MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Opposition lawmakers, calling themselves the Free Members of Parliament, have issued a press statement strongly warning against what they described as unilateral and unconstitutional amendments to the Constitution that bypass the formal procedures mandated by law.
The lawmakers cautioned that proposed plans to amend constitutional provisions—while confining parliamentary processes to the capital, Mogadishu—pose a serious threat to constitutional legitimacy, national unity, and the future of Somalia’s statehood.
They emphasized that defending the Constitution is neither an act of political opposition nor a pursuit of personal interests, but rather a national duty incumbent upon all public officials and state institutions.
The statement noted that Somalia’s Federal Constitution remains provisional and contains fundamental issues that require broad national consensus. These include the division and separation of powers, the management of natural resources, the structure and independence of the judiciary, and the relationship between the Federal Government and the Federal Member States.
The lawmakers argued that any constitutional amendment undertaken without inclusive national consultation, political agreement, and adherence to constitutional procedures would undermine the state-building process and could lead to political instability and social fragmentation.
They further warned that rushing constitutional amendments could severely affect public trust, national security, and overall stability, potentially opening the door to new political crises. They called on federal leaders, regional administrations, opposition groups, and civil society to assume collective responsibility and to prioritize national dialogue and inclusive consensus.
The statement also highlighted the role of constitutional institutions, stressing that the Constitutional Review Commission and the Federal Parliament hold the legal mandate over the amendment process, and that unilateral actions must be avoided.
The lawmakers addressed the international community, stating that continued support for Somalia should be anchored in three fundamental principles: national dialogue, inclusive political consensus, and respect for the Constitution. They underscored that defending the Constitution is, in essence, a defense of citizens’ rights, national unity, and the future of Somali children—an obligation that cannot be compromised.