Somali Affairs
Somalia's parliamentary session closure: a sign of political instability?
February 18, 2025
10
Min
Somalia's political landscape has once again been thrown into uncertainty as the country's parliamentary session remains indefinitely suspended. The postponement, originally scheduled for February 6, 2025, has fueled concerns over the state of governance and transparency within the nation’s legislative body. This development raises crucial questions about political accountability and the stability of Somalia’s government.
The closure of Somalia’s parliamentary session has been attributed to rising tensions between lawmakers and the executive branch. According to Abdirashid Hidig, a prominent Somali lawmaker, senior government officials have deliberately obstructed the session to prevent a looming no-confidence motion against the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Speaker Sheikh Adan Madobe has faced allegations of collaborating with Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, in a bid to shield the government from parliamentary scrutiny. This has sparked outrage among opposition politicians, who argue that such actions undermine Somalia’s fragile democratic institutions.
The postponement of parliamentary proceedings has widened the divide between Somalia’s legislative and executive branches. Lawmakers fear that preventing the no-confidence motion from proceeding could set a dangerous precedent, further eroding democratic governance in the country.
Hidig and other opposition figures have suggested that if the parliamentary chambers remain closed, they will hold an independent session elsewhere to address their grievances. This move could deepen Somalia’s political crisis and further destabilize the government.
Another key concern raised by opposition figures is the alleged misuse of the Somali National Army (SNA) to suppress political opponents. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration has been accused of deploying security forces against opposition gatherings in Mogadishu and Jubaland, a tactic reminiscent of former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s controversial governance approach.
These accusations have sparked widespread concerns among Somali citizens, political analysts, and international observers. The potential use of state security forces for political suppression could have long-term consequences for Somalia’s democratic progress and security stability.
The continued deadlock in Somalia’s parliament presents a severe challenge to governance, economic progress, and security. The country is already grappling with multiple crises, including ongoing security threats from Al-Shabaab, economic hardships, and humanitarian concerns. Political infighting only adds to the uncertainty, making it difficult for the government to address the needs of its citizens.
A failure to resolve these tensions could result in prolonged instability, weakening both public trust in governance and international confidence in Somalia’s ability to foster democracy. Political experts argue that Somalia’s leadership must prioritize dialogue, transparency, and a commitment to democratic principles to avoid further turmoil.
Somalia stands at a crossroads, with the outcome of this political impasse likely to shape its future governance. The indefinite closure of parliament raises serious questions about political accountability and democratic integrity. If the government and opposition cannot find a common ground, the risk of escalating instability remains high.
For Somalia to move forward, it is crucial for its leaders to embrace democratic values, engage in transparent governance, and allow legislative processes to function without obstruction. Only through open dialogue and political maturity can Somalia hope to build a stable and prosperous future for its citizens.
