federal member states critical of the current electoral framework, were formally postponed this week before being quickly rescheduled following intense negotiations, according to sources familiar with the process.
The delay was partly linked to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s foreign travel plans to Doha and Cairo, which government officials described as “strategically important for Somalia’s security and economic interests”.
By late evening, diplomats and Somali intermediaries had helped broker a compromise that restored momentum to the dialogue, multiple sources said.
International mediation intensifies
Somalia’s political atmosphere was marked by uncertainty for much of Wednesday, with international partners intervening more directly than usual to prevent a breakdown in talks.
During hours of consultations, Somali leaders were urged to recommit to dialogue, with international partners offering assurances on security and political arrangements, sources said.
They warned that failure of the talks could lead to unilateral actions by both the federal government and regional administrations, deepening the constitutional and electoral dispute.
Leaders to converge in Mogadishu
Under the revised timetable, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to proceed with visits to Qatar and Egypt before returning to Mogadishu on Feb. 9 to lead the next phase of negotiations.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe are expected to travel to Mogadishu shortly after the president’s return, in moves seen by analysts as signals of tentative engagement.
The Salvation Forum, a faction within the Future Council, is due to meet at Mogadishu’s Jazeera Hotel to receive briefings from technical committees ahead of formal talks expected to begin on Feb. 10 at a location which so far not disclosed.
Hope, Doubt, and High Stakes
The talks come as the federal government of Somalia faces broader regional and diplomatic pressures.
President Hassan Sheikh is expected to attend the African Union summit in Addis Ababa on Feb. 12, where Somalia’s internal political tensions will intersect with disputes involving the United Arab Emirates and the status of Somaliland, which Mogadishu considers part of its territory.
Analysts say the outcome of the Mogadishu talks could shape Somalia’s political trajectory and its ability to manage security and diplomatic challenges in the months ahead. For now, officials say, Somalia has entered a period of cautious calm as rival political actors prepare to meet in Mogadishu.
