MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) –In a tit-for-tat standoff in Somali politics, the Himilo Qaran Party, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has issued a stern warning regarding President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent actions.
They accuse him of illegally extending his term and pressuring certain Federal Member States to comply.
The party, a major political force in Mogadishu, cautioned that such violations of the constitution could lead to significant consequences.
In a statement, Himilo Qaran declared it would neither recognize nor accept what it deems an unlawful extension, describing the move as a pathway to political instability and division, potentially weakening Somalia’s governance and national security.
“The Himilo Qaran Party expresses to the Somali people that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud must bear full responsibility for any negative outcomes from this unconstitutional extension forced upon both the country and Federal Member States,” the statement read.
“The Party further reminds the President that the power he previously held but failed to use effectively will not be accepted now or at any point moving forward.”
The statement followed an announcement from President Mohamud’s office that a federal electoral committee would be formed under the federal government, without reaching consensus with all regional states.
The decision was made in a meeting held in Mogadishu with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy PM Salah Jama, and representatives from three regional states, excluding Puntland and Jubbaland, which boycotted the gathering.
The Himilo Qaran Party expressed solidarity with the Jubbaland State Government for rejecting the proposed extension and encouraged it to hold fair and transparent elections in accordance with the National Constitution and Jubbaland laws.
“Finally, we call on the leaders of the Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and South West State Governments to avoid participating in the President’s power grab, which disregards the national agreement. We urge them not to support any attempt to overthrow the rightful governance of the country and disregard the constitutional agreements,” the Himilo Qaran statement concluded.