Tuesday January 21, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has criticized the ruling leadership for pursuing constitutional amendments and elections that exclude Puntland, Jubaland, and key political stakeholders, calling the actions a threat to national unity and stability.
In a statement released Monday, Farmaajo expressed concerns about the country’s political trajectory, warning that unilateral decisions could lead to setbacks, weaken national unity, and create political turmoil undermining Somalia’s security.
“We have repeatedly cautioned that any incomplete amendment to the Constitution risks dismantling the legal framework underpinning government institutions. This framework is built on a mutually agreed constitution,” said Farmaajo.
The former president criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for proceeding with elections without inclusive participation. Farmaajo labeled the move as unilateral and warned it could lead to political instability.
“Elections and constitutional changes that exclude Puntland, Jubaland, and other political leaders disregard the unity and solidarity of the nation. Such actions reflect leadership that prioritizes personal interests over the collective good,” Farmaajo said.
He urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to abandon what he described as centralized decision-making, warning it could incite division and political chaos. Farmaajo called on regional states, former heads of state, and members of both parliamentary houses to collaborate on a national dialogue to address Somalia’s political challenges and avoid further instability.
Farmaajo’s statement follows the National Electoral Commission and Boundaries’ announcement of the opening of political organization registrations for the upcoming one-person, one-vote elections.
The commission’s chairman, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, emphasized that previously registered political organizations must meet updated requirements and comply with the new electoral laws, while new entities must follow official registration procedures.
