Somalia’s National Consultative Forum (NCF) has resumed in Mogadishu after HirShabelle President Ali Gudlaawe’s last-minute hesitation, with talks focused on finalizing Federal and State Electoral Implementation Teams (FEIT and SEIT) and moving forward with the delayed elections. Despite the May 27 electoral agreement and road map, contentious issues remain such as the number of voting venues per state and the reduction of electors per MP from 101 to 51. The selection of Somaliland representatives also remains unresolved. Security is worsening, with Al-Shabaab ramping up attacks in Galmudug, Jowhar, and across the Kenya border. AMISOM withdrawals have led to immediate territorial losses to the militants. Political trust is eroding, as Federal Member State leaders and opposition doubt acting PM Mohamed Hussein Roble’s authority, citing interference from President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and intelligence chief Fahad Yasin.