MOGADISHU, (HAN) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday prayer pushed back against criticism from opposition politicians and federal member states, insisting he will press ahead with electoral and constitutional reforms despite growing political tensions.
Speaking after Friday prayers at a mosque inside the presidential palace in Mogadishu, the president dismissed claims by Puntland, Jubbaland and the opposition forum that he had made political “concessions” to shore up his authority. Instead, Hassan Sheikh accused his rivals of “serving foreign interests” by holding meetings abroad rather than engaging directly in national dialogue.
“They are not working for Somalia’s interests,” the president said in remarks carried by state media. “While we are taking steps towards elections and reform, they are gathering in foreign capitals, pursuing agendas that do not help our people.”
The comments followed a visit by opposition leaders to the Warta Nabadda base in Mogadishu last week, which led to clashes between their supporters and security forces. President Hassan condemned the move, describing it as irresponsible and destabilising at a time when Somalia is seeking to consolidate peace after decades of conflict.
The president reiterated his pledge to hold one-person, one-vote elections and to press on with amendments to the provisional constitution – a process he has portrayed as essential for building a stable, democratic state.
“The reforms will continue. One-person, one-vote elections and constitutional changes are not matters for negotiation,” he said.
Somalia has not held a direct national vote since 1969. Instead, complex clan-based power-sharing arrangements have determined political representation for decades. Hassan Sheikh, who returned to power in 2022 after previously serving from 2012 to 2017, has repeatedly vowed to break that cycle.
But his plans have faced resistance. Leaders from Puntland and Jubbaland accuse the federal government of sidelining states and concentrating power in Mogadishu. The opposition forum, a coalition of rival politicians, has also warned that the president’s reform agenda risks deepening divisions if not built on consensus.
Their recent meetings in neighbouring countries have drawn sharp criticism from the government, which sees the moves as attempts to secure external backing in Somalia’s fraught political arena.
Analysts say the confrontation highlights the fragile balance between the federal government and semi-autonomous states, as well as the broader struggle over Somalia’s political future.
“Somalia’s leaders all say they want elections and stability, but the question is whether they can agree on how to get there,” said a regional political observer who asked not to be named.
The dispute comes as Somalia faces multiple challenges, including an ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab militants, severe humanitarian needs after years of drought and flooding, and a fragile economy heavily dependent on aid.
For Hassan Sheikh, pushing through electoral and constitutional reforms is seen as central to his legacy. But without buy-in from key states and opposition leaders, political tensions could further undermine fragile progress.
