Mogadishu, Somalia — A prominent local elder has issued a stark warning to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, urging him to respect the constitutional mandate and avoid any attempt to extend his time in office beyond the legally defined term.
Speaking to local media, elder Hussein Hadole declared that President Mohamud has “six months left” in his tenure, stressing that the Somali public will not tolerate any attempt to prolong his stay, just as they opposed former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo when he faced accusations of seeking an extension.
“The people rejected Farmaajo when he tried it, and they will reject Hassan Sheikh if he follows the same path. Leadership is not ownership. When your time ends, you must step aside and let the nation decide,” Hadole cautioned.
His remarks come at a sensitive time, as Somalia approaches another electoral cycle while still grappling with security challenges, constitutional reforms and political disputes between the federal government and member states.
While the administration has not officially signaled any desire for a term extension, growing speculation among the public has fueled unease — especially given the precedent set during Farmaajo’s turbulent final year in office.
Hadole emphasized that political stability hinges on adherence to democratic norms.
“If leaders start deciding their own timeframes, then there is no difference between a president and a dictator,” he said.
The president’s allies have previously argued that ongoing security operations and state-building initiatives require continuity, but critics say such reasoning should not override constitutional order. Analysts warn that even the perception of an attempted extension could reignite protests or factional conflict at a time when unity is crucial.
For many Somalis, Hadole’s statement reflects a growing public sentiment: after decades of power struggles and delayed transitions, patience for political maneuvering is wearing thin.
As the clock ticks toward the end of President Mohamud’s term, the coming months are likely to test Somalia’s commitment to its democratic path — and whether its leaders heed the counsel of elders like Hadole, who insist that peaceful transitions are the cornerstone of national dignity.