The prospect of the National Salvation Forum opposition leaders reaching an agreement with President Hassan is extremely unlikely — to me, it seems nothing more than a daydream. President Hassan's main goal is simply to ease international pressure, appear in photo opportunities, and project an image of dialogue. However, his true agenda has long been set: securing his return to power.

Based on insider information I possess, President Hassan is not even prepared to step down from power, not even 15 years early. In fact, it is possible he may even attempt to have his own son run for the Somali presidency.

I am not certain of the opposition leaders’ final stance, but during a conversation I once had with President Hassan, he told me:

"Had I known that President Farmaajo would treat the Hawiye so badly — and that they would remain silent about it — I would never have stepped down from the presidency during my term, before Farmaajo took office."

This statement makes clear that President Hassan would have clung to power had he anticipated Farmaajo’s treatment of the Hawiye and the silence that followed.

Meanwhile, the Somali people urgently need healthcare, education, clean water, and security. Yet, unemployment is steadily increasing, and those with financial means are leaving the capital, Mogadishu.

Ultimately, neither the politician in power nor those in the opposition seem to have the public interest at heart. Their plans revolve solely around how they can personally benefit from political office for as long as possible.

By Dahir Alasow