Himilo Qaran Party Warns Against Term Extensions, Accuses Hassan Sheikh of Political Exploitation

MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The Himilo Qaran Party has issued a strong warning against any term extensions for regional state leaders and accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of using the National Consultative Conference for personal political gain.

In an emergency meeting held on Thursday in Mogadishu, members of the Himilo Qaran Party discussed the country’s overall political situation, focusing on the ongoing National Consultative Council meeting in the capital, attended by select federal officials and regional state leaders.

“The party warns against extending the terms of the leaders of the federal member states, as it would serve the President’s political interests,” said the party in a statement circulated to media outlets.

The meeting, which included members of both houses of Somalia’s federal parliament, saw Himilo Qaran voice concerns that the consultative conference might issue political decisions that could deepen the country’s crisis and spark fresh conflicts. The party urged both the federal government and regional states to respect Article 120 of the constitution, which mandates that federal member states hold their own elections.

“The party will not accept any extension of the terms of elected institutions at any level,” stressed Himilo Qaran, which is led by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

Furthermore, the party called on President Hassan Sheikh to stop his unconstitutional interference in the affairs of regional states and urged the leaders at the National Palace to prioritize the unity and solidarity of the Somali people.

Himilo Qaran also highlighted the need for President Hassan Sheikh to address the ongoing political conflicts and civil wars across the country, calling for a unified approach to national defense.

The statement comes amid rising tensions surrounding the National Consultative Conference in Mogadishu, where only the federal government and leaders from four regional states are participating.

Puntland, a key regional state, has boycotted the meeting due to differences with the federal government. Meanwhile, Southwest State, despite the attendance of President Abdiasis Laftagareen, continues to engage in a standoff with Hassan Sheikh’s administration.