Mogadishu, Somalia — Opposition groups in Somalia on Wednesday issued a strong warning against any attempt to extend the mandate of the federal government, following a series of meetings in the capital with clan leaders perceived to be aligned with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed told the media that the opposition would continue its consultations with civil society groups in Mogadishu as part of ongoing efforts to address the country’s political situation.
The consultations centered on the country’s evolving political situation, with particular concern over what opposition figures described as a possible one-year extension of the current administration’s term.
In a joint position emerging from the talks, opposition leaders said they categorically reject any move to prolong the government’s tenure, arguing that Somalia’s provisional constitution clearly defines the limits of presidential authority.
“Any attempt to extend the mandate would be unconstitutional,” the statement read.
Among those voicing concern was lawmaker Ga’ma Diid, a member of the Himilo Qaran party, who warned that President Mohamud would effectively lose legitimacy if he remained in office beyond the constitutional deadline.
“If we reach May 16, he will be the former president, because the agreed constitutional term ends on May 15,” he said.
The developments come amid rising political tensions in Somalia, as key stakeholders continue to debate the electoral process and the transition of power. Opposition leaders have increasingly called for strict adherence to constitutional timelines, warning that any deviation could trigger instability in the Horn of Africa nation.
