Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

SO | EN

Political fragmentation looms as Somalia faces constitutional crisis

|

MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Somalia finds itself once again on the precipice of a political fragmentation as tensions escalate between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration and the regional states, following Villa Somalia’s unilateral decision to change the constitution and abolish the prime minister’s position.

The move has raised concerns about the potential disintegration of federal institutions.

Just two days after the Somali National Consultative Council (NCC) granted itself sweeping powers to alter the constitutional order, the Puntland Political Forum issued a strong statement denouncing the unconstitutional decision.

The Forum expressed its apprehension, warning that such a hasty move could lead to dictatorship and further destruction, while disregarding the constitution and consensus-based decision-making procedures.

Highlighting the significance of abiding by the draft constitution and political agreements, the Forum emphasized the need for a united Somalia and the importance of rebuilding transitional and post-transition institutions.

“The Puntland Political Forum considers the National Consultative Council (NCC) statement dated May 27, 2023 to be dangerous, and believes it may lead to dictatorship and further destruction. This decision is hasty, and violates the constitution and decision-making procedures whereby political agreement is reached by consensus” reads the statement.

They called on the bicameral legislature not to endorse any political agreement that lacks broad consensus. It further urged politicians, academics, traditional elders, and the Somali people to work together toward a peaceful and inclusive Somalia, addressing constitutional flaws at both federal and regional levels, while maintaining good governance and national unity.

Meanwhile, President Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland, a key federal member state, expressed his determination to pursue an independent path if President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud continued to disregard key provisions of the constitution. Deni emphasized that Puntland would remain independent until a unified Somalia adhering to constitutional rule is achieved.

Adding to the already tense situation, politicians and clan elders from Baidoa and Mogadishu threatened to establish their own self-rule due to perceived marginalization by President Hassan Sheikh’s government. They cited concerns over the misappropriation of state resources, rampant corruption, and the unequal distribution of foreign aid to the government.

Opposition leaders, including a former president and three prime ministers, condemned the move as unconstitutional and urged those involved to reconsider actions that could plunge the country further into chaos.

As Somalia faces this constitutional crisis, the nation stands at a critical juncture, with the need for political consensus and inclusive dialogue becoming more crucial than ever.

“The stakes are high, and the decisions made in the coming days or months will shape the future trajectory of Somalia’s governance and stability,” says political analyst Mohamed Nuur.

Transitioning away from the existing clan-based power-sharing system, which mandates equal representation for the four major clans and half for the remaining clans, poses a significant challenge. Complicating matters, Somalia’s constitution has remained provisional since its adoption in 2011, without undergoing a referendum.

According to experts, any substantial constitutional amendments necessitate consensus through an inclusive process. Given the country’s current state of division into rival regional states and the evident deep-seated distrust among clans, it is essential that all clans have a voice in the process.

 

Related Articles

Live Now

Follow us on Social Media

Trending

News