Speaking to the media in Mogadishu, Gama’diid said that members of parliament with differing opinions are facing an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

“Some MPs have been threatened with death. Police officers said to the MPs ‘we were ordered to kill you’,” he stated, highlighting the strong pressure on parliamentarians to take certain positions or remain silent on critical national issues.

The accusation comes after disruptions and confrontations marked the recent sessions of the House of the People, where disagreements arose over how to approach the new constitutional chapters.

Gama’diid did not name specific individuals behind the threats, but his comments paint a picture of insecurity within the country’s legislative center.

The incident raises serious questions about parliamentary immunity and the protection of freedom of expression within Somalia’s parliament, at a time when a sensitive power struggle is unfolding in Mogadishu.

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The 16th session of the sixth parliamentary sitting was held at the Parliament headquarters in Mogadishu on Saturday and was chaired by Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe).

The IDPs Bill, first introduced in May 2023, had faced repeated delays due to political instability and ongoing security challenges that have disrupted legislative proceedings under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.

After more than a year of inaction, MP Mukhtar Mohamed and several colleagues reintroduced the motion last week, urging swift parliamentary action.

“I urge the MPs once again to consider fast-tracking this agenda, which is of great importance,” MP Mukhtar told the House, highlighting the looming mid-term parliamentary recess.

During Saturday’s session, MP Abdulqadir Barako, a member of the Human Rights Committee, presented the third reading of the IDPs Bill, which incorporated feedback and debates from earlier sessions. The bill was passed with overwhelming support: 136 MPs voted in favor, 4 opposed, and none abstained.

Parliament also approved the Bill on Civil Registration and Civil Status Statistics, with 136 MPs voting in favor, one against, and five abstaining.

A complex mix of conflict, insecurity, natural disasters, and weak governance structures has resulted in an influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia.

As of May 2024, Somalia hosts approximately 3.86 million IDPs, according to UNHCR.

The majority of these IDPs reside in over 2,000 informal settlements across the country, often lacking adequate shelter, sanitation, and access to essential services.

Speaker Sheikh Adan Madobe confirmed the passage of both bills, calling it a significant step toward addressing humanitarian needs and strengthening civil administration.

“Members of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia today approved Bills on IDPs and Civil Registration and Status,” he said.

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The session was tense, with opposition and pro-government lawmakers exchanging heated words outside the parliamentary hall.

However, Speaker Aden Madobe did not address the reasons behind the extended postponement.

In his opening remarks, Speaker Madobe outlined three main priorities for the parliament: Continuation of the constitutional review process, Completion of pending bills from the previous parliamentary session, and Government accountability.

Notably, there was no mention of the electoral process being pushed by President Mohamud’s administration, a topic that has sparked intense debate.

During the session, Madobe praised the British parliamentary system, sharing his experience of witnessing UK lawmakers scrutinize the Prime Minister.

“I hope one day we will see such a system in our parliament,” he remarked, as cameras turned to President Mohamud, who appeared to be paying close attention.

President Pushes Ahead With Controversial Election Plan

In his speech, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud shifted focus to his administration’s push for a one-person, one-vote election, despite widespread opposition.

“The election is a reality, and it will happen,” he declared, though he provided no timeline for implementation. However, he acknowledged that completing the constitutional review was a prerequisite for holding elections.

“The country must have a finalized and complete constitution,” he told lawmakers, indirectly linking the stalled legal framework to the electoral process.

Security Concerns and Financial Constraints

Security remains a major challenge, with Al-Shabaab militants recently seizing key towns in the Middle Shabelle region.

While President Mohamud admitted to the worsening security situation, he avoided mentioning the specific towns captured by the insurgents.

On the financial front, Mohamud revealed that despite initial government funding, the electoral commission still lacks the necessary resources to function effectively.

The commission, formed last year, has not been fully endorsed by regional states, and opposition groups refuse to recognize it.

The opposition party Himilo Qaran, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, dismissed Mohamud’s electoral proposal, insisting that any future election must follow the previous model, which was endorsed by all stakeholders.

MP Abdirashid Hidig echoed this sentiment, stating, “On May 15, 2026, we expect to have an election process accepted by all. That means returning to the selection model used in previous elections at the airport hall.”

As political divisions deepen, Somalia’s path to the next elections remains uncertain, with growing resistance to President Mohamud’s push for a unilateral electoral process.

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Reports indicate that a significant number of lawmakers, currently gathered in Nairobi, have begun drafting the motion, which they plan to introduce during the sixth parliamentary session set to commence in February.

The motion also cites allegations of government corruption, embezzlement of international aid, and the escalation of deadly conflicts, including the resurgence of Al-Shabaab.

Support for the motion is reportedly growing, with both opposition MPs and some members previously aligned with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration joining the effort.

Prime Minister Hamza is accused of neglecting his duties, which critics say has led to an ineffective government.

He is also alleged to have instigated tensions in Jubbaland, resulting in damage to the region’s stability and undermining the National Army’s reputation.

The motion is reportedly spearheaded by MPs from Jubbaland, who claim that the Prime Minister has been complicit in weakening the Jubbaland administration, which he ostensibly represents in the federal government.

In response, the Somali Presidency has launched counter-efforts to block the motion.

Villa Somalia is said to have contacted the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Adan Madobe, urging him not to allow any motion without their endorsement to be tabled in Parliament.

This is not the first time opposition groups have attempted to push for impeachment against both President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza.

Critics have accused Speaker Adan Madobe of obstructing such motions in the past.

As Prime Minister Hamza enters his third year in office, his survival of this motion could potentially make him the longest-serving Prime Minister in Somalia’s history.

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The motion which was dubbed as “the proposed changes to the constitution of the Federal Government of Somalia” have sparked widespread discussions within the Somali community over the past few hours.

Abdullahi Omar Abshirow, the second deputy speaker of the People’s House [Lower House] who presided over the session, stated that the motion was a new one which seeks to legitimize the proposed amendment of the constitution.

Abshirow stated, “This motion is untimely. It should have been introduced in the previous session, but it was not raised at that time. I hope that the MPs will be satisfied with this decision. We will not make a ruling on the motion today; it will be thoroughly discussed.”

The motion, supported by government-aligned members of parliament, calls for the elimination of the position of prime minister and its replacement with a vice president. Additionally, it proposes extending the terms of federal member state leaders by one year  in preparation for direct elections. These actions were part of the resolutions passed by the National Consultative Council (NCC) last week, which were boycotted by Puntland.

MP Hassan Abdi Ismail criticized the plan to amend the constitution, deeming it illegal. He warned that if it leads to an extension of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term, it would provoke resistance against his regime.

“This motion to amend the constitution is illegal and unconstitutional. It is clear that it paves the way for an unlawful term extension. I have been against any extension and I continue to reject any attempts to deviate from the proper processes. It must adhere to the correct procedures,” expressed MP Hassan Abdi Ismail.

MP Abduqadir Osoble Ali asserted that the motion is a preliminary step aimed at weakening the parliament and enticing them that the parliament itself is seeking the term extension.

In response, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur cautioned that the country would face significant peril if President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the regional administrations were granted a five-year extension.

Puntland, a crucial member in Somalia’s fragile federal system, has already rejected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s attempt to amend the constitution and extend his term of four years to five years.

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