Constitutional crisis in Somalia

Last updated
Constitutional crisis in Somalia
Part of Somali Civil War and the Somali Civil War (2009–present)
Said Abdullahi Deni on May 22, 2021 (cropped).jpg
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud--StateDept Portrait--.jpg
Date30 March 2024 (2024-03-30) – present (1 year, 4 months and 3 weeks) (UTC+3)
Location
Somalia
StatusOngoing
Parties
  • Political opposition
Lead figures

A constitutional crisis emerged in Somalia on 30 March 2024, when the Federal Parliament of Somalia approved a series of constitutional amendments aimed at establishing a more "stable political system". These changes included a return to universal suffrage, replacing the decades-old clan-based electoral system, and granting the president authority to appoint the prime minister without requiring parliamentary approval. Critics argued that the reforms significantly expanded executive power. In response, the semi-autonomous state of Puntland announced the following day that it was withdrawing its recognition and confidence in the Federal Government of Somalia. It called for a "mutually accepted Somali constitution that is subject to a public referendum" and declared that, until such a constitution is in place, it would operate independently. [1] [2]

On 28 November 2024, the semi-autonomous government of Jubaland suspended relations and cooperation with the federal government after the latter issued an arrest warrant for Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe, accusing him of treason and revealing classified information to foreign entities. [3]

Background

The Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, adopted in 2012, established a federal system of government consisting of two levels: the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the semi-autonomous Federal Member States (FMS). Intended to prevent the reemergence of an authoritarian central government, such as that under former President Siad Barre, and to address historical grievances by devolving powers to member states, the provisional constitution provides limited provisions for implementing federalism, forcing the FGS to negotiate with the FMS. Coupled with the ambiguity of the document and disputes over power and resources, has led to competing interpretations of federal governance. Some state governments favor greater autonomy, even asserting control of powers designated for the FGS, while others support a stronger central government. These disagreements have contributed to recurring tensions between the federal and state governments over the past two decades. [4]

Amendments

On 28 May 2023, following a four-day conference held in Mogadishu, the National Consultative Council (NCC) proposed replacing the decades-old clan-based electoral system with universal suffrage by 2024. The proposal also recommended limiting elections to two main political parties, extending presidential terms from four to five years, and abolishing the position of prime minister in favor of a deputy president. The recommendations faced criticism from several political figures, including former prime ministers and former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who viewed the plan as a premature and power-driven initiative, calling for broader consultations. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, who failed to attend the meeting, opposed the electoral change as he considered it to be impossible due to the current situation. According to The Africa Report, most Somalis expressed support for the shift, welcoming the prospect of gaining the right to vote for the first time in 53 years. [5]

On 19 March 2024, more than 70 members from both chambers of the Federal Parliament of Somalia announced their opposition to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's constitutional reform plans, following a meeting held the previous evening. They argued that the current process resembled drafting an entirely new constitution rather than amending the existing provisional one. [6]

On 29 March 2024, Human Rights Watch urged the parliament to reject any constitutional amendments that could weaken protections for children's rights, including a proposed amendment that would redefine a child as "to a person under the age of 15 years of maturity while the age of responsibility is 18 years, as defined in the law of the Federal Republic of Somalia," warning that it would contravene the Convention on the Rights of the Child. [7]

On 27 November 2023, a group of parliamentarians announced the formation of the National Correction Caucus, aimed at safeguarding Somalia's constitutional framework. Complaints included the proposed shift to a two-party system instead of a multiparty system and the potential increase in executive powers. [8]

On 30 March 2024, the federal parliament approved a series of constitutional amendments aimed at establishing a more "stable political system". These changes were a return to universal suffrage, the extension of federal terms from four to five years, the introduction of a three-party limit, and granting the president the authority to appoint a prime minister without parliamentary approval. Critics argued that the reforms significantly expanded executive power. In response, Puntland announced the following day that it was withdrawing its recognition and confidence in the Federal Government of Somalia. It called for a "mutually accepted Somali constitution that is subject to a public referendum" and declared that, until such a constitution is in place, it would operate independently. [9] [10]

