Turkish mediation team is expected to hold separate meetings with technical committees representing the Somali Federal Government and the opposition before officially resuming face-to-face dialogue spearheaded by Western representatives. These meetings came after diplomatic efforts were made in order to resolve the current political stalemate over the election process in Somalia. However, the two sides have failed to reach a comprehensive compromise.
The opposition namely the Somali Future Council has previously rejected to participate in talks led by the Turkish mediation team, arguing that Ankara has not explicitly expressed its neutrality. Reliable sources have revealed that Turkey is now cooperating with western representatives, while there is a need to create a process where the two sides can put their confidence, and enhance the prospects of reaching a political settlement. Reports say that Turkish officials have submitted an assessment to the Somali President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and expressing concern that the political situation could become more difficult if an inclusive agreement on electoral matters is not reached before October 2026.
So far, neither the Turkish government nor the Somali presidency has officially commented on the reports regarding the assessment that has been submitted to the government leaders. These efforts are part of the internationally backed attempts to resolve the political deadlock overshadowing Somalia’s electoral process amid fears that the protracted row could lead to a political instability if a solution is not reached in the coming months.
