Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – A member of the Federal Parliament of Somalia has acknowledged that opposition politicians have raised concerns over the process used in the constitutional review, stating that the proposed amendments were fast-tracked to Parliament without sufficient consultation.
Abdullahi Abukar Haji Arab, Chairperson of the Technical Committee of the Somali Future Council and a member of the Constitutional Review Committee, told the media that opposition figures are worried about the lack of transparency surrounding how the amendments were prepared and submitted to the parliamentary leadership.
However, Abdullahi Arab noted that these concerns have not yet escalated to a level that would prompt the opposition to boycott the planned National Consultative Conference scheduled for February 1.
“There are concerns, but they have not yet turned into a decision to boycott,” Abdullahi Arab said.
He added that the Somali Future Council has not formally debated the proposed amendments, explaining that the issue remains at the evaluation and consultation stage.
The lawmaker emphasized that completing the Constitution is essential, but stressed that several sensitive issues require broad political consensus before any amendments can be approved. These include the structure of national security, the division of powers between the Federal Government and Federal Member States, the status of Mogadishu as the capital, and the judicial system.
Abdullahi Arab also pointed out that two Federal Member States—Jubbaland and Puntland—have not yet participated in the constitutional consultations, describing this as a political challenge that must be addressed.
Regarding the opposition’s position, he said the debate centers on temporarily suspending the constitutional amendments until the consultative conference takes place.
“There is no rejection of constitutional amendments,” he said. “What is being requested is a pause until the conference is held. If Somalis reach an agreement, all issues can be resolved.”