Somalia’s National Unity Forum Holds Talks With EU Ambassador

Somalia, 6 July 2026 – Somalia’s National Unity Forum, a newly formed opposition platform of senior political figures, held talks on Sunday in Mogadishu with European Union Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro, officials from the group told Dawan Media. The discussions focused on the framework and structure of expected political consultations related to the country’s electoral process, which are due to take place in the capital later this month. The meeting was attended by former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Former Minister Dahir Mahamud Geelle, and former South West State President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden. Sharmarke said after the meeting that the forum had presented its views on the dialogue process and expressed interest in taking part in the planned discussions. The National Unity Forum brings together senior Somali politicians who have previously held top government positions and are seeking a stronger role in ongoing political talks. Some members of the group were previously part of the opposition Salvation Forum but later withdrew after reaching an agreement with the federal government regarding constitutional discussions. The European Union is among international actors involved in facilitating dialogue between Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups. Other partners include the United States, United Kingdom, Turkey, the United Nations and the African Union, all of whom play roles in supporting or facilitating political negotiations in the country. The planned talks are expected to begin later this month in Mogadishu, according to sources familiar with the process.