MOGADISHU/KISMAYO — The Somali Federal Parliament has finalized discussions on proposed amendments to Chapter Four of the Provisional Constitution (Articles 49, 50, and 54). However, the legislative progress on Saturday was overshadowed by reports of armed intimidation within the chamber and a deepening political rift with the Jubaland administration.
While the deliberations are set to shift to Chapters 5–9, the atmosphere in Mogadishu remains tense following a chaotic standoff in the House of the People.
Allegations of Armed Intimidation
Witnesses and parliamentary sources reported that armed police units took control of the main hall on Saturday, implementing extraordinary security measures that effectively paralyzed proceedings.
According to lawmakers, officers warned members that anyone attempting to approach the microphones without explicit authorization would face lethal force. The tension escalated into violence when federal police officers allegedly assaulted a female lawmaker inside the chamber.
Critics pointed to the presence of Banadir Regional Police Commander Moalim Mahdi outside the hall as evidence of a coordinated operation. Opposition figures characterized the heavy-handed presence as a partisan maneuver intended to shield the executive’s political interests from legislative challenge.
President Mohamud Seeks Re-Election
Amid the constitutional contention, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has publicly declared his intention to pursue another term in office.
Addressing the legal framework, the President argued that while the provisional constitution restricts a president from serving two consecutive terms, it does not prevent a return to power after a hiatus.
“The constitution does not bar me from seeking re-election,” he stated. “It merely forbids consecutive presidential terms. I have held the office twice, but not in succession.”
The President noted his upcoming campaign would be conducted under an updated constitutional structure and a multi-party system, which authorities claim represents a necessary move away from Somalia’s traditional clan-based 4.5 voting system.
Jubaland Accuses FGS of Overreach
The events in Mogadishu drew an immediate and sharp rebuke from Kismayo. The Jubaland regional administration issued a statement accusing the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) of exceeding its authority and jeopardizing national unity.
Jubaland officials denounced the events at the Parliament as a “significant dereliction of duty,” asserting that legislators opposing the constitutional changes have been subjected to physical attacks and intimidation.
“The federal government’s actions jeopardize national unity… no single entity possesses the power to make unilateral decisions that impact the federal framework,” the Jubaland statement read.
Deepening Political Instability
The conflict has heightened political instability at a moment when discussions were anticipated between the federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum, an alliance of opposition advocates.
With Puntland and Jubaland resisting the current constitutional review process, opposition members accuse the President of exploiting the revision to strengthen his grip on power—charges the administration firmly rejects.
