Garowe, PUNTLAND – In a stance against President Hassan Sheikh’s openly partisan efforts to change Somalia’s constitution, the Puntland government has released a statement vehemently rejecting the unconstitutional manner in which Mogadishu is attempting to alter the nation’s foundational document. The regional government has unequivocally declared that it will not recognize, accept, or implement the new constitution resulting from this deeply flawed process, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and one of its key Federal Member States (FMS).
Puntland’s position lies the argument that the current constitution is the product of extensive consultations and collaboration between the FGS, the FMSs, political stakeholders, and civil society. The constitution, which was approved by 825 representatives of the Somali people, represents a hard-fought consensus and a blueprint for the nation’s future. Any changes made to this foundational document without adhering to the due process outlined within it, Puntland argues, are fundamentally null and void.
Puntland’s stance is rooted in the belief that a legitimate constitutional reform process must be inclusive, transparent, and respectful of the procedures enshrined in the existing constitution. By attempting to unilaterally alter the constitution without proper consultation and consensus, the FGS is not only undermining the rule of law but also disregarding the voices and concerns of key stakeholders, including the FMSs and the Somali people they represent.
Failed Attempts at Engagement: A Troubling Pattern of Unilateralism
Puntland’s statement also sheds light on the regional government’s exhaustive efforts to engage with the FGS on this critical matter. However, these attempts at dialogue and collaboration were consistently rebuffed by President Hassan Sheikh, who reportedly refused to discuss Puntland’s concerns. This unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue raises troubling questions about the FGS’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency in the constitutional reform process.
The FGS’s apparent determination to pursue its agenda unilaterally, regardless of the objections raised by other stakeholders, undermines the very foundation of a federal system and threatens to erode the trust and cooperation that are essential for Somalia’s stability and progress. By shutting out dissenting voices and failing to address the legitimate concerns of the FMSs, the FGS risks alienating key partners and further fracturing the already delicate unity of the nation.
Dire Implications for Somalia’s Unity and Security: A Shortsighted Power Grab
The new constitution that Mogadishu intends to ram through parliament as a thinly veiled attempt by President Hassan Sheikh to create a political storm, under whose cover he aims to extend his term beyond the mandated limits. However, this shortsighted and self-serving approach risks further dividing the country and unraveling the fragile unity that Somalia has worked so hard to achieve in recent years.
The implications of this unconstitutional power grab are dire and far-reaching. By prioritizing personal ambition over the stability and cohesion of the nation, President Hassan Sheikh risks plunging Somalia into a prolonged period of political turmoil and security challenges. The resulting chaos and division would provide fertile ground for Al-Shabab and other extremist groups to exploit, as they have consistently done in the past when political infighting and a loss of focus have weakened the government’s ability to counter their influence.
Moreover, the FGS’s disregard for the concerns and objections of the FMSs threatens to undermine the very foundation of Somalia’s federal system. By attempting to impose a new constitution without proper consultation and consensus, Mogadishu risks alienating key regions and eroding the trust and cooperation that are essential for effective governance and security.
The Way Forward: Dialogue, Consensus, and Respect for the Constitution
To safeguard Somalia’s unity, stability, and progress, it is imperative that the FGS abandons its unconstitutional and unilateral attempts to change the constitution. Instead, the government must engage in genuine, inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, including Puntland and other FMSs, to address their concerns and work towards a constitutional reform process that adheres to the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law.
This process must begin with a sincere commitment from President Hassan Sheikh and the FGS to listen to and address the legitimate grievances of the FMSs. The government must demonstrate its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and to seek consensus on any proposed changes to the constitution. This requires a spirit of compromise, a recognition of the diverse interests and perspectives within Somalia, and a commitment to the long-term stability and unity of the nation.
Furthermore, any constitutional reform process must strictly adhere to the procedures outlined in the current constitution. This includes ensuring that any proposed amendments are thoroughly debated, carefully considered, and ultimately approved by the required constitutional bodies and representatives of the Somali people. By following the due process enshrined in the constitution, the government can ensure that any changes to the foundational document are legitimate, widely accepted, and reflective of the will of the people.
Failure to embrace this path of dialogue, consensus, and respect for the constitution will only deepen the political divisions within Somalia and provide fertile ground for Al-Shabab and other destabilizing forces to exploit. The resulting instability and insecurity would jeopardize the hard-fought gains that Somalia has made in recent years and undermine the prospects for lasting peace and prosperity.
A Crossroads for Somalia
Somalia stands at a critical juncture in its history. The choices made by President Hassan Sheikh and the FGS in the coming weeks and months will have profound and far-reaching consequences for the nation’s future. By pursuing an unconstitutional and unilateral bid to alter the constitution, the government risks further dividing the country, eroding trust in its institutions, and providing an opening for extremist groups to exploit.
To avoid this dangerous path and to secure a brighter future for all Somalis, the government must change course and embrace a path of dialogue, consensus, and respect for the rule of law. This requires a sincere commitment to engaging with all stakeholders, including the FMSs, and working towards a constitutional reform process that is transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse interests and aspirations of the Somali people.
Only by coming together in a spirit of cooperation and compromise can Somalia hope to overcome the challenges it faces and build a stronger, more united, and more prosperous nation. The alternative – a path of division, mistrust, and instability – is simply too costly to contemplate.
