Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke by phone with opposition leaders meeting at former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s residence between 7:15:43 PM and 8:15:36 PM UTC on February 12, 2026, expressing regret over earlier denials of entry to the Halane compound at Aden Adde International Airport for former leaders, according to BaidoaOnline on X. Unconfirmed reports indicate he may postpone his trip to Addis Ababa. The call followed road closures to the airport and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire leaving on foot to join the “Council for the Future” meeting, as reported by BaidoaOnline during the prior hour from 6:15:40 PM to 7:15:35 PM UTC. Earlier denials that evening also affected former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble seeking to meet Puntland and Jubbaland presidents staying at the airport. The opposition gathering at Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s residence continued without the regional presidents' attendance, per BaidoaOnline. No official statements from authorities explained the access restrictions or road closures. Separately, the Somaliland flag flew for the first time outside the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa ahead of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on February 14, 2026, according to hear_afrika on X.
