Somalia: Opposition Council Warns of Political Crisis as Election Deadlines Loom

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali Future Council has expressed "deep concern" over significant delays in the country's electoral process, accusing top government leadership of failing to fulfill their constitutional mandates.

In a strongly worded press statement released Wednesday, the council warned that the official term for federal institutions was set to conclude on April 14, 2026, under the provisional constitution. The group noted that the failure to prepare an electoral framework in line with constitutional requirements threatens to plunge the Horn of Africa nation into a fresh political crisis.

The council specifically singled out President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of failing to organize timely elections and attempting to seek a delay without a broad-based political agreement.

"The President’s term officially ends on May 15, 2026," the statement read. "Beyond that date, there will be no legal basis for him to remain in office without a consensus-based election."

The opposition group called on the Somali public to "defend the constitution" and reject any attempts at unilateral term extensions or unauthorized transitional governance.

Addressing the international community, the council urged global partners to closely monitor Somalia’s deteriorating political landscape and to support the implementation of free and fair elections based on an inclusive political settlement.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that Somalia's stability and future remain tethered to the respect of the constitution, transparency in the electoral process, and inclusive political dialogue.

The federal government has not yet issued a formal response to the council’s allegations.

GAROWE ONLINE