Mogadishu – The 11th Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia officially concluded its four-year term today, amid a fierce constitutional dispute over the extension of term limits.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term also has less than a month remaining, expiring on May 15, 2026. The end of Parliament comes as the Federal Government passed a new constitution stipulating that state institutions’ terms be extended to five years – a move strongly opposed by the opposition and some regional administrations.
Divergent reactions to Parliament’s end
Opposition politicians allied with Puntland and Jubaland regional states today sent a joint message to the international community, informing them that Parliament’s term has officially ended and that there is a need for diplomatic pressure to be exerted on the Federal Government.
Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo said in a statement released today that Parliament’s term has expired, warning that anything beyond today constitutes “political uncertainty.” He also noted that President Hassan Sheikh has only one month left in office (until May 15).
Some Members of Parliament also announced their resignation today, stating they oppose any term extension not reached through consensus. Meanwhile, the ‘Haybad Qaran’ organization, led by former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, declared that the seats of both chambers are vacant as of today, and that any decisions issued thereafter have no legal basis.
Government focused on regional elections
The Federal Government, on the other hand, appears not to be following the expected electoral timeline, still focusing on conducting elections in the South-West, Galmudug, and HirShabelle regional states. The government is reportedly seeking to use successful one-person-one-vote elections in those regions as a model for the feasibility of direct federal-level elections.
However, Parliament’s leadership, led by Speaker Adan Madoobe, previously announced that Parliament would continue operating for an additional year to prepare for a “one-person-one-vote” election – a plan strongly opposed by Puntland, Jubaland, and the opposition.
Opposition’s momentum slows, but new activities planned
The opposition, which had previously planned a conference to discuss the country’s situation and the future of elections, and had threatened to begin indirect elections, now appears to have lost some momentum. Nevertheless, informed sources say they are still planning new political activities, including organizing demonstrations in Mogadishu, before moving to a conference they will hold in Galkayo in the coming weeks.
Summary
The atmosphere today in Mogadishu and Somalia’s political landscape more broadly is tense, with a deep rift between the Federal Government, which seeks an extension of Parliament’s term, and the opposition, which considers the term legally concluded. Many experts have warned that the country has entered a dangerous period of legal limbo, as no elections have taken place or been agreed upon.
