The opposition Somali Future Council has refused to participate in the presidential initiative, arguing that Hassan Sheikh no longer possesses the constitutional legitimacy required to convene or preside over a national political conference.

Opposition leaders have instead called for internationally mediated negotiations involving the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Türkiye.

Supreme Court Ruling Fuels Constitutional Dispute

At the centre of the escalating confrontation is a reported Supreme Court ruling issued on November 5, 2026, rejecting constitutional amendments that extended presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years.

According to accounts of the ruling, the Court determined that the extensions were unlawful and ordered elections within 90 days.

Opposition figures maintain that the judgment confirms President Hassan Sheikh's constitutional mandate has expired, making his continued exercise of presidential authority unlawful.

The Federal Government disputes that interpretation and maintains that its constitutional reforms provide a lawful basis for the revised electoral timetable.

The disagreement has created a serious institutional confrontation over the authority of the judiciary, the presidency, and the constitutional framework governing Somalia's political transition.

UN Experts Condemn Alleged Judicial Interference

The political confrontation follows a November 12 statement attributed to United Nations independent human rights experts condemning the removal of Supreme Court Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed.

The statement describes the dismissal as unconstitutional and raises concerns over alleged intimidation of judges, interference with judicial proceedings, and the withdrawal of security protection from members of the Supreme Court.

The experts called for the Chief Justice's reinstatement and the protection of judicial independence.

The controversy has attracted international attention, increasing scrutiny of Somalia's constitutional governance and adherence to the rule of law.

However, international criticism does not itself constitute a binding judgment against the Somali Government or establish that foreign governments have imposed punitive measures.

President Hassan Sheikh Reportedly Planning Kampala Visit

Meanwhile, sources familiar with political developments have indicated that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Kampala, Uganda, on November 17, 2026.

The reported visit comes amid heightened political tensions in Mogadishu and increasing demands for a negotiated resolution to the constitutional dispute.

The purpose of the anticipated trip, its diplomatic agenda, and any connection to the ongoing political crisis have not been independently confirmed.

Neither the Somali nor Ugandan authorities have been confirmed as having publicly announced the reported November 17 visit.

Opposition Demands Neutral Negotiations

The opposition's rejection of the November 14 consultations represents a significant challenge to the President's efforts to establish a political dialogue under his leadership.

By demanding international mediation, opposition leaders appear to be seeking a negotiating framework in which the President's disputed constitutional authority does not determine the terms of engagement.

Nevertheless, the opposition is not entirely united in its response, with some political groups reportedly expressing conditional willingness to participate in consultations.

Somalia Faces a Critical Political Test

The convergence of constitutional litigation, opposition resistance, allegations of judicial interference, and international scrutiny has placed Somalia at a sensitive political crossroads.

Analysts warn that continued disagreement over presidential legitimacy could undermine confidence in state institutions, complicate electoral preparations, and weaken cooperation among political stakeholders at a time when Somalia faces significant security and economic challenges.

The coming days may prove decisive, particularly if the reported Kampala visit materialises and diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute gain momentum.

For now, Somalia faces a fundamental constitutional question: whether its political leadership can restore confidence in the rule of law and secure an inclusive agreement on the country's political future.