Several opposition members of the Somali government have issued a joint statement in which they declared that the National Dialogue Platform has collapsed, and that the President of Somalia has preferred political groups and specific factions over leading full discussions aimed at uniting the Federal Government, Regional States, and Opposition Politicians.

These opposition members, numbering 16, also stated that the country is currently facing a difficult situation, with the President failing to lead, particularly in terms of coordinating political stakeholders and national dialogue. Their statement also highlighted several key issues concerning the current state of the country.

The main points raised by the opposition include:

• The opposition clearly stated that the National Dialogue Platform has failed, and that the President has chosen political groups, neglecting his important role in uniting all political factions in the country.
• The opposition warned the President of Somalia to refrain from creating further conflict and division, particularly regarding the Jubaland administration..
• The opposition urged the leaders of the Regional States of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West State to hold elections in accordance with the constitution, as their terms have expired.
• The opposition called on the United Nations experts on Somalia to investigate alleged corruption within the country.

Finally, the opposition members thanked the United States government for opposing the President’s unilateral decisions and called for a political dialogue to unite all political forces in the country.

This statement comes at a time when a new political party, formed by the country’s top leaders, was announced in Mogadishu last night.