Clashes erupt in Somali parliament as constitutional debate derailed

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Chaos and scuffles broke out Today inside Villa Hargeisa, the seat of Somalia’s federal parliament, after opposition lawmakers forcefully blocked a planned session to debate proposed constitutional amendments, officials and witnesses said.

The unrest left several legislators injured and forced the complete cancellation of the day’s sitting, further deepening political tensions over changes the government is seeking to push through parliament.

Opposition lawmakers occupied the parliamentary speaker’s seats early in the morning and blocked all entry points to the chamber, preventing Speaker Adan Mohamed Nur, known as Madoobe, from accessing the hall. Witnesses said microphones and sound equipment were damaged, making it impossible for proceedings to begin.

Opposition figures argue that the proposed constitutional amendments are incomplete and aimed at extending the terms of government institutions, an allegation the federal government has previously denied.

During the turmoil, clashes erupted between lawmakers and security personnel deployed inside the compound. Lawmaker Cadar Xareed was taken to hospital after suffering a leg injury. She accused security forces of causing her injuries, a claim that further inflamed tensions among opposition members. Several other legislators were reported to have sustained minor injuries during pushing and shoving inside the chamber.

Independent journalists were barred from entering the parliamentary building, with security turning them back at the main gate. Lawmaker Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame and others condemned the move, calling for the media to be allowed to report freely on events inside parliament.

Tuesday’s confrontation follows a decision by parliamentary leadership a day earlier to suspend and sanction 18 lawmakers accused of disrupting previous sessions. It remains unclear what steps the leadership will take next, as the situation at Villa Hargeisa remained tense by late afternoon.

Somalia has long struggled to finalize and adopt a permanent constitution, with disputes over governance, elections and the balance of power repeatedly triggering political standoffs.

GAROWE ONLINE