Kismaayo (DS Editorial) – A broad coalition of Somali opposition figures meeting in the port city of Kismayo has issued an ultimatum to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, rejecting unilateral constitutional changes, opposing any term extensions, and demanding an inclusive, consensus-based electoral process ahead of 2026 deadlines.
The four-day conference, held from Dec. 17–20, brought together the presidents of Puntland and Jubaland, Said Deni and Ahmed Madobe, former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, several former prime ministers, sitting members of parliament, presidential candidates, and civil society representatives.
In a joint communiqué, the opposition said Somalia’s 2012 Provisional Constitution remains the country’s sole legal framework and declared any amendments made unilaterally by the president “null and void.”
It rejected any extension of mandates, saying parliament’s term ends on April 14, 2026, and the president’s on May 15, 2026, warning that extensions would trigger a constitutional vacuum and political instability.The group called for national elections to be held on time and by consensus, saying they must be more credible than the 2022 polls, strengthen constituency representation, and be administered by an election commission agreed upon by all stakeholders.
The opposition gave President Mohamud one month until Jan. 20, 2026 to convene an inclusive national dialogue to agree on the electoral process. Failing that, it said it would pursue “alternative arrangements” to prevent a constitutional vacuum and security breakdown.
The communiqué also rejected the ongoing election process in Banadir (Mogadishu), describing it as unconstitutional and illegitimate due to the unresolved legal status of the capital, and urged federal member state leaders with expired mandates to organise elections in line with their constitutions.In remarks at a separate event on Friday, President Mohamud dismissed the Kismayo meeting but said he was open to talks if the opposition presents a unified position.
Analysts say the Kismayo conference marks a significant step by opposition actors to consolidate their stance and increase pressure on the federal government as Somalia approaches critical electoral deadlines, even as security operations against al Shabaab and ISIS groups continue.
