EU Urges Somali opposition to engage in talks over election impasse

Somalia is racing against time, with the mandate of the current government set to expire in mid-May. Political tensions have intensified following the government’s proposal to move away from the clan-based indirect electoral system toward a “one person, one vote” model — a shift the opposition has rejected, arguing it could be used to justify extending President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term.

The Somali Future Council, which includes leaders from the semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and Jubaland as well as several former prime ministers, has expressed scepticism over what it describes as unilateral electoral changes by the government.

Earlier this month, the council issued an ultimatum calling for a broad consultative meeting by January 20 to discuss the electoral roadmap. While the government’s invitation meets the demand for talks, analysts warn that disagreements over the forum’s agenda and participant list could derail the process before it begins.

The EU’s diplomatic push comes as leaders of the Somali Future Council hold meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, to deliberate on their official response to the government’s invitation.