By Goth Mohamed Goth
MOGADISHU – The Somali Future Council issued a press statement on 15 May 2026, congratulating Somali youth on the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Somali youth struggle, marked as Somali Youth Day.
However, the Council expressed regret in informing the Somali public and the international community that political talks held in Mogadishu from 13 to 15 May 2026 between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council – facilitated by international partners – have collapsed. According to the Council, the failure occurred because the former President and his administration rejected a political agreement based on an inclusive transition process, national consensus, and shared responsibility to resolve the constitutional vacuum created by the expiry of the President’s term on 15 May 2026.
The Council stated that it entered the negotiations in good faith, with responsibility and sincerity, but that the former President instead chose the path of political conflict, instability, and security disruption.
Reaffirming its constitutional position, the Somali Future Council declared that the President’s term legally ended on 15 May 2026, in line with Article 91 of the Provisional Constitution. Consequently, the Council recognises Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as a former president.
To ensure continuity of state institutions and avoid an administrative vacuum, the Council believes that during the transition period, the Federal Government must operate under executive power restraint – confined to technical and administrative functions – and refrain from unilateral decisions on political matters, the constitution, elections, and national security.
The Council warned that unilateral actions by the former president would further escalate political tensions, violate constitutional law, and undermine national unity and stability at a time when Somalia still faces serious security threats from Al-Shabaab and ISIS. The Council added that it would peacefully and legally prevent Hassan Sheikh from continuing to lead the country without legal or political legitimacy.
Call to Security Forces
The Somali Future Council called on all security forces to uphold their constitutional duty to protect the Somali people and the nation, and to recognise that Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is a former president from whom they should not take executive orders. The Council also commended the various armed forces fighting terrorist groups on the front lines.
Political Roadmap
The Council announced that it is establishing a political framework to address how to preserve Somali statehood and national unity during the transition period.
Acknowledgements
Finally, the Council thanked international partners who supported the dialogue process and reiterated its commitment to managing and resolving the political transition period.
