Monday October 26, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has invited opposition political groups and civil society representatives to a national consultative forum in Mogadishu from Nov. 14 to 18, 2026, in an effort to reach consensus on the country's disputed federal electoral process.
The invitation was extended to the Nabad iyo Nolol Party, the Somali Future Council, the National Unity Forum and the Civil Society Coalition.
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According to the presidency on Monday, the five-day forum will focus on federal election arrangements and seek to establish a shared understanding among political stakeholders through dialogue and consensus.
The invitation comes amid growing disagreements between the federal government and opposition groups over the electoral timetable announced earlier this month.
Somalia's National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has scheduled elections for both houses of the Federal Parliament for April 15, 2027, followed by a presidential election on May 15.
However, opposition groups, including the Somali Future Council, have rejected the timetable, arguing that it was announced without an inclusive political agreement.
The council has previously called for renewed negotiations and a mutually acceptable electoral framework, warning that unilateral decisions could deepen political divisions and undermine Somalia's federal system.
The proposed November forum would provide an opportunity for the government and invited political stakeholders to discuss their differences over the electoral process.
It was not immediately clear whether all the invited groups would participate or whether the consultations would result in changes to the existing election timetable.