By Goth Mohamed Goth
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali opposition leaders have warned that the country faces a constitutional crisis if the government proceeds with any form of term extension, following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s signing of a revised constitution that introduces five‑year mandates.
At a press conference on Saturday, the opposition said the president’s constitutional term expires on May 15, 2026, after which he “will be regarded as an ordinary citizen.” They rejected any non‑consensual elections or extension of power beyond constitutional limits, vowing peaceful resistance, public mobilization, and national dialogue to prevent a political vacuum.
The opposition claimed to have consulted elders, civil society, and international partners including the U.S., UK, EU, Turkey, and the UN. They also accused the government of forced evictions, home demolitions, and unlawful arrests of young people, demanding the release of several detainees.
Reaffirming their commitment to the 2012 provisional constitution, the opposition called for immediate regional elections and insisted that the Somali National Army remain neutral. The revised constitution, which replaces four‑year terms with five‑year terms, has been rejected by the opposition due to a lack of consensus.
Opposition leaders called on Somalis to unite behind what they termed a legitimate, people‑centered government after May 15
