The regional governments of Somalia—South West, Hirshabelle, Jubbaland, and Galmudug— have extended their terms in office by one year through motions presented to their respective state parliaments. However, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has not yet clarified its position regarding these extensions. It remains uncertain whether President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will push for the Federal Member States (FMS) to adhere to their constitutional term limits, or if he will take a more lenient stance, potentially uniting the leadership to allow for an extension of the federal government’s own tenure.
Amid growing concerns over famine and the ongoing campaign to eradicate Al-Shabaab, the political landscape in Somalia is becoming increasingly volatile. This situation risks escalating into a constitutional crisis that could destabilize the country. A similar scenario in 2021, when the previous FGS administration extended its term, resulted in armed clashes between government forces and opposition factions in Mogadishu. This move was also met with strong opposition from international partners.
This essay will examine the issue from both constitutional and legal perspectives, proposing potential solutions to address the current political challenges. Additionally, we will analyze the specific anomalies surrounding the term extension in South West State and suggest ways to resolve these issues.
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