(18-10-23) MOGADISHU — A coalition of opposition figures in Somalia, comprising former presidents and prime ministers, on Thursday, issued a stringent rebuke to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s appeal for a two-party political system and changes to the country’s parliamentary structure.
In a speech delivered last Friday at the Presidential Mosque, President Hassan Sheikh urged the adoption of a two-party system as outlined by the National Consultative Council back in May. “You can reject something, but compare your position with what you want. If we have decided to adopt two parties, if you disagree with that plan, tell us,” the President remarked.
The opposition responded with a statement, accusing the President of risking the unity of the nation at a time when Somalia is grappling with the persistent threat of terrorism. “It is unfortunate that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has adopted a policy that divides the Somali people when unity is crucial,” the statement declared.
The coalition also sounded an alarm over potential threats to the current distribution of power among Somali communities. They urged adherence to the existing constitutional framework, stating, “The current structure of government is an agreement entered into by the Somali people and it is important to have the participation of the entire Somali community through a constitutional process.”
The opposition figures criticised President Hassan Sheikh for his continuous interference in legislative affairs and called for the separation of powers to be respected. “The president does not have the constitutional authority to dictate the number of political parties or the form of government. Such decisions must be made in consensus and accordance with the nation’s laws,” the statement read.
They appealed to the Parliament to uphold its constitutional mandate, maintaining that the President should focus solely on his designated responsibilities.
Concluding their statement, the opposition leaders called on the international community to closely monitor Somalia’s complex political landscape.The statement was undersigned by notable politicians, including Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, and Prof Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, among others.
Halqabsi News
