Türkiye has played an active role in launching and sustaining dialogue between Somalia’s government and the opposition during a period of debate about the Constitution and electoral system, security sources tell Anadolu Agency.
Talks began Tuesday in Mogadishu following initiatives by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), after disagreements about proposed changes to the Constitution and election system.
MIT’s long-running efforts with the parties, carried out under the instructions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have produced positive results, according to the sources.
Representatives of the Somali Federal Government and the opposition agreed to continue talks, while the process is being conducted in close coordination with the Turkish Foreign Ministry, they added.
‘Building trust’
They said MIT has long been engaged in efforts to build trust between Somalia’s political actors and help address disputes through dialogue on a constructive basis.
Throughout the process, Türkiye conveyed to the parties that lasting peace and stability in Somalia can only be achieved through dialogue, compromise and an inclusive political process, while emphasizing that the future can only be shaped by the will of Somalis, said sources.
Security sources said Türkiye, as Somalia’s genuine friend and strategic partner, will continue contributing to peace, stability and development in the country.
The Somali government thanked Türkiye for its mediation role, saying government and opposition representatives met in Mogadishu in a friendly atmosphere.
“The meeting enabled the parties to exchange their views openly, sincerely and constructively,” it said, adding that the sides expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its “dedicated facilitation role” throughout the dialogue process.
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who attended the talks on behalf of part of the opposition, said the parties agreed during the Mogadishu meeting to continue an inclusive dialogue process for Somalia’s political stability, security and prosperity.
