Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – A major political conference scheduled for the relaunch of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s party under a new name, the Union of Justice and Unity, was expected to take place yesterday in Mogadishu. However, the event faced a setback as several regional government leaders, who were expected to attend and join the new party, reportedly declined to participate.
While there has been no official statement explaining their absence, media sources suggest that leaders from some federal member states have refused to align with the party, formerly known as the Union for Peace and Development (UPD). The rebranding effort was aimed at incorporating not only federal officials but also state-level leaders in a unified political platform.
Legal experts have raised questions about the participation of current government officials—both at the federal and regional levels—in the new party without previously holding membership, as this could present legal and ethical challenges.
Prominent figures, including Speaker of Parliament Adan Mohamed Noor (Madobe), Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, ministers, MPs, and directors of various federal ministries, have all reportedly been included in the new party structure.
The move has drawn strong criticism from opposition politicians such as Abdirahman Abdishakur and several Puntland officials. They argue that merging Hassan Sheikh’s party with the National Consultative Forum undermines the neutrality and inclusivity that the Forum was supposed to uphold.
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo also issued a statement, warning regional states against participating in what he called a “plot to depose Hassan Sheikh,” accusing the federal leadership of attempting to consolidate power unfairly.
Stalled Electoral Progress Ahead of 2026 Elections
As the 2026 elections approach, President Hassan Sheikh faces mounting political challenges. Progress on the electoral roadmap remains stalled, largely due to a lack of cooperation from regional governments—even from those generally seen as allies, such as Galmudug, South West, and Hirshabeelle.
A key point of contention is the dispute over the national electoral commission. Regional leaders have refused to recognize the body without formal registration through their administrations. As a result, while voter registration has been completed in parts of Mogadishu, no significant progress has been made elsewhere in the country.