Events

Amid rising tensions with the FGS, Puntland signed a new cooperation agreement with Ethiopia on 3 April 2024. The following day, the FGS expelled the Ethiopian ambassador in Mogadishu and ordered the closure of two Ethiopian consulates, the one in Puntland and the one in Somaliland, accusing Ethiopia of "repeatedly violating Somalia's national, territorial independence". In response, Puntland declared that "Mogadishu has failed to eradicate terrorist groups and spread governance across the country and now it is trying to impose its decisions on a peaceful region that does not run with its orders. It cannot close a consulate in Puntland." [11]

Jubaland election

Puntland Press Release PUNTLAND PRESS RELEASE 05 APRIL 2024.svg
Puntland Press Release

In October, the National Consultative Council (NCC) convened federal and state officials to discuss democratisation and security. During the meeting, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing electoral reforms. The NCC proposed a one-year extension of the terms of all state presidents until the universal suffrage system could be implemented, which was accepted by the leaders of Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and South West states. The proposal and constitutional amendments were rejected by Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, known as Ahmed Madobe, who believed they would undermine regional autonomy. [4]

On 10 November, Jubaland suspended cooperation with the federal government, citing constitutional violations. [12] Defying the federal government, Jubaland amended its own constitution to override the two-term limit set by the FGS, extended presidential terms from four to five years, and proceeded with the presidential election on 25 November 2024, in which Madobe won a third term. [4] On 27 November, the Banadir Regional Court in Mogadishu issued an arrest warrant for Madobe, accusing him of treason, violating the constitutional framework, leaking classified information to foreign actors, and undermining national unity. [4] [13]

The following day, the government of Jubaland suspended relations with the federal government. [14] Furthermore, a court in Kismayo, the regional capital of Jubaland, announced a $100,000 reward for the arrest of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of treason, undermining national unity, and conspiring with Al-Shabaab militia. [15] [16]

Clashes

Approximate map of the current phase of the Somali Civil War (Updated June 2025) Somalia: .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} Under control of the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, and the United States Under Control of Puntland Under Control of Jubaland Jihadist insurgent groups: Under presence/control of al-Qaeda-backed al-Shabaab and allies Under control of Islamic State-backed Somalia Wilayah Somaliland: Under control of the self-declared state of Somaliland (For a more detailed map of the current military situation, see here.) Somali Civil War (Google Live Map).svg
Approximate map of the current phase of the Somali Civil War (Updated June 2025)
Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia:
  Under Control of Puntland
  Under Control of Jubaland
AQMI Flag asymmetric.svg Jihadist insurgent groups:
  Under presence/control of al-Qaeda-backed al-Shabaab and allies
  Under control of Islamic State-backed Somalia Wilayah
Flag of Somaliland.svg Somaliland:
  Under control of the self-declared state of Somaliland
(For a more detailed map of the current military situation, see here.)

On 11 December 2024, Somali forces launched a failed attack on Jubaland regional forces in the Marnani area near Ras Kamboni. [17] After federal government deployed Somali troops from Mogadishu, Banadir region to Lower Juba region in an attempt to throw out President Ahmed Madobe. [18] [19] At the end of the battle, Jubaland captured hundreds of Somali soldiers and took back Ras Kamboni, Lower Juba. [20] [21]

Reactions

On 20 November 2024, International community expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the FGS and the Jubaland administration, [22] urging both sides to engage in inclusive dialogue to resolve ongoing electoral disputes and calling on Jubaland to restore relations with the central government to prevent further escalation. [23]

The breakaway state of Somaliland distanced itself from the controversy as it does not consider itself a part of Somalia. [24]

List

Governing

PortraitNameTerm of OfficePolitical Party
Ruling Party of Somalia
Khasan Sheikh Makhmud (15-06-2022) (cropped).jpg Hassan Sheikh Mohamud 2023Incumbent UPD
Salah Jama 2023Incumbent UPD
Hamza Abdi Barre (15-06-2022) (cropped).jpg Hamza Abdi Barre 20232025 UPD
Adan Mohamed Nuur.jpg Aden Madobe 2023Incumbent UPD
Yusuf h j (cropped).jpg Yusuf Hussein Jimaale 2023–2024— UPD
2019 05 27 HirShabelle Police Training-4 (cropped).jpg Ali Abdullahi Hussein 2023Incumbent UPD
Qoor Qoor.jpg Ahmed Abdi Karie 2023Incumbent UPD

