Africa-Press. The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, has invited the opposition Future Somalia Council to attend a meeting in Mogadishu on May 10 to discuss outstanding issues.
The President, whose constitutional term ends on May 15, stated that he called for this meeting following consultations with various sectors of society. He mentioned that the upcoming meeting will focus on elections, enhancing national unity, and determining the political direction of the country.
Hassan Sheikh emphasized the need for mutual understanding and consensus to ensure effective discussions and achieve tangible results, stressing the federal government’s commitment to building a political system based on unity and consensus while protecting the country’s unity, independence, and sovereignty.
In the same vein, opposition politicians in Somalia have stated that the country has entered a phase of political instability, warning of a potential constitutional crisis ahead of the upcoming elections.
In a press conference held in Mogadishu, opposition leaders said they have conducted extensive consultations with clan elders, scholars, women, youth, media representatives, and civil society organizations regarding the political situation in the country and the electoral process.
The opposition stated in a joint statement: “We agreed to protect the state and reject anything that could lead to a crisis, conflict, or destruction. We also consulted with members of the international community, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Turkey, and the United Nations.”
The opposition reiterated its rejection of any expansion of power beyond constitutional limits and opposed what it described as unilateral elections. Their statement read: “The constitutional term of the President of Somalia ends on May 15, 2026. After that date, we will recognize him as an ordinary citizen.”
The statement added: “In cooperation with the Somali people, legitimate regional states, and opposition forces, we will continue peaceful resistance, public mobilization, and national dialogue to prevent a constitutional vacuum and establish a legitimate government that reflects the will of the people.” The opposition also called for immediate regional elections in accordance with the transitional federal constitution.
Opposition leaders accused the government of carrying out forced evictions, demolishing homes, and what they described as illegal arrests of youth. They specifically demanded the release of detainees and emphasized the need for the Somali National Army to remain a neutral national institution, not a political tool.
This statement comes amid rising tensions following President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud’s recent signing of an amended federal constitution, which establishes a five-year term for federal institutions, instead of the four-year term under the 2012 provisional constitution.
The opposition has rejected the amended constitution, arguing that there is no consensus and insisting that the 2012 framework remains the legitimate legal basis for governance.
