Monday May 19, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday accused opposition politicians of promoting the interests of foreign governments seeking to destabilize the country, as political tensions mount ahead of national elections and in the wake of the controversial launch of a new ruling party.
Barre alleged that some opposition figures were echoing foreign narratives aimed at derailing Somalia's fragile political progress, particularly during periods of transition like the current pre-election climate. His remarks follow widespread backlash over the creation of the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), which Barre serves as a vice-chair and is led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
"These are governments you all recognize," Barre said in a speech to youth in Mogadishu. "At moments like this, they step up operations—bribing some politicians, pressuring others to spread chaos, or blocking progress. It's the season they traditionally target Somalia."
His comments appear to be a direct response to a wave of coordinated criticism from across Somalia's political landscape. In recent days, a bloc of 103 members of parliament, as well as sixteen former leaders, including ex-presidents and prime ministers, have accused President Mohamud of violating the constitution, dismantling federal institutions, and transforming the National Consultative Council into a partisan platform under the banner of the newly formed party.
Barre dismissed claims that the federal government is drifting toward authoritarianism or one-party dominance, arguing instead that the opposition is working to derail democratic reforms.
He also pushed back against frequent opposition claims that the country lacks a unified and capable national army, stating that critics were failing to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Somali troops fighting Al-Shabaab.
"They say there is no army, but have you ever seen them visit wounded soldiers in hospitals?" Barre asked. "If no one is defending this country, who is stopping Al-Shabaab from taking over our cities?"
Critics, including former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, have countered that such claims are a deflection. Farmaajo has accused the president and his allies of abusing public institutions to build a political party, using the national army, state media, and civil servants to support the JSP. He cited violations of key constitutional provisions that prohibit officeholders from aligning with political parties while in public service.
Leaders from Puntland and Jubbaland have also condemned the formation of the JSP, accusing Villa Somalia of bypassing constitutional limits and interfering in their internal governance.
"This is a dangerous deviation from the constitutional order," Jubbaland said in a recent statement. "Rather than uniting the country to address the worsening security crisis, the president appears to be consolidating political power under a centralized system."
Despite the backlash, Barre defended his administration's record, pointing to gains in military operations and institutional reform. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to defeating Al-Shabaab and implementing a one-person, one-vote electoral system.
"This (election) is how we restore the people's authority," he said. "It's a historic opportunity for Somali youth to help shape the future of their country."
Since the collapse of Somalia's central government in 1991, the country has operated under a clan-based power-sharing system. The transition to direct elections would be a major step toward democratic governance, though logistical and security challenges remain. However, Political observers warn that without inclusive dialogue and respect for constitutional norms, the promise of universal suffrage risks being derailed by intensifying political and institutional divisions.