Speaking at a gathering of government officials and supporters in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh said the extension was based on decisions approved by parliament under the newly amended constitution.

“The term of the Federal Government, including that of the president, will end on May 15, 2027. That is not my personal decision. It is a decision made by parliament,” he said.

Mohamud also launched a verbal attack against opposition leaders, accusing them of pursuing personal interests and failing to recognize the country’s political realities.

The dispute centers around controversial constitutional amendments introduced by Hassan Sheikh’s administration, which extended the federal term from four years to five years.

The amendments were rejected by several federal member states, including Puntland and Jubaland, as well as opposition groups, who argue the process lacked broad political consensus.

Officially, Somalia’s federal institutions had operated under a four-year mandate. Parliament’s term expired in April, while the presidential term ended on May 15. Opposition leaders insist the federal government no longer holds a legitimate mandate beyond that date.

Somalia is now facing what many observers describe as a deepening constitutional and political crisis, with no agreement yet reached on the country’s electoral model or political transition.

The statement by Hassan Sheikh came just one day after talks mediated by the United States and the United Kingdom failed to break the deadlock between the federal government and opposition groups.

Sources familiar with the discussions told Kaab TV that negotiations stalled after both sides failed to agree on the format and timing of elections.

In December, the federal government announced plans to implement a direct one-person, one-vote election system and appointed a new electoral commission.

Opposition groups and regional administrations accused the government of acting unilaterally by establishing an electoral body dominated by loyalists without national consensus.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Mogadishu-based Future Council of Somalia warned that it would no longer recognize Hassan Sheikh as the legitimate president after May 15.

“Effectively beyond May 15, the Future Council of Somalia will not recognize Hassan Sheikh as the president of Somalia,” the council said, adding that it plans to initiate a separate political process aimed at “rescuing the country from a political vacuum.”

Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who is part of the opposition coalition, also warned that if no political agreement is reached, the opposition could launch a parallel electoral process.

This position was echoed by Said Abdullahi Deni, who participated in the failed Mogadishu talks earlier this week.

The latest developments come amid heightened political tensions in Somalia, including recent protests linked to disputes over elections, government legitimacy, and forced evictions in parts of Mogadishu.

Analysts warn that the government’s decision to extend its term without broad political consensus could intensify instability and deepen divisions between the federal government, opposition groups, and regional administrations.

Meanwhile, the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, said Somalia has entered “a new political phase” and called for urgent dialogue to agree on elections and establish a clear timeline for a peaceful political transition.

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