Mogadishu, SOMALIA – The Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accompanied by influential politicians from his Hawiye clan, convened in Mogadishu to discuss pressing political matters, focusing primarily on constitutional amendments.
The assembly included notable figures such as former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre, and House of the People lawmakers MP Abdirahman Abdishakur, and MP Abdikhadir Osoble. The presence of these distinguished leaders from the Hawiye clan signifies the importance of clan representation in Somali politics, particularly in discussions surrounding constitutional change.
Notable Absences and President’s Approach
The absence of several prominent politicians, including former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid, former Speaker of the House of the People Mohamed Mursal, and former Speaker of the House Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan, was noteworthy. President Hassan’s decision to engage only with opposition leaders from his own Hawiye clan who hold differing views on constitutional amendment has raised questions about the inclusivity of these discussions.
During the meeting, participants resolved to form a joint committee comprising ten lawmakers from the President’s side and five MPs from the politicians’ side, and they included representatives from other clans to ensure broader participation. This step towards fostering discussions reflects an attempt to balance clan representation and political inclusivity in the constitutional amendment process.
The ongoing discussions on constitutional amendments are of immense importance for Somalia’s political future. This approach of focusing only on the President’s clansmen, however, deviates from the norms in Somalia of achieving consensus from all clans when amending the constitution. President Hassan Sheikh’s exclusive meeting with leaders from the Hawiye clan challenges the traditional practice of inclusive consultation and may raise concerns about the legitimacy of the process.
Clan System and Power Sharing
Somalia’s clan system and political power-sharing agreements are deeply entrenched in the country’s governance structure. The clan-based political framework plays a critical role in maintaining balance and inclusivity in decision-making processes. Therefore, any constitutional amendment discussions must consider the perspectives and interests of all clans to ensure a fair and representative outcome.
As the constitutional amendment deliberations continue, it is therefore crucial for all parties involved to adhere to principles of transparency, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to the best interests of the Somali people. The process must strive to encompass the diverse viewpoints of Somalia’s clans and political groups to foster a sense of national unity and collective progress.
In conclusion, the recent meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and elite Hawiye clan leaders represents a critical moment in Somalia’s journey towards constitutional reform. The challenges and complexities of clan dynamics and political power-sharing underscore the need for an inclusive, balanced approach to constitutional discussions. As Somalia navigates these intricate clan and political landscapes, the success of these talks will be a vital indicator of the nation’s capacity for political evolution and stability.
