Somali president says political disputes should be resolved inside Somalia

Saturday June 13, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the federal government remains open to dialogue with opposition leaders, saying political disputes should be resolved through talks led by Somalis.

In an interview with Dawan TV this week, Mohamud said his government is ready to seek a political solution to the country’s internal differences and that the door remains open for negotiations.

“There is always an opportunity,” Mohamud said. “The Federal Government’s doors are open, and it is ready to engage in dialogue until a solution is reached.”

The president said the international community has supported Somalia for many years, particularly through technical assistance and state-building support, but he emphasized that Somali political decisions must be made by Somalis.

“The international community has worked with us for many years, especially in the areas of technical assistance and support for state reconstruction, but Somali politics are determined by Somalis,” Mohamud said.

He said his administration has adopted a policy of resolving political disputes inside the country rather than relying on talks held abroad, as happened during earlier phases of Somalia’s political transition.

Mohamud also addressed a recent call by former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo for him to host talks with former Somali leaders to ease political tensions.

The president said he had not received a formal request from Farmaajo but maintained regular contact and dialogue with former national leaders.

His remarks come amid heightened political tensions over elections, constitutional changes and the relationship between the federal government and opposition groups.

Opposition leaders have accused the government of pushing through major political decisions without broad consensus, while federal officials say the administration remains committed to dialogue and to advancing Somalia’s transition toward direct elections.