MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud defended his constitutional reform process, urging opposition leaders to resume dialogue and political cooperation.
In a BBC interview, President Mohamud said his government is committed to finalizing Somalia’s constitution and implementing one-person, one-vote elections through lawful and inclusive reforms.
“We want democracy to take root,” he said. “Somalis must freely choose leaders and express political views without fear or interference.”
He said an independent committee was formed and approved by Parliament to oversee constitutional changes, following procedures outlined in the provisional constitution.
Somalia’s opposition leaders and regional states, including Puntland and Jubbaland, rejected the amendments, saying the federal government is acting unilaterally without national consensus.
“This is a power grab,” Puntland’s authorities stated. “No constitutional change is valid without broad participation and a national referendum.”
In January, Puntland suspended cooperation with the federal government, claiming Mogadishu no longer respects federal principles or legitimate political dialogue with states.
Jubbaland joined Puntland in denouncing the reforms, warning they threaten national unity and the fragile balance between regional and federal powers.
Over 70 federal lawmakers also boycotted sessions, accusing the government of excluding critical voices and bypassing meaningful political consultations on constitutional issues.
“No one should impose reforms without consensus,” said MP Abdisalaan Dhabancad. “This approach deepens division and weakens future legal frameworks.”
President Mohamud denied wrongdoing, asserting the government followed constitutional procedures and remains open to adjusting contested clauses through inclusive negotiation.
“The constitution is not the Qur’an,” he said. “Some proposals were accepted; others remain under review through continued dialogue.”
He confirmed three opposition proposals were accepted and emphasized that the door remains open for further discussions with all political stakeholders.
Some opposition figures, including the National Salvation Forum, insist the 2012 Constitution should remain unchanged until broader agreement is reached nationally.
Mohamud responded that he and others had promised constitutional reform during campaigns and must now fulfill that pledge to move Somalia forward.
On election timing, President Mohamud said only the National Electoral Commission can set or adjust dates, not politicians or executive institutions.
“The government has no power to schedule elections,” Mohamud said. “Only the electoral body can request extensions if needed.”
He stressed he does not seek a term extension and will follow legal procedures established under the existing constitutional framework.
On tensions with regional states, Mohamud acknowledged political differences but said Somalia remains one nation and must resolve disputes through peaceful negotiation.
“We are one country,” he said. “Differences exist, but unity and dialogue are essential to Somalia’s democratic and federal progress.”