MOGADISHU, Somalia — The East African bloc IGAD has welcomed a historic political agreement aimed at ending Somalia’s long-standing political deadlock.
Signed Monday in Mogadishu, the deal involves Somalia’s federal government and a major opposition faction from the Salvation Forum coalition.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) praised Somali leaders for showing political will and taking steps toward unity, stability and reconciliation.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s executive secretary, commended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership and commitment to peaceful and inclusive governance in Somalia.
The agreement lays the foundation for Somalia’s first direct “one person, one vote” election in over 50 years, IGAD said.
Somalia has not held a direct election since 1969, the year Siad Barre seized power in a military coup.
Following Barre’s regime collapse in 1991, Somalia plunged into civil war and adopted a clan-based, indirect electoral system criticized for corruption.
“This system is outdated and unrecognized globally,” said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. “Somalia must align its governance with international democratic standards.”
The agreement returns Somalia to a parliamentary system, with lawmakers electing the president and introducing a more inclusive party-based framework.
A new law under the agreement recognizes political parties gaining at least 10% of parliamentary seats as national entities.
The Salvation Forum originally opposed the president Mohamud’s electoral reform plan, citing lack of consensus and concerns over constitutional amendments.
However, four members split from the opposition forum and chose to negotiate directly with President Mohamud.
Former PM Omar Sharmarke confirmed constitutional progress and stressed the need to avoid political fragmentation. He was part of the splinter group.
Remaining Forum members have not publicly supported the deal, raising uncertainty about full opposition participation in the new roadmap.
IGAD urged all Somali stakeholders to compromise and reaffirmed its continued support for Somalia’s peace and reconciliation process.