IGAD Urges Continued Somali-Led Dialogue After Talks Between President Hassan Sheikh and Future Council Collapse
By Abdiasis Farah Said
MOGADISHU / DJIBOUTI — February 24, 2026 High-level political talks between Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Somali Future Council collapsed yesterday without reaching an agreement, deepening political tensions ahead of Somalia’s anticipated electoral process. The discussions, held in Mogadishu, were aimed at resolving key disputes over constitutional amendments and the country’s proposed electoral model. However, the negotiations ended in deadlock after both sides failed to bridge differences on critical issues. Dispute Over Electoral Model and Constitutional Changes The Federal Government has been advocating for a transition to a one-person, one-vote electoral system, arguing that it represents a historic step toward universal suffrage in Somalia. Members of the Somali Future Council — a coalition of opposition leaders and regional state figures — have raised concerns over the feasibility, timing, and inclusiveness of the proposed reforms. They have also criticized what they describe as unilateral constitutional amendments carried out without broad political consensus.
Sources close to the talks confirmed that negotiations broke down after disagreements over how to proceed with electoral preparations and constitutional review mechanisms. IGAD Calls for Continued Engagement Shortly after the collapse of the talks, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) issued a statement from Djibouti encouraging continued Somali-led dialogue and national cohesion.
IGAD said it has been following the recent engagement between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council and acknowledged efforts undertaken by both sides. The Executive Secretary of IGAD, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, encouraged all parties to continue engagement in good faith to address outstanding issues. The regional bloc reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building efforts, noting that Somalia is a founding Member State of IGAD. The organization reiterated its support for sustainable peace and stability for the benefit of the Somali people and the wider region. “IGAD stands in solidarity with the Somali people and will remain seized of the matter,” the statement concluded. Uncertain Political Path Ahead
The collapse of the negotiations adds uncertainty to Somalia’s political roadmap, particularly as the country debates the structure and timing of its next elections. International and regional partners are expected to closely monitor developments in the coming days. Whether both sides will return to the negotiating table remains unclear, but IGAD’s intervention signals growing regional attention to the unfolding political situation.
