Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has invited opposition parties and other political stakeholders to a national consultative forum, to be held in Mogadishu from November 14 to 18, 2026, to discuss federal electoral matters.
A press release from the Somali Presidency stated that the President has extended formal invitations to the ‘Nabad iyo Nolol’ (Peace and Life) party, the Somali Future Council, the National Unity Forum, and the Civil Society Coalition to participate in the meeting.
This initiative comes amidst ongoing political tensions between the Federal Government and opposition politicians, particularly regarding the country’s electoral process and the pursuit of an inclusive political agreement.
In an address to the public last night, Hassan Sheikh stated that the door to dialogue remains open to all political sides, urging that disputes be resolved through discussion, mutual understanding, and compromise rooted in the common good.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to implementing a ‘one-person, one-vote’ electoral system, describing it as a crucial step toward rebuilding Somalia’s democratic framework. The new invitation serves as an opportunity for the government and the opposition factions to discuss existing disputes, although it remains unclear what positions the invited parties will take regarding this initiative.
