By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 19 May 2026 The United Nations on Monday urged Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups to continue political dialogue aimed at resolving disputes over elections and related political issues.
Speaking during a U.N. noon briefing, Deputy Spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres said the organisation was closely monitoring political developments in Somalia, including recent high-level talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council.
“The Secretary-General welcomes the willingness of both parties to engage and encourages them to continue dialogue with a view to reaching agreement on the way forward on elections and related issues,” the spokesperson said.
The remarks came days after talks in Mogadishu between the government and opposition politicians ended without a breakthrough on constitutional amendments, electoral arrangements and the country’s political transition.
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While the U.N. did not comment on the specific disagreements, it stressed the importance of continued engagement between the two sides.
Somalia has faced growing political tensions in recent months over constitutional reforms and the federal government’s push toward direct one-person, one-vote elections.
Opposition groups argue that major constitutional and electoral changes require broad political consensus, while the government says the reforms are intended to expand democratic participation and strengthen state institutions.
The Somali Future Council is a coalition of opposition politicians, former senior officials and some federal member state leaders involved in consultations over Somalia’s electoral process and constitutional arrangements.