MOGADISHU (SD) – Members of the Somali Opposition have today issued a statement addressing the political and security situation in the country, following negotiation meetings lasting nearly two months with the President of the Federal Government, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The statement from the Opposition Forum first noted that the dialogue meetings did not produce any agreement that would bring changes to the political situation, security, or the electoral process in the country.

They described this as a “great lost opportunity” that dashed the hopes of the Somali people.

The Forum also called for the inclusion of the absent regional states, Puntland and Jubaland, in the national dialogue to reach a full agreement on a direct, transparent, and consensual election.

Additionally, the Forum’s statement demanded an immediate resolution within the remaining nine months of the President’s term to hold a direct one-person-one-vote election, as stipulated in previous agreements. It also urged the immediate cessation of the government’s internal conflicts, particularly in the Gedo region.