MOGADISHU – Turkey’s attempts to mediate between Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups have faced setbacks, according to people familiar with the negotiations. The difficulties are linked to technical disagreements and growing international pressure, threatening to derail Ankara’s bid to resolve the country’s escalating political crisis.The talks were expected to move forward this week through a meeting between technical committees from the opposition and the federal government, after both sides reached an understanding. However, disputes over which political actors should be officially recognized as part of the opposition have complicated preparations for the next round.
Turkey has increased its diplomatic efforts to alleviate Somalia’s growing political tensions, with a delegation conducting separate meetings in Mogadishu with federal government officials and opposition leaders following recent clashes in the capital. The delegation, reported to consist of diplomats and security officials, forms part of Ankara’s initiatives to foster dialogue between parties embroiled in disagreements about electoral arrangements, constitutional reforms, and the nation’s political trajectory.
The sources said Turkish mediators had suggested giving seats on the technical committees to figures aligned with former Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who oppose the political agenda of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Opposition leaders have been careful not to alienate Turkey, which remains one of Somalia’s most influential international partners, but have reportedly asked Ankara to remain neutral and stay on an apolitical track. This cautious approach reflects recognition within opposition circles that Turkey has invested heavily in Somalia’s infrastructure, humanitarian aid, state-building programs, and security sector training over the past decade.
Members of the opposition’s Future Council reportedly rejected the proposal, saying the committees should include only their representatives and that talks should remain directly between the council and Villa Somalia. They argued that no other political bloc should be formally included in the process.
The disagreement has led Turkish mediators with intelligence links to consider returning to Ankara. At the same time, Somali political actors are seeking agreement on the structure and format of the dialogue, the sources said. The mediators could resume their role if consensus is reached on how the negotiations should proceed.
A Turkish delegation, including intelligence representatives, has been in the Somali capital conducting separate discussions with both opposition figures and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The private, confidential sessions with a limited number of opposition representatives were viewed as a critical step toward facilitating direct negotiations.
Meanwhile, international partners under the C6+ framework have reportedly intensified pressure on the Turkish-led initiative. The sources said representatives of the international community warned that mediation by a single actor would be unacceptable and supported the Future Council’s call for a broader and more inclusive facilitation mechanism.
The Federal Government of Somalia has previously called for the dissolution of the C6+ group, arguing that its continued existence gives a “misleading impression” that Somalia remains under externally driven political oversight. The Somali government has stressed that the country has made significant progress in rebuilding its institutions and now seeks to define its partnerships on the basis of equal bilateral cooperation.
Western diplomats have also opposed what they see as an exclusively Turkish mediation effort, arguing that international partners have long been involved in supporting Somali political dialogue and that Ankara should play a supporting role rather than lead the process, the sources added.
Turkey’s expanding influence in Somalia has come under scrutiny, with unconfirmed reports that the Head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) arrived in Mogadishu. The reports, which remain unverified by official sources, have fueled speculation about Ankara’s eagerness to broker a ceasefire. If confirmed, the arrival of the MIT chief would represent a significant escalation in Turkey’s diplomatic engagement, moving beyond back-channel communications to direct, on-the-ground mediation.
Turkey has joined mediation efforts as former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo moved away from the Marinayo signals, indicating potential de-escalation. The development raised cautious optimism among international observers who have been monitoring the fragile political situation in Somalia.
Turkish officials, the Somali federal government, and opposition representatives did not immediately comment on the reported disagreements. The developments highlight the challenges facing efforts to bridge political divisions in Somalia before key national political discussions.
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