Mogadishu (WDN) – The United Nations Secretary-General’s Office has expressed growing concern over Somalia’s deepening political crisis following the collapse of internationally mediated talks between the Federal Government and opposition leaders grouped under the Council for Somalia’s Future.

In a statement, the UN said it had been closely monitoring recent negotiations between the two sides, including the latest round of discussions that failed to produce a breakthrough amid escalating tensions over the country’s electoral process and political legitimacy.

The United Nations urged Somali political leaders to urgently return to dialogue and reach consensus on the key outstanding issues, particularly the framework for elections, in order to avoid further instability and preserve national cohesion.

“Political stability and cooperation among Somali stakeholders remain essential for Somalia’s security, stability, and long-term development,” the statement said.

The UN also warned against actions that could trigger delays, deepen political paralysis, or lead to confrontation, stressing that negotiations remain the only viable path toward a sustainable political settlement.

The remarks come amid mounting international concern over the worsening standoff following the expiration of the mandate of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, a dispute that has intensified divisions between the Federal Government, opposition groups, and several Federal Member States.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting between Somalia’s opposition Salvation Council and representatives of the international community opened in Mogadishu, with Puntland and Jubaland participating virtually via video link.

The meeting was attended in person by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and opposition politician and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the talks focused heavily on the disputed electoral process, the constitutional uncertainty surrounding the expired presidential mandate, and possible mechanisms for reviving stalled negotiations between the government and the opposition.

Diplomatic efforts to break the deadlock are continuing, but it remains uncertain whether the latest international intervention will succeed in restoring meaningful political dialogue in a country increasingly gripped by uncertainty and institutional fragility.

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