Mogadishu, Somalia – Political tensions in Somalia continue to escalate as the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madoobe, confirmed that a motion had been submitted by a group of Members of Parliament (MPs). However, due to a lack of quorum, the motion could not be added to the agenda.
The parliamentary session scheduled for today was called off as only 137 MPs were present—just two lawmakers short of the required quorum. Speaker Madoobe issued a stern warning to absent MPs, urging them to attend future sessions and fulfill their national responsibilities.
“We must fulfill our national duty. It is shameful for Parliament to be unable to convene due to a lack of quorum. I urge all absent members to attend sessions without fail. Those who continue to stay away will be named publicly,” Speaker Madoobe declared.
The Motion and Its Underlying Controversy
The motion in question was initiated by MPs from Jubbaland, following an incident where several lawmakers were reportedly prevented from traveling to Kismayo. MP Hassan Yare, one of the signatories of the motion, stated that the move was aimed at holding the government accountable for restricting the movement of lawmakers and citizens.
“We have submitted a motion regarding our colleagues who were detained at Aden Adde Airport, as well as the broader issue of Somali citizens being denied their fundamental right to travel,” MP Yare explained.
Despite today’s failure to meet quorum, Yare remained optimistic that the motion would be debated in the next session scheduled for Saturday.
Accusations Against the Government
In a scathing critique, MP Yare accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of imposing travel restrictions on Jubbaland and its residents.
“Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport has turned into a facility where people are silenced and suppressed. The President and the Prime Minister have become autocrats who impose restrictions on citizens,” he alleged.
He further claimed that a special interrogation room had been set up at the airport to question individuals traveling to or from Jubbaland, raising concerns about potential political profiling.
Broader Political Implications
The political unrest in Parliament coincides with growing opposition to the government. Reports indicate that opposition MPs had been preparing to introduce a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Barre’s administration, further exacerbating the already volatile political climate. While this motion has not yet been formally presented, its looming presence adds to the uncertainty surrounding Somalia’s governance.
The failure to reach quorum also highlights systemic issues within Somalia’s legislature, including chronic absenteeism and partisan divisions. Earlier this month, parliamentary leaders had urged lawmakers to return to Mogadishu in time for the session on February 22, warning that prolonged absences could hinder critical legislative processes.
Some opposition MPs have even threatened to hold parallel parliamentary sessions if delays continue, accusing President Mohamud of overreaching his authority, particularly in matters related to elections and security.
Legislative Priorities at Risk
The sixth session of Parliament, which President Mohamud officially opened on February 22, was expected to address crucial national issues, including security, counterterrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, and the transition to a one-person, one-vote electoral system. During his opening address, Mohamud highlighted military achievements, the revival of Somalia’s Air Force and Navy, and plans for the country’s first satellite launch center—a milestone for the Horn of Africa.
However, these priorities have been overshadowed by political disputes, with ongoing tensions between opposition MPs and the government threatening to derail legislative progress. The country’s electoral roadmap, security funding, and proposed constitutional amendments remain highly contentious topics that could further stall Parliament’s work.
