Mogadishu (WDN) — Another round of high-level talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council ended in failure on Sunday, exposing deep political fractures at a critical moment for the country.

The meeting at Villa Somalia, which dragged on for hours, was expected to address three contentious issues: the national electoral framework, the mandate of the presidents of Southwest, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug states, and unresolved constitutional disputes. Instead, it ended without agreement, without a joint statement, and without any visible progress.

Despite attempts at side consultations to bridge differences, positions appeared hardened rather than softened. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly refused to reconsider his stance on the recently amended constitution, the election model his administration advanced, and the status of the three federal state presidents. The opposition, in turn, rejected what it views as unilateral decisions imposed without broad consensus.

The deadlock comes as constitutional timelines narrow and the country edges closer to another sensitive electoral period. What was billed as a critical opportunity to stabilize the political environment has instead underscored the widening gulf between the two camps.

Although the leaders of the Future Council particularly the Presidents of Puntland and Jubaland — have repeatedly pledged to leave no stone unturned and to remain in Mogadishu until an agreement is reached, the meetings thus far have shown no sign of compromise.

No follow-up meeting has been scheduled. No roadmap has been announced. The absence of both signals a troubling lack of urgency in resolving disputes that carry national consequences.

As Somalia confronts mounting internal and external pressures, the continued inability of its political leadership to reach compromise risks pushing the country deeper into uncertainty at a time when cohesion is most needed.

WardheerNews