Somalia: Puntland urges Somali president to reach consensus as term nears end

GAROWE, Somalia — The ministerial council of Somalia’s northeastern Federal State of Puntland on Thursday urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to use his final month in office to reach a comprehensive political agreement, warning of growing uncertainty as federal mandates expire.

The call followed a cabinet meeting chaired by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni to discuss the country’s political landscape. Tensions have escalated following the official expiration of the federal parliament’s term on April 14, 2026.

"The Council calls on the outgoing President of Somalia to recognize the importance of reaching an inclusive agreement within his remaining month to ensure a consensus-based election can take place," the Puntland cabinet said in a formal statement.

Regional ministers expressed grave concern over Somalia's political trajectory, warning that failure to secure a unified deal could deepen political rifts and trigger widespread instability. The statement emphasized Puntland’s commitment to an electoral process that preserves national unity and stability.

President Mohamud’s term is set to expire in 30 days. Despite the expiration of parliament's mandate this week and mounting pressure from regional leaders and the political opposition, the president has remained steadfast. He has insisted the government will proceed with a "one-person, one-vote" election and has called on his critics to participate in the process rather than oppose it.

The standoff marks a critical juncture for the Horn of Africa nation, which has long struggled to transition from a complex indirect clan-based voting system to direct universal suffrage amid persistent security threats and regional disagreements.

GAROWE ONLINE