Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and four prominent opposition politicians who recently defected from the opposition camp have signed a deal aimed at bolstering state sovereignty, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts, and addressing divisive political questions.
According to a communiqué released Monday, the parties agreed on key constitutional changes: the President will be elected by parliament, while the Prime Minister will be appointed by the Head of State with parliamentary approval. The deal also commits both sides to advancing direct elections for local councils, state legislatures, and both houses of the federal parliament. The process will follow the 2024 electoral law, and any political group securing at least 10% of seats will be recognized as a national party.
Both government and opposition signatories emphasized that the agreement was not only about political power-sharing but also about uniting efforts against terrorism and safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty. However, other leading opposition figures, including former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, have yet to comment. Their response is expected to determine whether the deal ushers in broader consensus or deepens divisions in Somalia’s fragile political landscape.