Somalia’s SONSA coalition warns that stalled dialogue between federal leaders and opposition risks undermining constitutional reforms and preparations for elections before the government’s mandate ends in May 2026.
A coalition of civil society organizations in Somalia has expressed concern over the lack of visible efforts to restart political dialogue between the leadership of the Federal Government and opposition actors, warning that delays could undermine efforts to resolve ongoing political disputes ahead of key constitutional and electoral deadlines.
In a press release issued in Mogadishu, the Somalia Non-State Actors (SONSA) said the absence of renewed dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council risks prolonging disagreements over the country’s political direction and preparations for elections expected before the end of the current government’s mandate.
The civil society platform emphasised that political engagement between leaders is essential to address disputes related to constitutional reforms, the electoral framework, and governance issues that continue to shape Somalia’s political landscape.
SONSA stated that while it recognises steps taken by the Federal Government toward completing the constitutional review process, implementing any revised constitutional provisions will require a broader political agreement involving multiple stakeholders across the country.
“The Somali civil society SONSA express deep concern over the absence of visible efforts by the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council to resume political dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing political disputes,” the statement said.
The organisation explained that a return to dialogue would help build consensus around political reforms and establish a framework to guide the country toward elections before the government’s mandate expires on May 15, 2026.
SONSA also highlighted several challenges affecting the Somali population, including recurring droughts, security concerns, and issues impacting national unity, noting that these conditions require cooperation among leaders to ensure effective governance and public service delivery.
The group further warned that ongoing global developments could indirectly affect Somalia, making political stability at home crucial for managing potential consequences.
Given these conditions, civil society leaders stressed the necessity for the government to restart talks with political stakeholders to achieve a sustainable electoral framework accepted by all actors in the country.
“It is imperative that the federal government urgently resume political dialogue in order to reach a sustainable and consensual electoral framework before the end of the Government’s mandate on 15 May 2026,” SONSA said in the statement.
The platform outlined several proposals aimed at addressing the current political situation and strengthening Somalia’s state-building process.
Among the recommendations was the immediate resumption of political dialogue focused on resolving disputes related to elections and the constitution, which civil society groups say is essential to prevent a governance vacuum that could trigger political instability.
SONSA also called for closer cooperation between federal authorities and federal member states in responding to the drought crisis affecting parts of the country. The organisation suggested establishing joint coordination committees at both the federal and state levels to coordinate responses and manage relief efforts.
Another recommendation emphasised the need for political actors to avoid actions that could heighten tensions or deepen disputes surrounding the country’s political transition and governance process.
Civil society leaders further proposed that Somali elders, intellectuals, and international partners support efforts to facilitate dialogue and assist political actors in reaching peaceful solutions to their disagreements.
The group noted that these stakeholders have historically played a role in supporting reconciliation processes and could help bridge divisions among political leaders during the current period.
