23/02/2026
Talks Collapse: Somalia’s Future Council Announces Breakdown of Negotiations With Federal Government
The Council for Somalia’s Future has announced that its negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia have ended without any progress, describing the talks as “concluded with no results.”
In its statement, the Council said it had entered the discussions in good faith, hoping to find solutions to the country’s difficult circumstances, including severe drought, political fragmentation, economic pressures, and the impact of global geopolitical shifts. The Council said it had sought to safeguard the country’s stability and political certainty by advocating for an agreed electoral framework and adherence to the constitution.
According to the Council, the negotiations stalled primarily because the government continued to pursue constitutional amendments that would alter existing power structures, including provisions governing federalism and the separation of powers. The Council argued that Parliament had refused to halt legislative changes despite objections from opposition groups and more than 50 MPs.
The press release outlined several key areas of disagreement:
1. Constitutional Framework:The Council insists the 2012 provisional constitution remains the foundation of Somalia’s legal order and can not be altered without broad national consensus.
2. Term-limited Regional Administrations: The Council recognizes the legitimacy of regional administrations whose terms have expired, provided they follow constitutional norms and federal principles.
3. Election Procedures: The Council opposes efforts to impose new election rules on federal member states and supports maintaining the previous system overseen by both federal and state-level electoral bodies.
The Council also highlighted the need for a political agreement before 14 April, aimed at clarifying the federal electoral model, parliamentary election timelines, and governance frameworks. They accused the Federal Government of instead pushing for constitutional changes that would centralize power in Mogadishu.
The press release stated that the diverging positions of the two sides reflect a deeper disagreement over the future structure of the Somali state. While the government reportedly seeks a stronger central authority, the Council advocates for a federal model with shared powers, inclusivity, and a consensual electoral process.
The Council reaffirmed its willingness to continue dialogue if conducted transparently and under conditions that prioritize national unity, rule of law, and the protection of the constitutional order. It also warned against the risk of plunging the country into a constitutional vacuum or political conflict.
The Council urged the Somali public to remain steadfast, emphasizing that the country needs leadership committed to compromise, unity, and safeguarding the nation’s stability and constitutional integrity.
