Somali president hails constitutional overhaul as 'historic day'

2026-03-05 - 07:52

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivered a nationally televised address Wednesday evening celebrating the parliamentary vote to overhaul the country's constitution, describing the moment as a landmark achievement in the nation's turbulent political history. The approval by both houses of parliament formally brings an end to the Provisional Constitution that has governed Somalia for decades, transitioning the country to a permanent National Constitution. President hails end of transitional era In his address, Mohamud framed the constitutional revision as the fulfillment of a long-awaited national aspiration. "Today is a historic day, marked by the completion of Somalia's National Constitution and the formal conclusion of the long-standing Provisional Constitution," the president stated. "It's a day that will be remembered for achieving a national milestone that has long been awaited. This a promise made and kept." Mohamud further asserted that completing the National Constitution removes a fundamental obstacle to the country's political, security and economic stability, paving the way for more effective governance. Opposition, regional states condemn process The parliamentary vote has provoked strong opposition from key political actors, including prominent opposition figures and two regional administrations that have maintained tense relations with the central government for the past four years. The southern state of Jubaland and the semiautonomous region of Puntland both voiced opposition to the constitutional changes, citing concerns about the process and its implications for Somalia's federal structure. Leading opposition figure Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame delivered a sharp critique, warning that altering the constitution without broad consensus "is not reform, it is a gamble with national unity and stability." Concerns over national unity emerge The constitutional overhaul arrives at a delicate moment for Somalia, which continues to grapple with security challenges from Al-Shabaab insurgents, political fragmentation, and the complex dynamics of its federal system. Critics argue that pushing through fundamental constitutional changes without securing buy-in from regional administrations and opposition parties risks exacerbating existing tensions and undermining the very stability the president claims the reforms will enhance. The coming weeks will test whether Mohamud's "historic day" indeed marks progress toward national cohesion or becomes another flashpoint in Somalia's protracted struggle for political consensus.