Mogadishu–The European Union (EU) has urged the Somali Future Council to accept the invitation extended by Somalia’s Federal Government to attend the National Consultative Conference. The EU is calling for inclusive talks to resolve the growing political standoff surrounding the upcoming elections in Somalia. This call comes after the EU welcomed the invitation from the Somali Federal Government for the Somali Future Council to attend the NCC. Francesco Di Mauro, the EU envoy to Somalia, made these remarks in a statement posted on her Twitter account. She expressed hope that the concerned parties will engage in meaningful discussions. The Somali Future Council, which includes leaders from Puntland and Jubaland authorities, as well as several former Prime Ministers, has expressed skepticism about the electoral system proposed by the government. Earlier this month, the Council issued a warning, calling for a Consultative meeting to be held no later than January 20 to discuss the election process. The EU’s efforts to mediate the standoff come at a time when the leaders of the Somali Future Council are meeting in Nairobi to formulate a response to the invitation. The UK embassy in Mogadishu has welcomed the announcement from the Somali Federal Government to hold the National Consultative Conference, which is expected to take place in Mogadishu next month. In an official statement, the UK embassy urged Somali leaders to take advantage of this opportunity to reach a unanimous agreement on election issues through a common understanding that is satisfactory and crucial for the stability and development of Somalia. The embassy also encouraged the Somali Future Council to participate in the National Consultative Conference and called on all sides to compromise and cooperate in order to reach an inclusive decision that is agreeable to all parties. This statement from the UK embassy follows a statement from Somalia’s Prime Minister on January 19, 2026, officially inviting the Somali Future Council to the scheduled talks, set to open in Mogadishu on February 1, 2026. The Somali Federal Government has announced the formation of a ministerial committee, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Ma’alin, to organize the meeting. This meeting comes at a critical time for Somalia, as the country faces a political crisis surrounding the electoral model and the need for a common understanding on the country’s leadership. All eyes are on the outcome of this conference.
Somalilandstandard
