Somalia: Ex-President Warns Against Term Extension, Calls for Urgent Electoral Consensus

MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Sunday strongly rejected any attempt to extend the current federal government’s constitutional mandate, saying there is still "ample time" to conduct a credible and inclusive election before May 15, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu, the former president — who now leads the opposition Salvation Forum — emphasized the urgent need for a national consensus on the electoral framework to avoid political and constitutional crises.

He accused the federal government of deliberately obstructing regional states from organising their own elections, calling it a major obstacle to Somalia’s democratization process.

“These actions are not only unconstitutional, but they also derail the political progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve,” Sheikh Sharif said.

His remarks come amid increasing political tensions and uncertainty surrounding Somalia’s transition process and the timeline for upcoming national elections.

The Salvation Forum has previously warned against any moves to manipulate or delay the elections, calling instead for a transparent and peaceful process that upholds the country's democratic principles.

— Garowe Online