Friday March 13, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, has welcomed Somalia’s adoption of its revised federal constitution, describing it as a historic milestone in the country’s state-building process.
In a statement issued through his official spokesperson, Gamal Roshdy, Aboul Gheit said the Somali Parliament’s approval of the constitution and its entry into force mark an important step toward completing the institutional framework of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
According to the Arab League, the adoption reflects a comprehensive national effort and the continued determination of the Somali people and their institutions to reinforce political stability, promote good governance and support sustainable development.
Aboul Gheit also reaffirmed the Arab League’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s government and parliament in efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability, consolidating democratic institutions and safeguarding national unity.
The endorsement follows President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s signing of the revised constitution into law on Sunday, completing a contentious 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.
Speaker of the House of the People Sheikh Aadan Mohamed Nur Madoobe, has said federal institutions will now operate under the five-year framework outlined in the revised constitution, effectively extending the current term by one year.
The constitutional changes have drawn criticism from opposition figures, who argue the amendments were adopted without sufficient national consensus and could alter the political timetable. Lawmakers aligned with the Somali Future Council, an opposition coalition that includes leaders from Puntland and Jubbaland, largely boycotted the parliamentary vote.
