By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Mogadishu, 22 August 2026 — Somalia’s Justice Minister has said obstacles remain to dialogue with the opposition, describing the current administration as the first sitting government to formally engage opposition groups in talks.
Hassan Maalim made the remarks on Friday during a public debate titled “The Constitution and the Process of Completing State-Building” in Mogadishu.
“There is no previous government for us to follow as an example. This is the first government in office to sit down with the opposition and engage in dialogue,” Maalim said.
He said the government had brought key issues to the negotiating table, the constitution, elections, security and national sovereignty, to seek political solutions through dialogue.
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The government remains willing to engage with those who hold different views, Maalim said, but argued the opposition is divided into two camps.
Some opposition figures are prepared to attend negotiations, accept outcomes and make political compromises, he said. Others have chosen to mobilize supporters, escalate political pressure and send letters to the international community rather than come to the table.
The remarks come as the government and opposition continue to disagree over the constitution and electoral process. Although both sides have expressed support for dialogue, efforts to reach a political agreement have yet to succeed.