MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a late-night visit to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed at his residence in Mogadishu amid mounting political tensions over the country’s upcoming elections.
The meeting focused on resolving personal differences and discussing plans for a proposed national consultative dialogue expected to be held within 15 days in Mogadishu, according to a statement from the Himilo Qaran party, which is led by Sheikh Ahmed.
The party said the two leaders resolved their personal grievances before turning to plans for a long-demanded national consultative conference sought by opposition political stakeholders.
According to the statement, President Mohamud expressed his intention to convene a national dialogue and asked Sheikh Ahmed to play a key role in ensuring the process succeeds and leads to a national agreement.
Sheikh Ahmed reaffirmed his willingness to support any initiative aimed at strengthening Somali unity and resolving political disputes through dialogue. He stressed the need for unity, compromise and genuine engagement, the statement said.
The meeting comes as President Mohamud faces growing political pressure from opposition groups and regional leaders, including officials from Puntland and Jubaland, who have raised concerns about governance and the electoral process.
Opposition figures aligned under the Somali Future Council are planning a conference in Garowe, the capital of Puntland, expected to focus on Somalia’s political future, including elections.
The council’s technical committee has already begun preparatory meetings in Garowe, working on a transition strategy and what members describe as plans for meaningful political change.
