The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has formally signed a new version of the country’s constitution, a move the government says will strengthen governance and democratic institutions but which critics warn could deepen political divisions.
The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu after the document was approved by both chambers of the federal parliament. The constitution is widely regarded as a foundational legal framework for Somalia, defining the structure of government, the balance of power between federal and regional authorities, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Speaking to reporters during the ceremony, President Mohamud described the signing as the culmination of a long and complex constitutional review process. Somalia has operated under a provisional constitution since 2012 while lawmakers and political leaders debated revisions aimed at stabilizing the country’s political system.
“Today, the long journey of reviewing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which has been provisional for a long time and was recently approved by the Federal Parliament, has come to an end. God willing, from today onwards, its implementation will begin,” the president said.
Government officials say the revised constitution will strengthen state institutions, protect citizens’ rights, and support the development of Somalia’s democratic system.
Allegations of term extension
However, critics argue that the constitutional changes could also allow the president to extend his time in office beyond his current mandate. President Mohamud’s term is scheduled to end on 15 May 2026, but opposition figures claim that elements of the revised constitutional framework could delay the electoral process and effectively prolong the current administration.
Opposition leaders and some political analysts accuse the president of using the constitutional reform process to reshape the country’s political system in ways that may allow him to remain in power longer. Supporters of the government deny these accusations, saying the reforms are aimed at creating a more stable and functional political framework rather than extending any individual’s tenure.
Regional governments reject the changes
The constitutional amendments have also been rejected by two federal member states — Puntland and Jubbaland — whose leaders say they do not recognize the new provisions.
Officials in both regions argue that the constitutional changes were passed without sufficient consultation with federal member states and therefore lack national consensus. They have warned that altering key provisions of the constitution without broad agreement could undermine Somalia’s federal system and deepen political divisions.
Their opposition highlights long-standing tensions between the federal government in Mogadishu and some regional administrations over issues such as the distribution of power, electoral arrangements, and the balance of authority within Somalia’s federal structure.
A long road to constitutional reform
Somalia has been rebuilding its national institutions since the collapse of the central government in 1991. The adoption of a provisional constitution in 2012 marked an important step toward establishing a federal system of governance, though many of its provisions were left open for further negotiation and revision.
The latest amendments are part of broader political reforms promoted by the current administration. However, analysts say the success of the new constitutional framework will depend on whether Somali leaders can build consensus among federal authorities, regional governments, and opposition groups.
With Puntland and Jubbaland rejecting the changes and opposition figures questioning the timing of the reforms ahead of the 2026 elections, debate over Somalia’s constitutional future — and the president’s political plans — is likely to continue in the months ahead.