Opposition

PortraitNameTerm of OfficePolitical Party
Chairman of Somali
Said Abdullahi Deni (22-05-2021) (cropped).jpg Said Abdullahi Deni 2023Incumbent Kaah Political Association
Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe December 2020 (cropped).jpg Ahmed Mohamed Islam 2023Incumbent Raskamboni Movement
Sheikh Sharif giving a press conference in Mogadishu (cropped).jpg Sharif Sheikh Ahmed 2023Incumbent Himilo Qaran
Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo (cropped).jpg Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo 2023Incumbent Tayo party  [ d ]
Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame AAW (cropped).jpg Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame 2023Incumbent Wadajir Party
Hassan Ali (cropped).png Hassan Ali Khaire 2023Incumbent Tayo party  [ d ]
Abdiweli Mohamed Ali - 2012-02-27 at 12-35-51.jpg Abdiweli Gaas 2023Incumbent UDAD
Omarasharmarke3 (cropped).jpg Omar Sharmarke 2023Incumbent Independent
Mohamed Hussein Roble (cropped).png Mohamed Hussein Roble 2023Incumbent Independent

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Somalia: Puntland pulls recognition of federal government – DW – 03/31/2024". dw.com. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  2. ↑ "Somalia's Puntland refuses to recognise federal government after disputed constitutional changes". Reuters. 2024-03-31. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  3. ↑ "Somalia's Jubbaland government suspends ties with federal administration". Reuters. 2024-11-28. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Dr. Tesema, Dereje; Dr. Mohammed, Zerihun. "Federal feud: Escalating tensions between Somalia's federal government and Jubaland". Good Governance Africa. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  5. ↑ "Somalia announces universal suffrage to replace clan-based system". The Africa Report.com. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  6. ↑ "Over 70 Somali lawmakers oppose President's Constitution amendment plans". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  7. ↑ "Somalia: Constitutional Proposals Put Children at Risk | Human Rights Watch". 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  8. ↑ Sheikh Nor, Mohamed (13 December 2023). "Somalia: Hassan's push for universal suffrage stokes tensions". The Africa Report. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  9. ↑ "Somalia: Puntland pulls recognition of federal government – DW – 03/31/2024". dw.com. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  10. ↑ "Somalia's Puntland refuses to recognise federal government after disputed constitutional changes". Reuters. 2024-03-31. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  11. ↑ "Somalia expels Ethiopian ambassador, orders closure of two consulates". Voice of America. 2024-04-04. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  12. ↑ "Jubbaland suspends cooperation with federal government, citing constitutional violations". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
  13. ↑ "Somali Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Jubaland Leader". Agence France Presse (AFP). 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  14. ↑ "Somalia's Jubbaland government suspends ties with federal administration". Reuters. 2024-11-28. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  15. ↑ "Tit-for-tat arrest warrants escalate Somalia-Jubaland political crisis". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  16. ↑ 𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆 (2024-11-27). "Jubaland Regional Court Issues Arrest Warrant for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Charges of Treason". Idil News. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  17. ↑ Abdi Sheikh, Abdiqani Hassan (2024-12-11). "Fighting breaks out between Somalia's Jubbaland region and federal government, officials say". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
  18. ↑ "Somalia: Fighting Erupts in Jubaland State After U.S. Warning". Garowe Online. 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
  19. ↑ 𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆 (2024-12-11). "Heavy Fighting Erupted in Ras Kamboni Between Jubaland Dervish Forces and Somali-Based Mogadishu Troops". Idil News. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
  20. ↑ "Maxay Jubaland ka tiri eedeynta dowladda federaalka ee ah inuu xiriir kala dhaxeeyo al-Shabaab?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2024-12-12. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  21. ↑ "Dagaal dhex-maray ciidamada dowladda iyo kuwa Jubaland". Voice of America (in Somali). 2024-12-11. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  22. ↑ Nor, Omar (2024-11-20). "International Partners Call for Dialogue Amid Somalia-Jubaland Tensions". Shabelle Media Network. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  23. ↑ "Somalia: International Partners Call for Dialogue Amid Somalia-Jubaland Tensions". Shabelle Media Network. 2024-11-21. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  24. ↑ "Somaliland joins Puntland in protests over constitutional changes". Garowe Online. 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
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