Loading article content...
Loading article content...
MOGADISHU, 15 November 2026 — The opposition Somali Future Council (SFC) has asked international partners to include political actors and communities from South West State and Hiiraan in proposed national talks, on condition they commit to a cessation of hostilities.
In a letter to the United States, the United Kingdom, Türkiye and the European Union obtained by Dawan Africa, the SFC said these actors "wield real influence on the ground."
"A political settlement reached without them would amount to a futile exercise, because elections will not take place in either region unless they are part of the process," the council said.
It asked that they be engaged in the talks on the basis of a commitment to a cessation of hostilities and to the agreed process.
The SFC said fighting across South West State, including in and around Baidoa, had plunged the state into serious instability and fragmentation. In Hiiraan, it said, federal and state authorities have lost control of Beletweyne, where local forces now run the regional administration.
Related articles
Forces aligned with former South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen took control of Buur-Hakaba district in Bay region in October after heavy fighting with government troops. In August, the South West cabinet declared Laftagareen and his faction part of a terrorist group, accusing them of links with Al-Shabaab. His camp describes the fighters as the South West Darawish.
Beletweyne has become the main centre of opposition to Hirshabelle's re-elected leadership. Former intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe arrived in the city this month accompanied by armed supporters.
The letter responds to a message from the four partners on talks proposed in Mogadishu from 14 to 18 Nov. The SFC said it does not recognise Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the legitimate president, citing a 5 Nov. Supreme Court ruling that his term extension was unlawful and that his mandate expired on 15 May 2026.
The council said it cannot take part in talks convened at his invitation and asked the Quartet to convene them as mediators. Once that is settled, it said, it is prepared to discuss confidence-building measures, as well as the venue, security, logistics and agenda of the talks.