Mogadishu, Somalia — Members of both houses of Somalia’s federal parliament on Wednesday approved amendments to parts of the country’s interim constitution in a move that has intensified political tensions and drawn strong criticism from opposition groups and regional administrations.
The amendments were passed during a joint parliamentary session chaired by Sheikh Aden Madoobe. According to the speaker, 223 lawmakers supported the changes, including 186 members of the House of the People and 37 senators from the Upper House.
The vote, conducted by a show of hands, took place quickly and amid controversy over attendance. Lawmakers reported that the constitutional amendments were not formally read to the assembly before the vote was taken, raising concerns among critics about the transparency of the process.
Questions were also raised about the number of members present during the session. The majority of lawmakers from the regional states of Puntland and Jubbaland, as well as members of the opposition, reportedly boycotted the meeting in protest of the government’s constitutional reform plans.
In a statement released shortly after the vote, the Somali Future Council—an alliance that includes opposition leaders and officials from Puntland and Jubbaland—condemned the approval of the amendments, calling the process illegal. The group argued that many lawmakers representing federal member states were absent and alleged that some votes were cast online, a practice not previously used in Somalia’s parliamentary proceedings.
The council further stated that it does not recognize the newly approved changes and instead continues to support the interim constitution adopted in 2012.
The dispute has raised concerns about potential political instability and the impact on Somalia’s fragile federal system. Authorities in Puntland and Jubbaland have warned they could take what they described as “tough decisions” in response to the move.
The push to finalize constitutional changes has been strongly backed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His current term is set to end on May 15, while the mandate of the federal parliament expires next April.
Political observers say the timing of the amendments has intensified debate, particularly as Somalia has yet to finalize an agreed framework for upcoming national elections. Critics fear the constitutional changes could open the door to extending the president’s term, a claim the government has not officially confirmed.
The ongoing dispute highlights deep divisions within Somalia’s political leadership as the country continues efforts to complete its constitutional review process and prepare for future elections.
