Opposition Leaders, Puntland and Jubaland Accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Undermining Consensus Ahead of End of Presidential Term.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Horn post) — Political tensions in Somalia intensified on Saturday as opposition leaders announced protests in Mogadishu against proposed constitutional amendments and what they describe as an attempt by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to extend his mandate beyond its scheduled expiry.
The dispute comes as the president’s current term is set to end in just five days, deepening concerns over Somalia’s fragile political stability and the possibility of renewed confrontation between the federal government and opposition groups.
The opposition coalition, led by former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has strongly rejected efforts to amend key sections of Somalia’s provisional constitution without broad political consensus.
Regional administrations including Puntland State of Somalia and Jubaland State of Somalia have also opposed the constitutional process, accusing the federal government of centralizing power and sidelining stakeholders.
“This is not only a constitutional dispute but a struggle over the future political direction of Somalia,” said Somali political analyst Mohamed Ibrahim Nur. “Without consensus, any attempt to alter governance structures risks triggering another prolonged political crisis.”
Opposition figures say the planned demonstrations in Mogadishu are intended to pressure the government into abandoning what they describe as unilateral constitutional reforms and a potential one-year extension of the president’s mandate.
“The Somali people cannot afford another cycle of political instability caused by disputed mandates and contested constitutional changes,” a senior opposition official said during a press briefing in Mogadishu.
The growing standoff has raised alarm among international partners, who fear Somalia’s political divisions could undermine security gains and delay state-building efforts in a country already facing threats from armed groups, economic hardship, and recurring humanitarian crises.
Diplomatic observers note that Somalia has repeatedly faced political deadlock linked to election delays and constitutional disagreements. Similar tensions erupted at the end of former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, commonly known as Farmaajo’s, term in 2021, when opposition groups — including allies of current President Hassan Sheikh — accused the administration of pursuing an unconstitutional term extension.
That earlier dispute led to armed confrontations in Mogadishu and intensified divisions between federal authorities and opposition factions, raising fears that Somalia could again enter a period of political uncertainty if negotiations fail.
Analysts say the latest crisis highlights Somalia’s continuing struggle to establish stable constitutional governance through inclusive political dialogue and consensus-based decision-making.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
