Somali Opposition Convenes in Kismayo Amid Escalating Election Dispute

As political tensions over Somalia’s electoral process intensify, opposition leaders opened a major conference in Kismayo on Thursday, positioning it as a critical forum to challenge the federal government’s roadmap to the polls.

The Somali Future Council conference has drawn high-profile figures, including Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and several former prime ministers. With over 700 delegates in attendance under tight security, the gathering underscores a deepening rift between the federal government and a coalition of regional and opposition leaders.

In his opening address, Jubaland’s President Madobe framed the conference as a direct response to unilateral governance. “Somalia’s future cannot depend on the will of one individual,” he stated. “We must clarify the election timeline and agree on a consensual process.”

Echoing this sentiment, Puntland’s President Deni called for inclusive dialogue, urging the federal government to “listen to and respect one another,” warning that failure to do so would yield no positive outcome.

Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed issued a sharper critique, arguing that the current electoral approach is eroding public trust. “Elections, which should unite the nation, have been distorted,” he said, criticizing voter registration drives as “forced” and divisive.

In response, Federal Minister of Interior Ali Yusuf Ali Hoosh stated that the government respects the constitutional right to assemble but accused opposition leaders of obstructing democratic progress.

“The Federal Government fully respects the constitutional right to assembly,” Hoosh said. “However, certain leaders are resisting efforts to return power to the people through one-person, one-vote elections.”

The conference highlights a fundamental clash over Somalia’s political trajectory. The Somali Future Council—a coalition formed in October between Puntland, Jubaland, and members of the opposition Somali Salvation Forum—rejects the federal government’s current election plans. They cite concerns over unilateral constitutional amendments, the lack of a federal consensus, and unsuitable security conditions.

The immediate flashpoint is the planned one-person, one-vote local council elections in the Benadir region, scheduled for December 25, 2025. While the National Independent Electoral Commission is proceeding with preparations in Mogadishu, the opposition has declared a boycott, arguing that the process is neither inclusive nor credible.

Political observers warn that proceeding with elections without key stakeholders risks severe instability. They emphasize that a consensus-based framework remains the most viable path to credible polls and lasting peace.

The Kismayo conference is therefore more than a meeting—it is a powerful demonstration of coordinated opposition, setting the stage for a protracted political struggle over who controls Somalia’s democratic future.