Somalia Government Says Door Remains Open to Talks With Opposition

In a statement released from Mogadishu, Somalia’s federal government reaffirmed its willingness to engage in dialogue with opposition groups over the country’s forthcoming 2027 elections and constitutional matters.

Information Minister Abdifatah Qasim told an Arab media outlet that the government had no objection to returning to the negotiating table. He noted that several rounds of discussions had already taken place, producing agreements on some issues while leaving others unresolved.

Qasim emphasized that the government opposed armed confrontations, unrest, and actions that could undermine national stability. He accused opposition groups at times of taking steps that risked escalating political tensions, but maintained that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue.

“The Somali government has been and will always remain open to dialogue on fundamental issues, including constitutional matters and the upcoming federal elections,” Qasim said. “We prefer to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than through conflict.”

The statement comes amid broader political tensions over Somalia’s electoral framework and constitutional arrangements ahead of the next federal elections. The government has repeatedly called for political dialogue, while opposition figures and other political actors have raised concerns over the electoral process and constitutional changes.

Article and image source: allafrica.com