On Saturday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially opened the 6th session of the 11th Federal Parliament of Somalia. His constitutional address touched on crucial topics such as state-building, security, economic development, and nationwide elections.
However, despite covering pressing national matters, there were several critical issues the Somali people eagerly expected him to address—but were conspicuously absent. Here are four major concerns that the President failed to mention in his speech:
1. The Federal Government’s Dispute with Jubaland
The long-standing political standoff between the Federal Government and the Jubaland administration has caused significant instability, particularly affecting movement in the Lower Juba and Gedo regions.
The President made no reference to this ongoing conflict, which has even led to violent clashes like the Raskamboni battle, tarnishing the credibility of the national army. With Jubaland absent from the National Consultative Council and Puntland having previously withdrawn, the country’s electoral direction remains uncertain.
2. Public Land Auction in Mogadishu
Since returning to office in May 2022, President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has overseen the eviction of residents from government-owned land. While reclaiming public land is within the government’s rights, concerns arise over how some of these properties were later sold to private individuals.
This issue has sparked outcry from displaced residents, opposition leaders—including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and ex-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire—and civil society groups. In his address, the President failed to clarify the legal basis for these transactions, how the sales were conducted, and whether the revenue generated was deposited into the national treasury.
3. UAE’s Diplomatic Snub and Somaliland’s Elevated Status
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently accorded Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abullahi, a high-level reception typically reserved for sovereign leaders. In contrast, Somali Federal Government representatives were given a lower diplomatic standing.
This move signaled a shift in UAE’s diplomatic engagement, raising questions about Somalia’s territorial integrity and federal authority. Despite its implications, President Hassan Sheikh did not acknowledge or address this apparent diplomatic slight.
4. Delayed Local Elections and Regional Leadership Terms
The President has championed a shift to one-person, one-vote elections, allocating substantial resources for its implementation. However, Puntland and Jubaland have rejected the process, opting instead for independent elections that saw their leaders, Said Deni and Ahmed Madobe, secure extended terms.
Although the President spoke extensively on electoral reforms, he failed to clarify how the long-awaited local council elections—scheduled for June as per the electoral commission—would be conducted. Analysts suspect this omission signals an attempt to engineer an election delay, potentially allowing the President to seek an unconstitutional extension of his term.
These four unaddressed issues are at the heart of Somalia’s political discourse. The President’s silence on them leaves many wondering: Is his administration sidestepping tough decisions, or is there a broader strategy at play?
