African Union Raises Concern Over Somalia Political Deadlock After Failed Halane Talks

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ADDIS ABABA: The African Union Commission has expressed concern over Somalia’s deepening political crisis after high-level negotiations between the Federal Government and opposition leaders ended without a breakthrough.
In a statement issued on Friday from Addis Ababa, the AU said it had closely followed the talks held in Mogadishu between 13 and 15 May involving the Federal Government and representatives of the Somali Future Council, an umbrella grouping of opposition politicians and former senior leaders.
The continental body noted that the negotiations concluded “without a consensus,” underscoring growing tensions over Somalia’s electoral process and constitutional order at a particularly sensitive political moment.
The statement comes amid heightened uncertainty in Somalia following the expiry of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term on 15 May under the framework of the Provisional Constitution through which he was elected. The country has been locked in disagreements over the electoral model, governance reforms, and the direction of the state-building process.
The AU commended both the Federal Government and the opposition leadership for engaging in direct dialogue, saying such engagement was critical in safeguarding stability and the interests of the Somali people.
At the same time, the Commission warned against further political polarization and urged all stakeholders to recommit to “inclusive and substantive political dialogue” based on compromise, negotiation, and adherence to constitutional principles.
“The Commission cautions against the entrenchment of divergent positions,” the statement said, while calling for genuine negotiations aimed at resolving the current impasse.
The failed Halane talks had been seen as a crucial opportunity to bridge widening divisions between Villa Somalia and opposition groups, which have accused the government of pursuing unilateral electoral and constitutional changes without broad national consensus.
Political tensions in Mogadishu have escalated in recent weeks, including protests, arrests of activists and journalists, and increasing international concern over the possibility of instability if a political settlement is not reached.
The AU also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia through the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and praised continued diplomatic engagement by the United Nations, the African Union, and bilateral partners.
The Commission called for sustained international efforts to help reconcile Somalia’s political differences and maintain constitutional order during the ongoing transition period.