Former Turkish Ambassador Says Somalia is in a Dangerous Political Situation

Former Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Dr. C. Kâni Torun warned about the deadlock among Somali politicians, advising the establishment of a transitional government and an agreed-upon electoral committee.

Dr. C. Kâni Torun stated in a post on X that Somalia has entered a dangerous and uncertain political situation after the constitutional term of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ended on May 15.

The ambassador, who is now a member of the Turkish Parliament, said that the outgoing President of Somalia argues that the constitutional amendment has extended the term of federal institutions by five years, while many opposition groups and other stakeholders do not accept this interpretation.

The country unfortunately has entered an unpredictable situation, and urgent dialogue, restraint, and compromise are needed to avoid instability or confrontation, Dr. Torun said.

The former ambassador stated that in support of a peaceful solution led by Somalis, he proposes the following points to find a resolution;

- The Federal Government and opposition stakeholders must agree on the appointment of an independent Prime Minister who will not participate in the upcoming presidential election.

- The Prime Minister must form an inclusive government tasked with managing the preparations for the country's elections through broad political consultation and consensus.

- An independent electoral committee must be established in agreement with all major stakeholders to prepare for the registration of voters and elections across the country.

- Somalia must move towards direct elections based on one person, one vote, with the necessary political, legal, and security preparations agreed upon collectively.

- An agreed-upon election schedule must be established and implemented transparently.

- After the parliamentary elections, the new Federal Parliament must elect the President following the constitutional process.

- The newly elected institutions must continue the work of completing and finalizing the constitution through broad national consultation and consensus.