MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday officially launched the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) in Mogadishu, positioning himself as its leader and presidential candidate ahead of the contentious 2026 elections, which remain clouded by political rifts and security challenges.
The unveiling ceremony, held in the capital, saw key federal and regional figures named to senior party positions. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, Southwest State President Abdiasis Laftagaren, and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Sa’diyo Samatar were appointed as deputy leaders, marking a rare political alignment of previously rival factions.
The formation of the JSP comes amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the regional states of Puntland and Jubaland, both of which oppose President Mohamud’s push for a universal suffrage model. Critics argue the central government lacks control over large swaths of the country, including areas under Al-Shabaab insurgent control and the breakaway region of Somaliland, raising questions about inclusivity and feasibility.
Despite the fragmented political landscape, President Mohamud insists that a one-person, one-vote election can proceed, even if limited to select towns in each federal member state. However, such a partial vote raises concerns over legitimacy and national representation.
Analysts view the JSP as a dual-purpose vehicle: to consolidate President Mohamud’s re-election bid and to override Somalia’s traditional consensus-driven political system, which often sees opposition elites unite against incumbents. Sources close to the party say regional leaders were given assurances of political protection and influence in exchange for joining the new bloc—an arrangement that could serve short-term electoral interests but risks internal fractures.
The president appears to be hedging his bets. If indirect elections remain the chosen path, JSP’s control over three federal states—Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Southwest—as well as parts of Jubaland and disputed areas like Sool, gives it a strong advantage in the parliamentary selection process. With MPs largely selected before the presidential vote, Mohamud’s party could dominate the legislature that will ultimately decide the presidency.
However, international pressure is mounting. The United States has urged President Mohamud to abandon unilateral electoral plans and engage Puntland and Jubaland in inclusive dialogue. U.S. officials have warned that any changes made to the country’s electoral and federal frameworks without broad consensus would lack legitimacy and may trigger punitive measures, including sanctions.
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