Somalia: Ex-President Warns of Leadership Vacuum as Parliament Mandate Expires

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Tuesday declared that the constitutional mandate of the Federal Parliament officially expired on April 14, 2026, warning that the country has entered a period of "rising political uncertainty."

Farmaajo argued that legislative activities "can only resume after new elections are held," challenging a recent one-year term extension announced by the leadership of the House of the People. The former president's statement adds significant weight to the growing opposition against the federal government's current trajectory.

In a direct address to his successor, Farmaajo noted that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has "only one month left in office under his mandate," which is set to expire on May 15. He urged the administration to present an urgent and clear election plan to avoid a total constitutional vacuum.

"Any further delays could worsen Somalia’s humanitarian, economic, and security challenges," Farmaajo cautioned, echoing concerns from regional states and international observers.

The former president’s remarks come at a volatile moment for the Horn of Africa nation. Several lawmakers resigned earlier Tuesday, refusing to recognize the parliamentary extension. While the federal government insists the extension is necessary to implement a "one-person, one-vote" system by 2027, critics view it as an illegal power grab.

The political standoff has intensified the rift between the central government and regional administrations, further complicating the country’s efforts to stabilize amid ongoing security threats.

GAROWE ONLINE