Mogadishu, SOMALIA – In a deeply concerning development, President Hassan Sheikh has succeeded in forcing through his controversial constitutional amendments, effectively creating a new constitution that grants him extensive powers and undermines Somalia’s democratic foundations. The vote today faced irregularities and a lack of transparency, with the government claiming the support of 221 MPs and 40 senators for the changes, despite not conducting a proper roll call to confirm the numbers.
The End of the Consensus-Based Constitution
The passage of these amendments marks a dark day for Somalia, as the constitution that played a crucial role in ending the country’s devastating civil war has been effectively quashed by President Hassan Sheikh’s actions. The 2012 constitution, which was the result of extensive negotiations and compromise among various stakeholders, laid the foundation for a more stable and democratic Somalia by establishing a federal system of government and enshrining key principles such as the separation of powers and the rule of law.
However, the new constitution pushed through by the President dismantles these hard-fought gains, concentrating power in the hands of the executive and eroding the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy. This blatant power grab not only undermines the progress made since the end of the civil war but also sets a dangerous precedent for the future of Somali politics.
Warnings Ignored
The forced passage of the constitutional amendments comes despite repeated warnings from former presidents, opposition leaders, and civil society about the dangers of pursuing such a divisive and unconstitutional path. Former Presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed jointly condemned the planned changes, arguing that President Hassan Sheikh’s personal ambitions, rather than the interests of the Somali nation, drove them.
Similarly, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur had cautioned that the President’s actions would transition Somalia from a hybrid parliamentary democracy to a system of one-man rule, lacking inclusivity and transparency. He warned that this move would exacerbate the country’s existing challenges and widen the gap of mistrust among the nation.
Tragically, these warnings have gone unheeded, and Somalia now finds itself in a precarious position, with the consensus-based constitution that had provided a framework for stability and progress effectively nullified.
Allegations of Corruption and Media Manipulation
The lead-up to the vote was marked by disturbing allegations of corruption and media manipulation. Reports surfaced that President Hassan Sheikh had resorted to paying bribes to MPs, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, to secure their support for the amendments. This brazen attempt to subvert the will of elected representatives and undermine the integrity of the legislative process raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the new constitution.
Moreover, the President and his allies allegedly embarked on a concerted campaign of media manipulation and propaganda to sway public opinion in favor of the amendments. Reportedly, financial incentives were offered to journalists and social media influencers to promote the controversial changes and attack those who opposed them. This insidious attempt to control the narrative and stifle dissent further undermines the credibility of the constitutional overhaul.
Puntland’s Condemnation
The forced passage of the amendments has drawn strong condemnation from Somalia’s federal member states, with Puntland being particularly vocal in its opposition. Farah Juxa, the Minister of Interior of Puntland, took to Facebook to express his outrage, stating, “President Hassan Sheikh today broke the agreement that kept Somalia together after the civil war in 1991. He canceled the constitution he was elected and sworn upon. He lost the legitimacy and credibility of his office.”
This powerful statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the deep sense of betrayal felt by many Somalis who had put their trust in the consensus-based constitution as a foundation for a more stable and democratic future. By unilaterally imposing a new constitution that concentrates power in his own hands, President Hassan Sheikh has not only undermined the trust of the Somali people but also jeopardized the delicate balance that has held the country together since the end of the civil war.
A Nation Divided
The passage of the new constitution has left Somalia more divided than ever. The lack of genuine consultation and consensus-building in the process has alienated significant constituencies within the country, including federal member states, opposition parties, and civil society organizations. This deepening of divisions comes at a time when unity and cooperation are more critical than ever, as Somalia grapples with pressing challenges such as the ongoing threat of Al-Shabab, widespread unemployment, corruption, and a severe economic crisis.
By prioritizing his own political ambitions over the urgent needs of the nation, President Hassan Sheikh has recklessly plunged Somalia into a period of uncertainty and instability. The centralization of power in the President’s hands, along with the erosion of democratic safeguards, creates a dangerous vacuum that extremist groups like Al-Shabab could exploit, thriving in environments of political chaos and weak governance.
In light of these deeply concerning developments, it is imperative that the international community takes swift and decisive action to pressure President Hassan Sheikh to reverse course and engage in a genuine, inclusive, and transparent process of constitutional review. Somalia’s partners must clearly state that they will meet any attempt to subvert the democratic order and concentrate power in the executive’s hands with serious consequences, including the potential withholding of aid and support.
At the same time, Somali stakeholders, including opposition parties, civil society organizations, and the broader public, must come together to resist this blatant power grab and demand a return to the consensus-based constitution that has served as the foundation for the country’s progress since the end of the civil war. Only by standing united in defense of democratic principles and the rule of law can Somalis hope to overcome the challenges they face and build a more stable, prosperous, and inclusive future.
Conclusion
The forced passage of President Hassan Sheikh’s controversial constitutional amendments represents a dark day for Somalia and a grave threat to the country’s hard-fought gains since the end of the civil war. By concentrating power in the hands of the executive and eroding democratic safeguards, the President has recklessly plunged the nation into a period of uncertainty and instability, at a time when unity and cooperation are more critical than ever.
As Farah Juxa’s statement makes clear, President Hassan Sheikh has broken the trust of the Somali people and lost the legitimacy and credibility of his office. It is now up to the international community and Somali stakeholders to come together in defense of democratic principles and the rule of law, and to demand a return to the consensus-based constitution that has served as the foundation for Somalia’s progress. Only by standing firm in the face of this blatant power grab can Somalis hope to overcome the challenges they face and build a brighter, more stable future for their nation.
