The longer Somalia’s federal election is held hostage by a minority of unruly politicians, the more precarious the nation’s future becomes. The Somali people have spoken clearly: enough with the election deadlock.
Citizens are exhausted by watching a handful of political actors drag the nation’s reputation through the mud. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo” has repeatedly demonstrated to the international community that certain regional leaders—most notably Said Deni and Ahmed Madobe—are deliberately obstructing the electoral process.
If the disruptive actions of these two regional leaders, who consistently sabotage any attempt to convene with the president and other regional heads, do not expose their true intentions, it is difficult to see how proponents of endless consensus-building can still be persuaded.
Somalis are fed up with being held hostage by self-serving politicians. The country must proceed to elections as soon as possible. This can be achieved by utilizing the much-debated but functional 4.5 power-sharing model, engaging the regional states that are ready for the polls, and including elders to represent the Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubaland regions.
Furthermore, we cannot freeze time to accommodate an international community—specifically certain Western representatives—that seems less interested in assisting the country than in adding fuel to the fire. Somalis can no longer tolerate thinly veiled threats of sanctions against the federal government should it proceed with polls without Puntland and Jubaland, or should it request a necessary extension of its mandate.
Certain diplomatic representatives from the United States, the European Union, Norway, Sweden, and the UK are, both directly and indirectly, fueling an illegitimate opposition. By entertaining their unrealistic demands, these actors inadvertently grant them a veneer of legitimacy, thereby stalling the democratic process.
Enough is enough.
The Somali government must focus its energy on what truly matters: uniting the country, improving security on the streets and in the regions, and combating drought and poverty. It should not be forced to court an opposition whose sole objective is to reverse the hard-won gains of past administrations.
Moving forward, President Farmajo should prioritize engagement with the African Union, the Arab League, Turkey, China, and other principled international partners interested in mutual respect and fair cooperation with Somalia. This is the only viable path forward, rather than stagnating in anticipation of a breakthrough that is simply not coming.
If these obstructive figures truly want elections, the country should commit to a “one person, one vote” system. This would place the ordinary Somali citizen in control of their own future, rather than surrendering their right to choose to corrupt political elites.
To achieve this, Parliament must step up to its responsibilities. It must grant the government a two-year extension so that necessary legislation can be passed, a national population census can be conducted, and the country can finally move forward.
The time for delays is over. Enough is enough.