MOGADISHU (WDN) – The second round of political dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and the opposition coalition, the Salvation Forum, was held on July 3, 2025, at Villa Somalia. Despite growing national pressure to resolve Somalia’s ongoing political gridlock, the meeting concluded without a breakthrough.

Central to the deadlock were two highly contentious issues: the unilateral constitutional amendments and the push for a one-person, one-vote electoral system—both priorities of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The president has firmly championed direct elections as essential to democratic progress and insists on the legitimacy of the unilateral constitutional reform undertaken by his administration.

However, this position has drawn sharp rejection from Puntland and Jubaland, who argue that unilateral moves on such foundational matters violate the spirit of federalism and the existing constitutional framework. They view the president’s approach as a breach of the federal agreement and a threat to Somalia’s fragile political balance.

While the talks ended in a stalemate, President Hassan and the opposition expressed a willingness to resume dialogue, with plans to reconvene before the end of July.

The political temperature remains high as stakeholders brace for a critical month that could determine the direction of Somalia’s governance reform.

WardheerNews