BREAKING: Somali President Meets Opposition Leaders Amid Diplomatic Row Over Israeli Declaration

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is tonight meeting in Mogadishu with key opposition figures against the backdrop of Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland and amid lingering political tensions at home.

Those present included former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Ministers Hussein Roble and Hassan Ali Khaire, and Wadajir Party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur among other senior leaders. The meeting comes months after sharp political fallouts between the president and opposition leaders, particularly over the electoral process and governance reforms.

The opposition recently boycotted the just-concluded Banadir local council elections and has accused President Hassan Sheikh of engineering a path toward term extension, accusations the government has repeatedly denied.

According to a statement from Villa Somalia, the meeting was part of a broader national consultation led by the president to “strengthen the defence of the unity, independence and sovereignty of the country” following what it described as Israel’s “aggression” and interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.

Discussions focused on the overall political and security situation, the protection of Somalia’s territorial integrity, and the need for a united national response to external challenges. The presidency emphasized that safeguarding Somalia’s unity transcends political differences and requires collective responsibility.

President Hassan Sheikh thanked former leaders and senior politicians for their advisory role, stressing that defending national unity and independence must take precedence over partisan divisions and rivalries.

Villa Somalia said the president has also been engaging a wide range of stakeholders as part of this effort, including members of parliament from the northern regions, Somali religious scholars, and regional and international partners. Separate telephone consultations have been held with leaders from neighbouring countries as well as international and regional organisations.

The meeting is being viewed as a significant political moment, signaling an attempt to close ranks internally as Somalia faces heightened diplomatic pressure following Israel’s move, even as deep domestic disputes between the government and opposition remain unresolved.