Mogadishu, SOMALIA– On the occasion marking the 64th anniversary of northern Somalia’s independence from British rule, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a dramatic statement, declaring his willingness to relinquish his seat if it meant the reunification of Somalia. This grand gesture, ostensibly aimed at enticing Somaliland to rejoin the union, comes at a time of heightened political tension and constitutional crisis within the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). The president’s offer, while seemingly magnanimous, rings hollow when juxtaposed against his administration’s actions that have deepened divisions within the country and undermined the federal structure.
The Illusion of Sacrifice
President Hassan Sheikh’s declaration that he would give up his seat for the sake of reunification with Somaliland is a classic example of political theater that fails to address the fundamental issues at the heart of Somalia’s fragmentation. This grand gesture, made during a ceremony commemorating the independence of northern regions from British rule, appears designed to project an image of selfless leadership and commitment to national unity. However, a closer examination reveals the hollowness of this offer.
Firstly, the president’s willingness to cede his position to Somaliland is a moot point, given that Somaliland has shown no inclination to abandon its quest for international recognition as an independent state. The breakaway region has maintained de facto independence for over three decades, developing its own governance structures, currency, and even foreign relations. The idea that Somaliland would suddenly reverse course and rejoin Somalia simply because of an offer of the presidency is naive at best and disingenuous at worst.
The president’s ostensible willingness to sacrifice his position for national unity stands in stark contrast to his actions within the areas under the FGS’s control. Far from promoting unity and inclusivity, President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has been marked by efforts to centralize power and marginalize federal member states, particularly Puntland.
The most glaring example of this contradiction is the president’s push for controversial constitutional changes without adequate consultation or consensus-building with stakeholders. These unilateral amendments to the provisional constitution have been widely criticized as an attempt to consolidate power in Mogadishu at the expense of the federal member states. This approach not only violates the spirit of federalism enshrined in the 2012 provisional constitution but also deepens the very divisions the president claims to want to heal.
Furthermore, the sidelining of Puntland, a key federal member state, in crucial national decisions has exacerbated tensions within the federation. Puntland’s recent announcement that it no longer recognizes the legitimacy of the FGS under Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is a damning indictment of the president’s failure to govern inclusively and respect the constitutional order through which he was elected.
The Constitutional Crisis
The constitutional amendments pushed through by President Hassan Sheikh’s administration represent a severe blow to the fragile federal system that Somalia has been struggling to build since 2012. These changes, made without proper consultation or consensus, have created a constitutional crisis that threatens the very foundation of the Somali state.
The 2012 provisional constitution was the result of years of negotiation and compromise, designed to balance the interests of various regions and clans within a federal framework. By unilaterally altering this document, the president has not only violated the trust placed in him by the electorate but has also undermined the legal basis for cooperation between the federal government and member states.
Puntland’s refusal to recognize the legitimacy of the FGS is a direct consequence of this constitutional overreach. As one of the most stable and functioning federal member states, Puntland’s rejection of Mogadishu’s authority represents a significant challenge to the FGS’s claim to govern the entire country. This situation creates a dangerous precedent that could lead to further fragmentation and instability across Somalia.
The Hypocrisy of Unity Rhetoric
President Hassan Sheikh’s claim to prioritize national unity is further undermined by his administration’s approach to governance and security. The reliance on clan militias to combat Al-Shabab, while perhaps expedient in the short term, has had the unintended consequence of reinforcing clan identities and divisions. Recent clashes between clan militias near Dhusamareb, initially armed as part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy, highlight the dangers of this approach and its potential to exacerbate inter-clan conflicts.
Moreover, the president’s handling of key national issues, such as the distribution of resources and political representation, has often favored certain clans or regions at the expense of others. This partisan approach contradicts the principles of inclusive governance and national unity that the president claims to champion.
The hollowness of the president’s unity rhetoric is further exposed by his administration’s failure to effectively combat Al-Shabab, which remains the most significant threat to Somalia’s stability and territorial integrity. Despite claims of progress, Al-Shabab has managed to recapture several key districts and strategic locations, effectively reversing many of the gains made by government forces. The government’s denial of these setbacks, as evidenced by statements from the Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Ismail Fartaag, further erodes its credibility and ability to rally national support against the terrorist group.
