As His Time in Office Nears End, Somalia’s President Pushes for Political Reform

MOGADISHU, Somalia - With just six months remaining in his term, Somalia’s President is pressing for sweeping political reforms, urging the country to move away from a system centred on individuals and toward one built on strong institutions.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insists that the country must reform its politics, arguing that the time has come to invest in strong institutions rather than individuals for the sake of the survival of the country.

Speaking recently at an event in Djibouti, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said there is a need to reform the current governance model, which is anchored in personalities rather than the interests of the people who matter in governance.

“We want to reform Somalia’s politics,” he said. “We need to establish a political system built on institutions and organisations, not on individuals.”

Hassan Sheikh said reliance on individual leadership has made Somali politics unpredictable and fragile, while institutional systems provide continuity and accountability.

“The person I am this morning could be different by the afternoon,” he noted, arguing that sustainable statehood requires “a system that endures beyond individuals.”

Constitutional changes in the country, he added, were much needed, and that direct elections would pave the way for good governance. Several states and opposition leaders have opposed constitutional amendments.

According to them, Somalia lacks the capacity to sustain direct elections, adding that the model would trigger unconstitutional term extensions. Hassan Sheikh wants the country to embrace the system, a move he is not ready to drop.

GAROWE ONLINE