Mogadishu, Somalia – Opposition leaders in Somalia have drawn sharp battle lines against what they describe as “illegitimate term extensions” and “disputed elections,” warning the government not to push the country into another cycle of political turmoil.
Speaking at a media briefing in Mogadishu on Saturday, presidential candidate Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame cautioned President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that any attempt to extend his mandate beyond its constitutional limit or manipulate the upcoming electoral process would not be tolerated.
“These two issues are non-negotiable red lines,” Abdishakur declared, adding that Somalia’s fragile stability hinges on respecting the principles of timely, transparent, and credible elections.
He warned that the country could be thrust into “a looming dark era” if leaders allowed personal ambitions and power struggles to override the national interest.
“The future of Somalia depends on political balance and consensus. Crossing these lines would risk unraveling the progress we have fought for,” he said.
The warning comes at a delicate time, as the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) recently extended the registration window for political associations until early September, a move that has heightened political maneuvering among opposition groups and the ruling establishment.
Somalia has a history of contentious elections, with the 2021–2022 cycle marred by months of deadlock, street protests, and armed standoffs over delayed polls. The opposition’s statement signals growing mistrust toward the current administration’s handling of preparations for the next electoral cycle.
Analysts say the firm stance by Abdishakur and other opposition figures is a pre-emptive move to rally political forces and international partners against any backtracking on constitutional timelines. It also underscores the high stakes in a country where weak institutions and competing political interests frequently trigger instability.
The Presidency has not yet issued a response to Abdishakur’s remarks. However, government officials have in recent weeks emphasized their commitment to reforms aimed at moving Somalia toward universal suffrage, while critics argue that progress has been slow and marred by political calculations.
For now, the opposition’s message is clear: any attempt to alter the political timetable or engineer disputed polls could trigger a confrontation with far-reaching consequences for Somalia’s fragile governance transition.
