Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The scheduled session of the People’s Assembly (Lower House) of the Federal Parliament of Somalia was abruptly postponed today due to a lack of quorum, highlighting growing political tensions and continued dysfunction within the legislature.
According to a parliamentary source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) required to officially open the session was not met, as many lawmakers were either absent from Mogadishu or deliberately chose not to attend.
The source added that this boycott reflects increasing dissatisfaction among MPs—particularly those in the opposition—toward the Speaker of the House, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, commonly known as Adan Madobe.
Opposition lawmakers have accused Speaker Adan Madobe of obstructing democratic processes within the chamber by repeatedly rejecting motions submitted for debate or vote.
These include motions concerning national security, oversight of the executive branch, and transparency in government spending.
Critics argue that this pattern of behavior undermines parliamentary independence and erodes the public’s trust in Somalia’s fragile democratic institutions.
Despite receiving financial support and salaries from international donors—primarily Western taxpayers—Somalia’s Federal Parliament has been criticized for its inefficiency and lack of substantive legislative output.
Some political analysts and civil society observers have gone as far as to label this current assembly as “the weakest parliament Somalia has ever had,” pointing to its repeated delays, cancellations, and minimal legislative accomplishments since its inauguration in 2022.
The parliament only resumed its sessions last month after a month-long recess, which itself drew criticism for poor planning and disregard for the urgency of national issues.
Even after returning from the break, at least two scheduled sessions have been canceled due to insufficient attendance, further delaying key legislative agendas.
This persistent dysfunction comes at a time when Somalia faces pressing challenges, including the fight against Al-Shabaab insurgents, constitutional reform efforts, severe drought conditions in several regions, and strained relations between the federal government and some federal member states.
As of now, the Office of the Speaker has not issued an official statement regarding today’s cancellation or addressed the growing concerns raised by opposition MPs and members of the public.
The continued silence has only fueled speculation about internal rifts and questions over Speaker Adan Madobe’s leadership style.
Observers warn that without genuine parliamentary reform and improved political cooperation, the legislature risks becoming increasingly irrelevant in shaping Somalia’s national future—a future that hinges on credible governance, security, and democratic accountability.