High-level talks between Somalia’s federal government and the opposition-aligned Somali Future Council ended Sunday without agreement, underscoring deep divisions over the country’s electoral roadmap.

The meeting, held at Villa Somalia and chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, began at 11 a.m. and concluded around 4 p.m. Despite an initially calm atmosphere, discussions reportedly turned contentious once negotiations moved to the structure and sequencing of elections.

 According to participants familiar with the talks, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insisted that federal-level elections could not be discussed until local council elections are conducted first. He also declined to open debate on elections in Galmudug, Hirshabelle and Southwest states during the session.

 The opposition has been advocating for indirect elections in those three states, similar to the processes recently held in Puntland and Jubbaland. However, the president maintained that the management and direction of elections in those states fall under their respective leadership structures.

After a short recess, efforts to bridge the gap failed to produce progress, and the meeting adjourned without a joint statement or agreement.

The Future Council returned to its headquarters and is expected to convene privately to determine its next steps. A public statement outlining its position is anticipated.

The federal government has not released detailed remarks on the outcome, though officials indicated that further engagement remains possible.

Sunday’s outcome disappointed observers who had hoped the talks would ease political tensions as constitutional timelines approach. The impasse leaves unresolved questions over the sequencing of local, state and federal elections and increases pressure on both sides to find common ground before mandates expire.