AU, UN Raise Alarm as Somalia Talks Collapse Without Deal

Somalia, 17 May 2026 - The African Union and the United Nations have raised concern after high-stakes negotiations between Somalia’s Federal Government and opposition leaders collapsed without agreement, deepening uncertainty over the country’s political future.

The three-day talks in Mogadishu, which ended on 15 May had sought to resolve disputes over Somalia’s electoral model and proposed constitutional amendments.

In a statement, the African Union Commission said it was concerned that the negotiations between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration and representatives of the Somali Future Council had “concluded without a consensus.”

“The Commission cautions against the entrenchment of divergent positions and calls upon all political stakeholders to promptly recommit to an inclusive and substantive political dialogue through genuine negotiation, mutual compromise, and strict adherence to constitutional order,” the AU said.

The continental body nevertheless commended both sides for engaging in dialogue “in the higher interest of Somalia and the Somali people.”

The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) also expressed regret over the collapse of the talks, warning that prolonged political deadlock could worsen instability in the fragile Horn of Africa nation.

“Along with other partners, UNTMIS leadership met earlier today with senior representatives of both the Federal Government and the Somali Future Council,” the mission said in a statement.

UNTMIS said it “regretted the lack of progress” but welcomed indications that both parties remained open to further negotiations.

“We strongly encourage further dialogue in good faith. Together with other partners, we stand ready to assist Somali efforts to find a workable compromise on the outstanding issues,” the mission added.

The deadlock came as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s four-year term officially expired on 15 May 2026, piling pressure on political leaders to agree on a transition framework.

At the centre of the dispute is the government’s push for one-person, one-vote elections and constitutional amendments adopted in March extending presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years.

Opposition groups, alongside Puntland and Jubaland state leaders, have rejected the changes, arguing they were adopted without broad political consensus.

Negotiators also failed to agree on the sequencing of federal and regional elections and the broader constitutional review process.

The opposition Salvation Forum said the talks had “ended in vain and offered little hope,” warning of growing public frustration and the risk of a deeper political crisis.

The AU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia through the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), while commending the facilitation efforts by the United Nations and international partners.

“The Commission reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of its mandate in Somalia, including through AUSSOM,” the AU said.

Analysts warn that continued political wrangles could undermine ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab militants and complicate humanitarian response efforts in a country already grappling with insecurity and climate-related crises.