By Hassan Adan

The African Union Commission on Saturday expressed concern over Somalia’s stalled political negotiations, urging the federal government and opposition leaders to return to dialogue after high-level talks in Mogadishu ended without an agreement.

In a statement issued from Addis Ababa, the Commission said it had closely followed the negotiations between the Federal Government of Somalia and representatives of the Somali Future Council held in Mogadishu from May 13 to May 15, but noted with concern that the discussions “concluded without a consensus.”

“The Commission cautions against the entrenchment of divergent positions and calls upon all political stakeholders to promptly recommit to an inclusive and substantive political dialogue through genuine negotiation, mutual compromise, and strict adherence to constitutional order,” the statement said.

The intervention by the African Union Commission came a day after Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that his government’s mandate will expire on May 15, 2027, following amendments to Somalia’s provisional constitution extending the presidential term to five years.

The AU said it commended the willingness shown by both President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration and opposition leaders to engage in direct discussions, describing dialogue as being in “the higher interest of Somalia and the Somali people.”

The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia, including through AUSSOM, and praised continued support from the United Nations, the African Union, and bilateral partners.

“It further encourages sustained and coordinated international diplomatic engagement aimed at reconciling existing political differences in Somalia,” the statement added

The latest AU intervention highlights growing regional and international concern over Somalia’s political direction as disagreements persist over electoral arrangements, constitutional reforms and the country’s transition process.