Mogadishu (WDN)- Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose constitutional term has expired, appears to have reverted to a familiar political playbook: dispatching emissaries to engage the opposition while showing little willingness to compromise on the issues at the heart of Somalia’s political crisis.
Opposition figures argue that Hassan Sheikh’s approach has remained unchanged throughout the standoff. While publicly calling for dialogue, they contend that his position has consistently been that others must concede accepting his term extension, the constitutional changes he championed, and the electoral framework and election commission established under his administration.
Critics describe a leader unwilling to make the concessions necessary to break the political deadlock. They point to several previous rounds of talks with opposition leaders, as well as separate mediation efforts involving Somali elders and influential members of the Abgaal community, all of which reportedly ended without tangible results. Those who participated in the discussions have frequently complained that negotiations with Hassan Sheikh yielded little progress, describing him as deeply resistant to compromise.
According to sources, a delegation reportedly sent from Villa Somalia arrived at the residence of former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Muqdisho’s Marina neighborhood in an effort to ease mounting tensions. The delegation was led by Mudulood traditional elder Ugaas Mahmoud Ali Ugaas and included several known political intermediaries who have often played mediation roles during periods of national crisis. Among those reportedly involved were MP Yusuf Geele Ugaas and Cabdi Axmed Dhuxulow (Dhagdheer).
The delegation also held lengthy discussions with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and a number of opposition lawmakers, including MP Mohamed Abukar Ali “Jaafar.” And MP Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbaloolshe).
Sources close to the meetings claim that Khaire and the opposition figures present adopted a firm position, insisting that meaningful negotiations cannot proceed unless Hassan Sheikh first abandons what they describe as his unilateral political agenda and accepts a genuinely inclusive national dialogue. The talks reportedly failed to make progress on the Khaire side, prompting the delegation to continue its efforts with former President Sheikh Sharif.
As of now, no official outcome has emerged from the discussions with Sharif. However, sources indicate that before the delegation’s arrival, the former president had already signaled skepticism toward mediation efforts led by individuals he reportedly views as political brokers acting on behalf of Hassan Sheikh.
According to those sources, Sharif’s position is that any serious negotiations must begin with what he considers a reversal of the current political impasse. He is said to have argued that meaningful dialogue can only occur after Hassan Sheikh relinquishes what the opposition characterizes as an unconstitutional extension of his stay in Villa Somalia and accepts a negotiated political settlement.
Whether these latest mediation efforts can succeed where previous initiatives have failed remains uncertain. What is clear is that Somalia’s political crisis continues to deepen, with trust between the government and opposition at one of its lowest points in recent years and neither side showing signs of backing down.
WardheerNews