Mogadishu (Raxanreeb) – The European Union Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Dr. Annette Weber, has met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu as part of efforts to ease a long-standing political deadlock between the federal government and opposition leaders ahead of next week’s truce meeting in Kismayo.

The talks, held at Villa Somalia, focused on Somalia’s current political landscape and wider regional issues. Dr. Weber’s visit comes as opposition leaders prepare for a high-stakes gathering in Kismayo, the capital of Jubaland, where they are expected to articulate their concerns over ongoing constitutional review and electoral reforms.

Opposition leaders argue that the reforms, particularly the pace and sequencing of constitutional amendments, risk undermining the federal system and entrenching power in the hands of the current administration. They accuse the government of rushing the process in the run-up to the next elections.

Somalia is preparing for its first popular vote in 56 years. Since then, national leadership has been chosen through an indirect electoral model based on the 4.5 power-sharing formula, under which clan elders and selected delegates choose members of parliament, who in turn elect the president.

The core dispute centres on the May 2026 elections, which are expected to introduce a one-person, one-vote system. While both the government and the opposition publicly support the shift to direct elections, they remain divided over the implementation timelines and safeguards.

The European Union has been a firm supporter of Somalia’s reform agenda, backing the fight against Al-Shabaab, supporting the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and helping to pave the way for Somali security forces to take over full responsibility. The EU has also funded and provided technical support to the EU Training Mission in Somalia to strengthen the Somali National Army.

Dr. Weber’s engagement with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seen as part of wider international efforts to defuse tensions, encourage dialogue with the opposition, and keep Somalia’s political transition on track.