Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Future Council has called for the establishment of an inclusive transitional governing authority, while urging African troop-contributing countries to the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to link continued security assistance to the achievement of a comprehensive and inclusive political agreement that restores constitutional stability to the country.
In an open letter addressed to the leaders of troop-contributing countries ahead of their upcoming meeting in Kampala, Uganda, the Council explained that Somalia is facing a deep and serious political legitimacy crisis. The organization emphasized that the terms of office of the Somali president and parliament officially expired in April and May 2026, respectively, noting that the absence of a renewed political agreement has created uncertainty, undermined confidence in state institutions, and complicated efforts to achieve national stability and address ongoing security challenges.
Proposals for a transitional council and calls for a Kampala summit
The Future Council proposed the formation of a comprehensive transitional council to temporarily manage the country’s affairs until constitutionally recognized national institutions are established. It explained that this proposed body should be formed through a broad political consensus encompassing all major Somali parties, and would be responsible for guiding the constitutional review process, preparing for upcoming elections, and ensuring the neutrality of the national armed forces and sovereign institutions throughout the transitional period.
In its address to African leaders, the Council urged participants at the Kampala summit to make any future international security support for Somalia contingent upon genuine and tangible political progress. It argued that the continuation of the EUSOAM mission or the provision of any additional assistance must be linked to reaching a comprehensive settlement capable of restoring constitutional legitimacy to Somali institutions.
Warnings of wasted sacrifices and the dangers of continued division
The letter strongly warned that continued international support without a genuine political settlement could undermine nearly two decades of immense sacrifices made by African troops deployed in Somalia. It stressed the need to safeguard the efforts and sacrifices of previous missions over the past 19 years and to ensure that political institutions regain their national legitimacy.
These developments and proposals come at a time when Somalia continues to face highly complex security challenges, most notably the ongoing military operations against the al-Shabaab militant group, while political rivals remain deeply divided over constitutional reforms, electoral arrangements, and issues of governance and the administration of the country more broadly.
