By HAN News Desk
KISMAYO — A Somali political conference held in the southern town of Kismayo has sharply criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, accusing it of governance failures, constitutional violations, and worsening security, while warning against any extension of mandates for federal institutions.
The three-day Somali National Self-Determination Conference, which ended Friday, brought together members of the Somali Future Council, lawmakers from both houses of parliament, former senior officials, and civil society representatives. Participants discussed Somalia’s political, security, economic, and humanitarian situation.
In its final communiqué, the conference said briefings presented to delegates painted a “deeply concerning” picture of the country’s direction. It accused the president of unilaterally amending the provisional constitution, weakening institutions meant to check executive power, and allowing some federal member states to remain in office beyond their legal mandates.
The conference also accused the federal government of neglecting national security, claiming that military operations against al-Shabaab have stalled and that corruption, favoritism, and abuse of power have undermined discipline and morale within the armed forces. It linked these issues to broader security setbacks and declining public confidence.
Delegates further blamed the government for economic deterioration and a worsening humanitarian situation, citing alleged corruption, forced evictions of vulnerable communities, illegal sale of public land, and declining domestic and foreign investment.
The conference reaffirmed that Somalia’s state-building process is anchored in the 2012 provisional constitution and declared any unilateral constitutional changes by the presidency “null and void.” It said the current mandate of the federal parliament expires on April 14, 2026, while the president’s term ends on May 15, 2026, and warned that any term extensions could trigger political instability and security risks.
While strongly critical, the conference said it remains open to dialogue with President Hassan Sheikh to agree on a transparent, inclusive, and timely election process, calling for consultations with all political stakeholders by Jan. 20, 2026. It said elections should be more credible than those held in 2022 and overseen by an electoral commission agreed upon by all parties.
The communiqué also criticized the ongoing electoral process in the Banadir region, saying it lacks consensus and risks marginalizing residents due to the unresolved status of Mogadishu. It urged federal member states with expired mandates to organize elections in line with their constitutions and electoral laws.
The conference condemned forced evictions carried out by security forces, warned against restrictions on independent media and civil society groups, and called for an end to what it described as the politicization of civil aviation and immigration services.
At the same time, it praised Somali security forces fighting al-Shabaab and ISIS and appealed for urgent assistance to communities affected by drought. It thanked the international community for continued support and urged sustained engagement to help ensure inclusive and timely elections.
The conference concluded by thanking the Jubaland authorities and residents of Kismayo for hosting the gathering.
