MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Over 70 Members of Parliament (MPs) convened in Mogadishu on Monday night, issuing a stark warning against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s unilateral plans to overhaul Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, the only agreed document for the country’s vulnerable federal system.
The MPs expressed grave concerns that such actions could precipitate the unraveling of Somalia’s fragile unity.
MP Yusuf Hussein Ahmed Gama’diid, speaking on behalf of the gathered MPs, revealed that a clandestine effort to draft a new constitution was underway.
“We are very concerned about the process of changing the constitution and the structure of the government under the new Constitution,” said MP Gama’diid who read the press release.
He stated the potential repercussions of this move, emphasizing its divergence from the established consensus.
Over 70 Members of Parliament (MPs) convened in Mogadishu on Monday night, issuing a stark warning against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s unilateral plans to overhaul Somalia’s constitution.
The MPs expressed grave concerns that such actions could precipitate the unraveling… pic.twitter.com/2uvTNfvu2N
— Kaab Somali TV (@KaabTV) March 18, 2024
NEW CONSTITUTION
The push for constitutional amendments spearheaded by President Mohamud and his allies has encountered resistance from various quarters, including regional states like Puntland, which have decried the lack of inclusivity in the process.
Highlighting the extent of proposed changes, MP Gama’diid noted that 45 articles and 97 clauses had been altered, with 19 new articles and 94 clauses introduced.
This unilateral approach, the MPs argued, undermines the principles of governance and erodes the separation of powers.
The absence of Puntland and other stakeholders from critical decision-making forums, such as the National Consultative Council, further delegitimizes the process in the eyes of dissenting MPs.
They contend that decisions made under such circumstances lack validity and fail to reflect the broader will of the Somali people.
MPs emphasized the necessity of consensus-building and community consultation in any constitutional amendments, cautioning against rushed and inadequate timetables.
MP Abdisalan Dhabancad of Galmudug and MP Mohamed Ali Yusuf Gagaab of Puntland reiterated their opposition to the abandonment of the existing constitution and the imposition of a new one.
“Mr. president, tell your people to withdraw from the work you sent them,” MP Dhabancad noted.
MP Marwo Bashir of Puntland echoed these sentiments, warning of the potential fracturing of Somali society and the attendant setbacks to state-building efforts.
“Our concern is that this process will lead to further division,” she added.
The internal discord surrounding constitutional changes, MPs argued, has also hampered efforts to combat the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab insurgency.
In conclusion, the MPs called for a halt to unilateral actions and a return to inclusive dialogue to safeguard Somalia’s unity and stability.