Hornpost
Key out comes: Somalia Future Council Rejects Term Extensions for Parliament and President and Demand Timely Transparent Elections Amid Political Crisis.
Kismayo Conference Warns of Instability if President Ignores Election Timelines.
Banadir Election Criticized as One-Sided by Somali Political Summit.
KISMAYO – (Hornpost) A high-level political conference held in Kismayo has sharply criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, accusing it of political failure, economic collapse, and a worsening humanitarian crisis driven by corruption, forced displacement of vulnerable communities, and the sale of public land.
The accusations were outlined in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Somali Future Conference, held from December 18–20, 2025, under the banner of the Somali Future Council. The conference brought together current and former leaders, members of the Federal Parliament, politicians, and civil society representatives.
Among those attending the closing session were Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Puntland President, former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire, Abdi Farah Shirdon (Saacid), and Mohamed Hussein Roble, alongside lawmakers and senior political figures.
The conference focused on Somalia’s political direction, national dialogue, and critical issues affecting the country’s future. Participants heard what organizers described as “deeply concerning” briefings on the country’s political, security, economic, and humanitarian conditions.
According to the communiqué, the conference concluded that President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has failed in governance, security, and national development, adopting divisive policies that have fragmented Somali society. It further accused the president of unilaterally altering the constitution, undermining constitutional institutions meant to balance executive power, and allowing some Federal Member States to remain in office beyond their legal terms—described as an unprecedented development in Somali politics.
The communiqué also stated that the federal government has neglected national security, halted operations against Al-Shabaab, and weakened the Somali National Army through corruption, favoritism, and abuse of power. These actions, it said, have led to declining morale and discipline within the armed forces.
Economically, the conference accused the administration of presiding over widespread corruption, forced displacement of poor communities, illegal auctioning of state land, and discouraging both domestic and foreign investors—resulting in capital flight and loss of public trust. These factors, the communiqué noted, have contributed to a severe humanitarian situation.
On constitutional timelines, the conference underlined that the mandate of the Federal Parliament ends on April 14, 2026, while the president’s term expires on May 15, 2026. It categorically rejected any form of term extension for constitutional institutions, warning that such actions would trigger political instability, a constitutional vacuum, and security chaos.
The conference called for an inclusive, transparent, and timely election—more advanced than the 2022 process—based on consensus, fair representation, and an agreed-upon electoral commission. It urged President Hassan Sheikh to convene political stakeholders within one month, by January 20, 2026, to reach an agreement on elections held within the constitutional timeframe.
Failure to respond to this call, the communiqué warned, would prompt the Somali Future Council to take steps to organize an alternative electoral process aimed at preventing constitutional collapse and security deterioration.
The conference also criticized the ongoing electoral process in Banadir Region, describing it as a one-sided exercise that marginalizes residents and violates the provisional constitution due to the unresolved status of Mogadishu.
In addition, the communiqué condemned the forced displacement of vulnerable communities allegedly carried out by security forces, called for an immediate halt to evictions and the sale of public assets, and warned against continued repression of independent media and civil society organizations.
The conference praised Somali security forces fighting Al-Shabaab and ISIS, expressed concern over the hardships facing Somalis at home and abroad, and called on international partners to continue supporting Somalia—particularly efforts toward credible, timely elections.
Finally, the Somali Future Conference thanked the Jubaland government and people for their hospitality and support in successfully hosting the Kismayo gathering.
Pictures:
the communiqué in Somali language
Prepared by:
Horn post staff Reporter
