MOGADISHU, Somalia — Diplomatic tensions are rising in Somalia after a meeting in Mogadishu exposed deep divisions between international partners and Somali leadership over President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s handling of national reconciliation efforts.
The Thursday meeting, attended by ambassadors from the C6+ group—which includes key Western allies and multilateral organizations—was initially intended to demonstrate international unity. Instead, it exposed mounting frustration with the president’s political outreach strategy, particularly his recent invitation to opposition leaders and former heads of state for dialogue.
Several high-ranking diplomats, including envoys from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations, criticized the president’s approach, accusing him of lacking commitment to an inclusive, transparent political process.
U.S. Ambassador Richard H. Riley issued the strongest rebuke, describing President Mohamud’s recent two-month delay in initiating meaningful talks as a “setback that deepens confusion and erodes political direction.”
He warned that “additional pressure may be necessary,” suggesting the president had failed to act in good faith.
British Ambassador Charles King echoed those concerns, arguing that the current strategy was “not conducive to national unity.” UN Special Representative James Swan, a veteran of Somali affairs, aligned with the U.S. and UK positions, calling for a more structured and inclusive path to reconciliation.
EU stands apart
In contrast, European Union Ambassador Karin Johansson struck a different tone, warning against what she described as the international community “overstepping” by imposing terms on a sovereign, democratically elected government.
She emphasized that reconciliation is “first and foremost a Somali-led responsibility.” She cautioned foreign partners against undermining Villa Somalia’s authority. Her remarks highlighted an emerging split among Somalia’s key international backers.
The diplomatic standoff mirrors growing friction within Somalia’s federal structure. Puntland and Jubaland, two semi-autonomous regional states, have expressed frustration over their limited role in shaping national policy.
Presidents Said Abdullahi Deni (Puntland) and Ahmed Mohamed Islam “Madobe” (Jubaland), who recently met in Nairobi, are calling for an expanded National Consultative Council (NCC) that includes the National Salvation Council—a coalition of opposition leaders and former presidents.
They argue that a broader platform, dubbed “NCC+,” is essential for addressing constitutional reforms and preparing for future elections.
An official statement released Thursday confirmed that the next NCC meeting is scheduled for June 22. However, questions remain over whether Deni and Madobe will attend, given ongoing disagreements about the process and perceived efforts by Villa Somalia to marginalize federal states.
International pressure mounts
Adding to the pressure, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly sent a warning to Villa Somalia, urging the Somali leadership to deliver concrete results or face potential consequences.
Uganda is a major troop contributor to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), soon transitioning into the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM).
Diplomatic sources said Museveni’s message reflects growing regional impatience with the political stalemate in Mogadishu.
Domestically, President Mohamud is facing a three-pronged challenge: growing opposition from former leaders led by ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, waning confidence from international allies, and pushback from federal states demanding a greater say in national governance.
With the June 22 summit fast approaching, the coming weeks will test the president’s political acumen and the resilience of Somalia’s fragile state-building process.