Somali Opposition Rejects Claims It Sought Return to Transitional Government

MOGADISHU — Somali opposition lawmaker Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame said on Sunday that a recent letter sent by his political alliance to international partners was not intended to return the country to a transitional administration, but rather to propose a political mechanism to address the electoral impasse following the expiry of the federal government's mandate.

Warsame, a member of the Somali Future Council opposition bloc, said the proposal called for the establishment of an interim body to oversee elections and manage the transition if a caretaker government could not be formed.

"Our message was that Somalia's crisis is political, and its solution must also be political. It cannot be resolved through security measures and financial support alone," Warsame said.

He argued that Somalia's provisional constitution requires a government whose term has expired to continue only in a caretaker capacity, accusing the current administration of refusing to assume that role.

According to Warsame, the proposed interim council would perform functions normally expected of a caretaker government, including overseeing the electoral process, facilitating political agreements and ensuring the neutrality of security institutions during the elections.

The opposition lawmaker also warned that allowing a government to remain in office beyond its mandate without a caretaker arrangement undermines the legitimacy of state institutions, adding that international partners place significant importance on working with governments they regard as constitutionally legitimate.

Warsame urged the country's leaders to demonstrate political responsibility and avoid what he described as "political gambling," saying Somalia needed dialogue and a realistic political settlement to overcome the deadlock over elections.

The federal government has not publicly responded to Warsame's latest remarks. The comments come amid continuing disputes between the government and opposition groups over the electoral process and constitutional implementation, with international partners repeatedly urging Somali stakeholders to reach an inclusive political agreement.

GAROWE ONLINE