The Somali Federal Government together with representatives from the opposition agreed to the continuation of political talks between the two sides, according to an official statement released by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism on Wednesday. According to the statement, the meeting held in Mogadishu on July 7, 2026, kicked off in a friendly atmosphere, and made possible for the two sides to have open and honest exchange and constructive discussion regarding the country’s political situation. The two sides concurred to proceed the inclusive dialogue, with the main objective being to strengthen the political stability, security, and development of Somalia.
The statement did not offer further details over the specific points that have been unanimously agreed or the timetable fixed regarding the upcoming meetings. However, the statement further added that the dialogue will continue. The two sides expressed deep appreciation to the Turkish government for playing a significant facilitation role in the ongoing talks between the two sides, further commending Ankara efforts in support of the ongoing dialogue. The talks coincided at a time when there is a debate regarding the electoral process and the future political landscape, while the international community calls for resolving disputes through dialogue and consensus to safeguard the country’s stability.
Conversely, former Somali President, Mr. Shariif Sheikh Ahmed, has strongly repudiated allegations from the Somali Federal Government claiming that he along with the opposition politicians receive political and economic support from the United Arab Emirates. In an interview, Mr. Shariif disclosed that the ties he maintains with the UAE is a personal one, stating that he and his family have been living in the UAE for ten years. He strongly refuted that there are no political ties that he maintains with the government in Abu Dhabi.
He stated, “My family and I were welcomed, and I am grateful for that. However, there is no political relationship between us.” Mr. Shariif further revealed that the current Somali President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud maintains close ties with the UAE. He went on to say that the Somali Federal Government received security and economic support from Abu Dhabi over the past years. He asserted further that Abu Dhabi was among Arab governments that provided support to Somalia for a long time, disclosing further that they provided financial support to development projects given to Somalia’s security forces, while these funds were benefited by Somalia’s successive governments.
Shariif criticized in what he described as a shift in the government’s stance toward the UAE, stating that it is not in Somalia’s interest to level accusations against a government that previously contributed to supporting the country. He said, “Somalia must understand how international relations work and how disputes are managed rather than resorting to constant accusations.” The Federal Government has previously leveled accusations regarding foreign interference and support that it claims foreign nations-including the UAE-provide to certain opposition politicians and some regional states.
