The Somali Federal Government has released several individuals detained during recent protests in Mogadishu, according to officials, as high level talks with opposition leaders began at the Xalane compound. The discussions, mediated with international observers present, are focused on easing political tensions and advancing stalled electoral negotiations.
The Federal Government of Somalia confirmed on Thursday that it has released a number of people arrested during protests in Mogadishu, a move described by officials as part of early confidence building measures linked to ongoing political talks.
According to government sources, the detainees were freed shortly after the opening of negotiations between the Federal Government and the Somali Future Council, an opposition coalition participating in the talks.
The discussions began earlier in the day at the Xalane compound inside Aden Adde International Airport, with representatives from the international community present as witnesses, according to officials familiar with the meeting.
Opposition representatives had made the release of civilians detained during protests their first condition for entering talks, according to sources close to the Somali Future Council.
Officials said the release was intended to demonstrate progress in building trust between the two sides as negotiations continue over Somalia’s disputed electoral framework.
The talks are the first of their kind to be held inside the Xalane compound in Mogadishu, marking a significant step in direct engagement between the Federal Government and opposition groups amid ongoing political tensions.
According to participants, the discussions are expected to continue into the coming days, with a key agenda item focused on the structure and timing of Somalia’s next elections.
The Federal Government continues to maintain its position in favor of a one person one vote electoral model, according to officials involved in the process.
However, the Somali Future Council has proposed an indirect electoral model that would allow representation from different social and political groups, arguing it could help prevent further political disputes and instability.
Sources close to the opposition said the council is expected to hold an internal meeting on Thursday night to coordinate its position ahead of the next round of talks scheduled for Friday at the Xalane compound.
According to officials, the release of detainees marks the first concrete outcome of the ongoing negotiations between the two sides.
Security remains tight within the Xalane compound, where the talks are being held under restricted access conditions with international observers present.
There have been no reports of new protests in Mogadishu following the government’s decision to release the detainees.
Government officials have not released full details on the number of detainees freed but confirmed that the action was linked to the ongoing dialogue process.
Officials reiterated the government’s commitment to continuing talks aimed at resolving electoral disagreements and stabilizing the political environment.
Opposition representatives welcomed the move, according to sources, but said further steps are needed before broader agreements can be reached.
Somalia has been facing prolonged political uncertainty over the structure and timing of national elections.
Disputes between the Federal Government and opposition groups have centered on whether to implement a direct voting system or maintain an indirect electoral process involving selected delegates.
Previous attempts at agreement have stalled amid disagreements over constitutional arrangements and electoral frameworks.
The Xalane compound, located inside Aden Adde International Airport, has often served as a secure venue for high level diplomatic and security meetings involving Somali officials and international partners.
Negotiations are expected to continue with further discussions scheduled on electoral models and timelines.
According to sources familiar with the talks, both sides are expected to present detailed proposals in the next round of meetings.
The international community is expected to maintain a monitoring role as discussions progress, although no formal mediation outcome has been announced.
The release of detainees signals an early attempt to reduce tensions between the Federal Government and opposition groups at a critical political moment.
The talks represent one of the most structured engagements between the two sides in recent months, taking place under international observation.
However, deep divisions remain over Somalia’s electoral system, which continues to be a central source of political disagreement.