Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Traditional elders have announced that their mediation and reconciliation efforts failed after the government allegedly refused to accept their proposals.
Traditional elders have announced that their mediation and reconciliation efforts failed after the government allegedly refused to accept their proposals.
“Our dialogue with the committee representing the Muqdisho community could not be completed, and as a result, the talks have collapsed,” said Garaad Jaamac.
Somalia is facing growing political uncertainty as opposition groups prepare for large-scale demonstrations scheduled for Thursday, June 4, against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Opposition leaders argue that the president’s constitutional mandate expired on May 15, 2026, raising concerns over the country’s political future and stability. The tensions come as traditional elders announced that their mediation and reconciliation efforts had failed after the government allegedly refused to accept their proposals.
In recent days, authorities in Muqdisho have intensified security operations targeting opposition supporters. Reports indicate that several young people have been detained over social media posts and political opinions critical of the government, fueling accusations of a widening crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression.
The opposition, including regional administrations such as Puntland and Jubbaland, has strongly rejected the constitutional amendments introduced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the ongoing electoral process. Opposition figures have described the elections as “illegitimate” and “a national embarrassment,” accusing the federal government of undermining consensus-based state-building efforts.
Political analysts warn that the deepening divisions between the federal government and opposition groups could further destabilize Somalia unless meaningful dialogue and reconciliation efforts are urgently pursued.