MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Somalia Future Council has firmly rejected the amendments made to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, stating that the process used violated constitutional provisions, parliamentary bylaws, and the required two-thirds (2/3) majority of both houses of Parliament.
The Council emphasized that the Constitution represents a social contract that forms the foundation of statehood and national unity, and therefore cannot be altered based on the political will of an individual or a small group.
According to a press statement released in Mogadishu shortly after Parliament approved the new Constitution, any constitutional amendment must follow a clear legal process, be based on broad political consensus, include public consultation, and fully adhere to established constitutional procedures.
The federal member states of Puntland and Jubaland have also opposed the amendments, while more than 50 members of Parliament were reportedly prevented from participating in parliamentary debates. Opposition politicians, including former leaders and influential political figures, have likewise openly rejected the process.
The Council stressed that a constitution changed through pressure, bribery, or procedures that deviate from the law cannot serve as a national constitution capable of uniting the Somali people, nor can it possess the political legitimacy necessary to build a functioning state.
The statement further asserted that both political and constitutional responsibility rests directly with the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who the Council accused of leading the process of changing the Constitution through coercion and bribery.
The Somalia Future Council noted that the country urgently needs national unity, political cohesion, and leadership that can bring the people together. It warned that the current unlawful process threatens:
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National unity and social cohesion
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Coordination of efforts to combat terrorism
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The possibility of reaching an inclusive electoral agreement
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Progress made in peacebuilding and state-building
Finally, the Council called on federal member states and political stakeholders to defend the country’s constitutional order and rule of law. It also urged traditional leaders, religious scholars, women, youth, civil society organizations, and the Somali diaspora to speak out against the violation of the Constitution, warning that silence at this time could be interpreted as tacit approval.
The Council further urged the international community to publicly affirm that any constitutional amendment must be lawful, inclusive, transparent, and based on a genuine national consensus.
The Somalia Future Council reiterated that it recognizes the 2012 Provisional Constitution as the legitimate foundation of Somalia’s unity, federal system, power-sharing arrangements, parliamentary governance, and the four-year electoral cycle—until any amendments are made through a lawful, inclusive process grounded in a true national agreement.
