Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Faces Political Turmoil One Year Before Election

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is facing deepening political isolation, just one year ahead of national elections, as tensions between the federal government and regional states threaten the country’s fragile political stability.

The president is pushing forward with plans to implement a one-person, one-vote electoral system — a move that key federal member states Puntland and Jubbaland have rejected, accusing him of bypassing consensus-based decision-making frameworks.

Both regions were absent from recent meetings of the National Consultative Council (NCC), where electoral reforms and constitutional changes were discussed. They claim the president is seeking to centralize power at the expense of Somalia’s federal structure.

The controversy has been further inflamed by constitutional amendments that expand presidential powers, including the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister. Opposition parties and civil society groups have strongly opposed the changes, warning they undermine democracy and threaten national unity.

President Mohamud, whose term is nearing its end, also faces persistent security challenges from the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab militant group, whose attacks continue to destabilize parts of the country.

In a bid to ease tensions, the president has called for a political dialogue on June 15 at the presidential compound in Mogadishu. The meeting is intended to foster consensus on key national issues, including elections and constitutional reforms.

However, opposition parties have already boycotted the summit, claiming it lacks legitimacy and accusing the presidency of using the talks to rubber-stamp unilateral decisions. Observers say the meeting is likely to fail before it begins, and any future initiative led by the presidency may face even stronger resistance without significant concessions.

The deepening rift raises doubts about Somalia’s readiness for a credible electoral process in 2026. It poses serious questions about the future of federalism and political reconciliation in the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE