Mogadishu – Political talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the opposition-aligned Council for Somalia’s Future have collapsed after days of negotiations in the capital, deepening uncertainty over the country’s electoral process and constitutional direction.

In a press statement, the Council for Somalia’s Future outlined the reasons behind the breakdown of discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, citing the failure of both sides to compromise on key disputed issues. Central among these are the framework and management of federal and federal member state elections.

According to the Council, neither party was prepared to concede ground on core positions, particularly regarding the structure of parliamentary elections and the broader electoral model. The Council proposed that elections for the administrations of Hirshabelle, Galmudug and South West State be conducted as part of efforts to address the ongoing political impasse.

The opposition bloc further called for a comprehensive political agreement to be reached before 14 April, when the term of the Federal Parliament is due to reach a critical milestone. It urged consensus on the parliamentary electoral system, a clear timetable, and the management and oversight mechanisms for the electoral process.

The collapse of the talks has coincided with the departure Jubbaland state leader and officials from Mogadishu.

Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam returned to Kismayo after nearly two weeks in the capital, following the failure of negotiations between the Federal Government and opposition figures. Officials from the Jubaland Presidency confirmed that President Ahmed Madobe and his delegation left Mogadishu without securing a tangible outcome from the talks.

During his stay, the Jubaland leader held a series of consultations with members of parliament and political stakeholders, with discussions largely focused on the country’s complex and increasingly strained political landscape.

Meanwhile, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is expected to return to Garowe after participating in consultations in Mogadishu over the past two weeks. His departure further signals the lack of immediate progress toward a unified political settlement.

As of the time of publication, Villa Somalia has not issued an official response to the Council’s statement.

The stalled negotiations underscore persistent divisions over electoral reforms and constitutional amendments, raising fresh concerns about Somalia’s ability to secure a broad-based political consensus ahead of critical electoral timelines.