Monday March 9, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Sunday strongly criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to sign a revised constitution into law, warning that the changes could endanger national unity and deepen political divisions.
In a statement, Farmaajo said the constitutional amendments threaten the country’s system of governance and risk undermining social cohesion at a fragile political moment.
His remarks come hours after President Mohamud formally signed the revised Federal Constitution at a ceremony in Mogadishu, completing a review process that replaces the 2012 provisional charter.
Under the new provisions, the mandates of federal institutions including parliament and the presidency are set at five years. The previous constitution limited terms to four years.
Farmaajo said several federal member states, lawmakers from both houses of parliament and other segments of society have expressed serious concerns about the manner in which the amendments were passed.
He added that numerous former officials and political figures have warned the changes could trigger legal disputes and heighten political tensions.
“The review process has deviated from the agreed path,” he said, urging leaders to return to dialogue and national consultation to avoid further instability.
The constitutional overhaul has been one of the most divisive political issues in recent weeks. While the government describes the amendments as a long-overdue step to clarify the federal system and strengthen institutions, opposition groups argue the process lacked sufficient consensus.
Somalia adopted its provisional constitution in 2012 at the end of its transitional period, with the understanding that a comprehensive review would follow. That process has been repeatedly delayed by political disagreements.
Farmaajo called on the current leadership to prioritize unity and political agreement, particularly as the country confronts security threats, economic strain and humanitarian challenges.
