MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government on Tuesday sought to reassure international partners that it remains within its legal mandate, telling diplomats in Mogadishu that both the legislature and executive will continue in office for one year after a new constitution had come into force in March.
Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Hosh, Justice Minister Hassan Moalim and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Bal’ad delivered the message during a meeting with foreign ambassadors in the fortified Halane diplomatic compound at Mogadishu’s airport.
The talks unfolded just hours after the federal parliament’s term expired, a moment that has sharpened political tensions and drawn swift criticism from opposition figures. Several opposition leaders warned the country is slipping into uncertainty, raising concerns over potential instability, misuse of power and the weakening of state institutions operating without clear legitimacy.
Government officials pushed back on that narrative, arguing that a constitutional provision grants them a one-year extension. They said the administration is pressing ahead with plans to organize elections based on one-person, one-vote – a long-promised shift – beginning at the regional level with state presidents and local councils before advancing to federal polls.
The ministers also appealed for international backing, urging partners to provide the financial support needed to carry out the electoral process.
Funding, however, remains a major obstacle. The federal government has yet to secure the necessary commitments from donors to implement its plan.
Adding to the friction, opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur recently accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of financing his election agenda through revenues generated from the sale of public land, alleging the strategy is designed to advance a universal suffrage model on the government’s terms.
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