Mogadishu (Kaab TV) — Somalia’s opposition Himilo Qaran party on Tuesday voiced strong concern over the country’s political and constitutional situation following the expiration of the federal parliament’s term.
In a statement, the party said the official end of the House of the People’s mandate on April 14, 2026—stipulated in Article 60 of the Provisional Constitution—marks a critical moment for governance and the rule of law.
“Protecting the term limits of government institutions is a fundamental pillar of constitutional governance and the rule of law,” the statement said, noting that the Federal Parliament’s four-year mandate begins on the day lawmakers are sworn in.
Himilo Qaran warned that any unconstitutional extension of mandates or unilateral political actions could undermine Somalia’s governance framework and destabilize the country. The party specifically cautioned against any unilateral move by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, saying such actions could threaten the constitutional order.
The party urged the president to uphold the constitution and honor political agreements based on inclusive consensus, stressing the importance of timely and widely accepted elections. It also called on all political stakeholders to avoid term extensions and disputed or incomplete electoral processes.
Himilo Qaran appealed to political parties and leaders across Somalia to unite in safeguarding the constitutional system and to reach an inclusive political agreement to prevent conflict and instability.
The statement comes amid rising political tensions following constitutional amendments passed by the federal parliament before its term expired. The amendments extend the mandates of federal institutions, including the presidency, from four to five years—a move the federal government says is necessary to enable a transition to one-person, one-vote elections.
The changes have been rejected by the Puntland and Jubbaland state administrations, as well as several opposition groups, including Himilo Qaran. The party maintains that only the existing Provisional Constitution, which sets four-year terms, holds legal and political legitimacy without a nationwide consensus process.