Somalia leaders unite on electoral roadmap after months of talks

Somalia’s federal government and key opposition leaders have reached a major political settlement aimed at advancing the country’s long-stalled democratization process, with a commitment to finalize constitutional reforms, strengthen state institutions, and pave the way for direct elections.

The agreement was signed late Monday by the Federal Government of Somalia alongside senior figures under the Somali Salvation Forum.

Among the signatories were Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman, former Speaker of the House of the People and current MP; Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, former Speaker of Parliament and ex-President of South West State; Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke, former Prime Minister; and Dahir Mohamud Geelle, former Minister and spokesperson of the Forum.

“It was agreed to strengthen the sovereignty, independence, and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the communiqué stated.

It further noted that government and opposition leaders would “jointly reinforce national security and intensify efforts to liberate all areas still under the occupation of the Khawarij,” the term Somali authorities use for al Shabaab militants.

The framework provides that Somalia’s president will be elected by the Federal Parliament, while state assemblies will choose presidents and vice presidents of federal member states.

The president will appoint a prime minister, subject to parliamentary approval, though the House of the People will retain the power to withdraw confidence from the premier.

Another key clause establishes that any political organization securing at least 10% of parliamentary seats will qualify as a recognized national party.

Leaders also pledged to press ahead with elections for local councils, state assemblies, and parliament, while finalizing pending chapters of the provisional constitution.

The agreement further reaffirmed Somalia’s long-standing ambition to hold elections based on the principle of “one person, one vote.”

In its closing appeal, the communiqué urged unity: “On the basis of this consensus … we call upon all political actors to actively contribute to the successful completion of Somalia’s democratization process.”

Somalia has struggled for decades with conflict, fragile state institutions, and a deadly insurgency by Al-Shabaab, an Al Qaeda-linked group that still controls large areas. Previous attempts to introduce direct voting have repeatedly stalled due to insecurity and political rifts.

This breakthrough follows months of negotiations between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration and opposition figures, and comes as military operations intensify against Al Shabaab in central and southern regions.