Somalia's principal opposition coalition has appealed to the international community to back the establishment of a transitional governing council, citing a political crisis triggered by the expiration of the president and parliament's mandates.

In a letter addressed to leaders and military heads from countries contributing to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the Somali Future Council highlighted the absence of a constitutional framework to guide the political transition. The coalition warned that the lack of legitimate institutions threatens to reverse progress made against militant groups such as Al-Shabaab and Islamic State affiliates.

Calls for Inclusive Political Settlement

The opposition coalition, which includes representatives from Puntland, Jubaland, and Mogadishu's opposition, expressed gratitude to African troop-contributing nations for their nearly two decades of service. It emphasized that these sacrifices must be safeguarded through a political resolution that re-establishes legitimate governance.

The council argued that AUSSOM's success should not be judged solely on military achievements but also on the creation of stable institutions capable of maintaining peace post-mission. It noted that political fragmentation has diverted Somali security forces from their core duties, weakening efforts against insurgents.

Regional Tensions and Marginalization

The coalition pointed to escalating disagreements between the federal government and regional administrations of Puntland and Jubaland, which have undermined national unity at a critical time for counterinsurgency cooperation. It further claimed that forces from these regions, heavily engaged in combatting militants, have been sidelined and denied adequate federal support.

International Engagement and Future Prospects

The opposition linked the political impasse to growing concerns among international donors regarding the legitimacy of Somalia’s federal government, which is crucial for continued funding of AUSSOM and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

Advocating for a Somali-led, peaceful political process, the coalition proposed forming an inclusive Transitional Council to oversee constitutional and electoral reforms until new national institutions are established. This body would aim to:

  • Restore political legitimacy
  • Rebuild stakeholder confidence
  • Protect the neutrality of the Somali National Army and state institutions
  • Ensure dialogue-driven transition rather than unilateral actions

The council urged leaders attending the forthcoming Kampala summit on AUSSOM’s future to prioritize negotiations that restore political consensus before deciding on ongoing security support.

"We respectfully urge Heads of States and Governments of Troop and Police Contributing Countries to use the Kampala Summit to support a political settlement that rebuilds legitimacy and national consensus, establishing conditions for a peaceful constitutional transition," the Somali Future Council stated.

The African Union is currently reviewing AUSSOM’s strategic direction beyond 2026, engaging Somali authorities, the AU, the UN, and troop-contributing nations. The opposition insists that political reconciliation must be central to future international involvement in Somalia.