MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s main opposition alliance has condemned the federal government’s decision to dismantle the C6+ diplomatic coordination platform, warning that the move marks a dangerous shift toward political isolation and authoritarian governance.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Somali Salvation Forum said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration was recklessly abandoning international coordination frameworks “without offering viable alternatives,” thereby threatening Somalia’s hard-won democratic and institutional progress.
“This abrupt move marks a reckless departure from productive partnership and deflects attention from the administration’s growing political isolation,” the statement read.
The Forum, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, criticized the government’s June 10 letter to the United Nations in which Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, described the C6+ as “outdated and counterproductive.”
“The continuation of the C6+ as a tool of external political coordination is outdated and counterproductive,” Omar wrote, arguing that the framework “undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and gives the impression that the country remains under foreign oversight.”
The C6+, a diplomatic platform formed over a decade ago, brings together international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, Ethiopia, the African Union, the European Union, and IGAD. It has supported Somalia’s political transitions, electoral processes, and security reforms.
But Somali officials say that the chapter is closed.
“Somalia is no longer a country in transition,” the letter stated. “It is a sovereign state with functioning constitutional institutions, a maturing democratic process, and a clear national vision for peace and development.”
The opposition, however, says the administration’s claim to sovereignty masks deeper problems at home.
“At a time when inclusive dialogue is urgently needed, the President has instead dissolved the National Consultative Forum, co-opting some members into his party while marginalizing other regional leaders and opposition figures,” the Forum said.
It also accused the president of centralizing power, suppressing dissent, and alienating international allies.
“The President’s alarming power consolidation is evident in his systematic dismantling of the NCC, the use of military pressure against some Federal Member States, increasing control over Parliament, suppression of dissent and independent media,” the Forum stated.
The letter to the UN comes amid tensions over a proposed National Conference promoted by international partners, including Western embassies and the UN mission in Somalia (UNSOM), to resolve disputes over elections and constitutional reform. The Somali government has strongly opposed the effort, seeing it as undue interference.
“Somalia remains committed to close, constructive partnerships with all C6+ members,” Ali Omar wrote, “but grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.”
Still, the opposition maintains that international engagement remains essential.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their steadfast support,” the Forum said, reaffirming its commitment to “peace, stability, and development.”
The standoff also coincides with deepening domestic divisions. The federal government’s planned political dialogue, scheduled for June 15, has been rejected by the federal member states of Puntland and Jubaland and opposition groups from the Somali Salvation Forum.
With both camps entrenched and no compromise in sight, Somalia faces the growing risk of political paralysis.
“True sovereignty,” the opposition concluded, “can be achieved through accountable governance, inclusive decision-making, and effective cooperation with national and international stakeholders.”