By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Somalia, January 22, 2026 The European Union on Wednesday urged Somalia’s opposition alliance to accept a government invitation to participate in a national consultative forum, calling for inclusive dialogue to help resolve a deepening political deadlock over upcoming elections.
The call came as the EU welcomed the Federal Government of Somalia’s invitation to the Somali Future Council to take part in the talks.
“The EU welcomes the FGS’ invitation of the Somali Future Council to a national forum. Inclusive dialogue aiming at broad consensus on elections before mandates expire is key,” Francesca Di Mauro, the EU Ambassador to Somalia, said in a post on social media platform X.
Di Mauro added that the European Union looks forward to “constructive talks” and encouraged the Somali Future Council to respond positively to the government’s invitation.
Earlier this week, the Federal Government of Somalia formally invited the Somali Future Council, a prominent opposition alliance, to participate in the forum scheduled to open in Mogadishu on February 1.
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Somalia is racing against time, with the mandate of the current government set to expire in mid-May. Political tensions have intensified following the government’s proposal to move away from the clan-based indirect electoral system toward a “one person, one vote” model — a shift the opposition has rejected, arguing it could be used to justify extending President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term.
The Somali Future Council, which includes leaders from the semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and Jubaland as well as several former prime ministers, has expressed scepticism over what it describes as unilateral electoral changes by the government.
Earlier this month, the council issued an ultimatum calling for a broad consultative meeting by January 20 to discuss the electoral roadmap. While the government’s invitation meets the demand for talks, analysts warn that disagreements over the forum’s agenda and participant list could derail the process before it begins.
The EU’s diplomatic push comes as leaders of the Somali Future Council hold meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, to deliberate on their official response to the government’s invitation.
