Mogadishu (WDN) — Traditional elders have met with opposition leaders in Mogadishu on Wednesday night to discuss the stalled negotiations with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as political tensions over the elections intensify following the expected expiration of the president’s term without a negotiated settlement.
Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed who spoke at the meeting with the traditional elders, urged clarity on the country’s political future. Sharif questioned what course of action Somalis should take if the president refuses dialogue and his term expire. “If Hassan rejects talks and his mandate ends, what solution do Somalis agree upon?” he asked.
Sharif warned that while clan divisions remain visible across the country, the deeper crisis lies in politics. He stressed that consensus on elections is essential, noting that opposition proposals for agreement had been dismissed.
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre reinforced the opposition’s stance, insisting they do not seek instability or displacement but only a credible electoral process. “Mr. President, your four-year term is nearly over, with only days remaining. Let us agree on the elections,” Kheyre said.
Opposition MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame praised elders for speaking candidly to the president, remarking that truth-telling across clans was vital to avoid political embarrassment.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble reported on a dinner with elders from across Somalia, describing it as a forum to address the uncertainty and deadlock surrounding elections. He highlighted concerns over President Hassan Sheikh’s alleged interference in regional state polls.
A fresh meeting is now underway in Mogadishu between Hawiye opposition leaders and traditional elders, many of whom recently attended the inauguration of the clan chief Mursade. With only 15 days left in the government’s mandate, the gathering is expected to focus on grievances over the lack of an agreed electoral framework and the urgent need for a political settlement.
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