“It is deeply regrettable that those who once pledged to finish the constitution are today asserting that it is impossible to complete. I have taken it upon myself to finalize the process and honor the commitment that was made” – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (04.03.2026).
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud celebrated yesterday the “victory” and the creation of a constitution. That is being done after trouble in both houses, as Members of Parliament has been suspended and thrown out as well. The whole end of the process to amend and change the constitution has been brutal. That’s why there been even actions in hotels and at the airport of Mogadishu, as the hecticness of getting the Constitution enacted. Therefore, the President has forced this in and for a purpose.
They call this the Fourth Republic, but will it be more of the same. It is risky to do this so close to the end of his term. That his pushing these sorts of legislation and such a vast change, which is for a reason. It is a gamble his willing to do.
“Today, in the 24th joint session of Somalia’s Federal Parliament, 222 lawmakers (186 MPs and 36 Senators) approved Chap 5–13 of the Constitution, completing the remaining chapters. This marks a major milestone toward finalizing Somalia’s constitutional framework” (Constitutional Review and Implementation Oversight Committee, 04.03.2026).
There people calling this a “one-man’s constitution” and when that is stated. This sets the tone and the sentiments surrounding it. HSM is risking tension and not only the fallout of the Jubaland and Puntland Federal States reactions to it. No, there could be more hectic work ahead of the final end of this term. We have seen that before and how a President extend their term in the final days of it. This legislation is made for sure to ensure longevity of the Presidency. If not, he wouldn’t have done this, and we all can understand that sentiment.
You know things are coming back to bite, when the predecessor, former President Farmaajo said this about the matter yesterday: “Mr. President, you are a lion now but your term expires, you’ll be a cat. Trust me, I’ve been there” (Farmaajo, 04.03.2026). Farmaajo knows well, because he played games and had to give way after postponing the issue for a long time. He tried anything and played all sorts of games to stay in office. So, Farmaajo knows what his speaking about, because he experienced it just a few years ago.
They changed and voted in a constitution ahead of the end of the term. On the day when there is only 70 days left for HSM. That’s why it is compelling and why he did it now. Just so he can enact and ensure his rules are the ones that are used ahead of the polls or elections. That’s how it looks like…
How this effect everything and the days ahead. Well, there will be ramifications about this. As the President and his allies are double-crossing others but trying to get goodwill by enacting it. Therefore, things aren’t getting better, but probably more hectic ahead.
We have seen that in the ends of terms and the lack of certainty ahead of the polls. Which has been negotiated and been done by the various stakeholders. Meanwhile, people have awaited their next move and what to do. Nevertheless, this Constitution will either stifle that or ensure more trouble ahead. Hard to know this now, but surely there should have been a broader base for it before pushing ahead. This is why people are questioning the legitimacy and what possible outcome this will have. Peace.
MinBane 