Somalia Cannot Be Led by an Expired Mandate

By Abdelkarim A. Haji Hassan

Somalia has entered a period of deep political uncertainty since the end of the transitional period, marked by an increasingly bitter standoff between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the opposition. The deadlock continues because the two issues at the heart of the crisis remain unresolved: 1) the framework for the national elections and 2) the unilateral constitutional changes being pushed forward without broad national consensus.

President Hassan Sheikh’s constitutional term ended on 15 May 2026 , yet he continues to exercise presidential powers as though he has received a new mandate from the Somali people. These actions have deepened political divisions and eroded trust between the Federal Government, opposition leaders, and Federal Member States. Repeated attempts to reach a political settlement have produced no meaningful progress.

President Hassan repeatedly proclaims his commitment to dialogue, consensus, and inclusive politics. Yet his actions consistently contradict those assurances. While publicly calling for negotiations, he has continued to unilaterally advance his political agenda without broad national agreement, reducing dialogue to a political exercise while pressing ahead with predetermined decisions.