Somalia: President Signs New Constitution Amid Growing Political Tensions

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially signed the country’s new constitution into law on Sunday, marking a controversial but significant milestone in the nation’s long-standing efforts to formalize its legal framework.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, attended by the speakers of both houses of the Federal Parliament. The move follows the parliament's approval of the constitutional amendments on March 4.

During the event, President Mohamud praised the legislature for completing the rigorous review process, describing the document as a "social contract" that serves as the foundation for transparent governance and political stability.

“The Federal Parliament of Somalia has completed the review of the constitution, and from today onward, we stand for its implementation so that the Somali people can realize the rights and duties enshrined within it,” Mohamud said. “I hope it leads Somalia toward peace, stability, and honest, upright leadership.”

While the presidency frames the signature as the final step in establishing a functional governing document, the move has ignited a fierce political firestorm. Several regional states and prominent opposition figures have vehemently rejected the changes.

Critics argue that the amendments were pushed through without sufficient consensus and allege the new framework is a strategic maneuver by President Mohamud to consolidate power and extend his term in office.

Despite the domestic pushback, the federal government maintains that the new constitution is essential for transitioning Somalia away from decades of provisional legal status toward a permanent federal system.

GAROWE ONLINE