According to the sources, Ankara recently dispatched a senior deputy intelligence chief to Mogadishu to take charge of mediation efforts between the Federal Government and opposition groups. However, the initiative has reportedly faced both technical setbacks and international resistance.

Opposition leaders have repeatedly expressed concerns that Turkey cannot serve as a neutral mediator, arguing that Ankara has become too closely aligned with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration. Turkish officials, meanwhile, have sought to facilitate direct negotiations between the government and opposition groups in an effort to prevent further political escalation.

Sources said the two sides had tentatively agreed to hold meetings this week between technical committees representing the opposition and the Federal Government. However, disagreements quickly emerged over a fundamental question: who legitimately represents the opposition.

Turkey reportedly sought to include representatives associated with former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo's political camp, which opposes President Hassan Sheikh's political agenda. However, members of the Future Council opposition coalition rejected the proposal, insisting that negotiations should take place directly between Villa Somalia and their organization without recognizing a third opposition bloc.

The dispute is said to have complicated preparations for the talks and delayed the mediation process.

Sources further indicated that Turkish intelligence mediators informed Somali stakeholders that they may temporarily return to Ankara until Somali political actors reach consensus on the framework and participants of the negotiations.

Meanwhile, international partners known collectively as the C6+ group have reportedly intensified diplomatic pressure regarding the mediation process. According to the sources, several international representatives expressed concern about a mediation effort led exclusively by Turkey and emphasized the importance of broader international involvement.

The Future Council opposition coalition has similarly argued that Turkey alone should not be entrusted with facilitating negotiations between Somalia's competing political forces.

Western diplomats are said to favor a more inclusive international approach, noting that they have long been engaged in efforts to encourage dialogue among Somali stakeholders. Their position reportedly holds that Turkey should support, rather than replace, existing international mediation mechanisms.

Neither the Turkish government, the Federal Government of Somalia, nor the C6+ group has publicly commented on the reported disagreements.

The developments underscore the growing complexity of efforts to resolve Somalia's political deadlock, where disputes over representation, legitimacy, and international involvement continue to complicate attempts to launch formal negotiations.

By Dahir Alasow