Mogadishu — Somalia’s opposition groups have issued a strong warning against any attempt to extend the federal government’s mandate, following a series of meetings in Mogadishu with clans aligned with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The discussions centered on the country’s political landscape, with particular focus on concerns over a potential one-year extension of the current administration’s term. Opposition leaders firmly rejected any move to prolong the government’s tenure, asserting that Somalia’s provisional constitution clearly delineates the limits of presidential authority.
“Any attempt to extend the mandate would be unconstitutional,” the opposition stated in a joint declaration following the consultations.
Lawmaker Ga’ma Diiddo, representing the Himilo Qaran party, emphasized that President Mohamud would be considered a “former president” if he remained in office beyond mid-May. “If we reach May 16, he will be the former president, because the agreed constitutional term ends on May 15,” Diiddo stated.
The warning comes amid escalating political tensions in Somalia as stakeholders debate the electoral process and the transition of power. Opposition leaders are calling for strict adherence to constitutional timelines to prevent potential instability.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges in Somalia’s political landscape, where the balance between constitutional mandates and political maneuvering remains a critical issue. As the country approaches the end of the current administration’s term, the opposition’s firm stance underscores the importance of respecting constitutional boundaries in Somalia’s fragile democratic process.
The situation remains fluid, with all eyes on the government’s next steps and the potential for further political negotiations or confrontations in the coming weeks.
