Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – The leaders of the Somali Opposition, united under the Somali Salvation Forum, and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have reached an agreement to open discussions on key issues, including the Constitutional Review Process and the Agreement on the Process for Direct Elections (One Person, One Vote), in a meeting held at Villa Somalia on Wednesday morning.
A statement issued by Villa Somalia confirmed that both parties agreed to discuss four critical agenda points:
. Strengthening National Unity
. Constitutional Review Process
. Enhancing Security and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
. Agreement on the Process for Direct Elections
In addition, both sides agreed to continue efforts to engage those absent from the dialogue process, including Jubaland's Ahmed Madobe and Puntland's Said Abdullahi Deni, with plans to seek their participation. After lengthy discussions, it was decided that the next phase of talks will officially begin on July 3, 2025, aligning with the country’s Independence Week celebrations.
This meeting is part of the ongoing dialogue between the government and opposition, as shared by Villa Somalia. According to the Presidency, the meeting is “part of the extended discussions of the recently concluded National Dialogue Conference.”
While prominent opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur, who is currently in the United States, was absent from the session, the meeting included key government figures such as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, and Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Hosh.
On the other hand, Puntland has expressed concerns, indicating that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has outmaneuvered the southern opposition."Hassan Sheikh got his own agenda through and outmaneuvered the southern opposition," said Farah Juha, Interior Minister of Puntland.
