Somalia’s allies push for talks as election rhetoric cools

Somalia protest

People protest against electoral impasse in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 10, 2026.

Photo credit: Reuters

The rhetoric between Somalia’s government and opposition groups appeared to cool this week, with officials signalling a willingness to pursue dialogue following intense lobbying by the country’s neighbours.

The shift towards talks follows President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visits to Nairobi and Addis Ababa last week, where regional leaders reportedly voiced concern that the political standoff could derail efforts to improve security in Somalia.