(07-03-23) Mogadishu – In a joint statement issued by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Kheyre, Omar Abdirashid Ali, and Abdiweli Ali Gas, as well as former Speaker of the Parliament Sharif Hassan Sh. Adan and Abdulkadir Osoble, they warned against the extension of the term of the two House Committees in Somalia’s Parliament.
The statement emphasized that there is no current need to amend the Constitution for the purpose of extending the period of the two House Committees. The former leaders called on President Hassan Sheikh to protect the Constitution and the people of the country, stating that he is the guardian and developer of the basic principles of the Constitution.
The joint statement also mentioned the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the country’s democratic institutions remain strong. They stressed that any attempt to undermine these institutions would be detrimental to the country’s stability and progress.
The former leaders’ statement comes amid reports of a proposed extension of the term of the two House Committees in Somalia’s Parliament. The move has been met with opposition from various quarters, with many arguing that it would be a violation of the Constitution and would set a dangerous precedent for the future.
The joint statement by the former leaders highlights the concerns of many Somalis who fear that any attempt to tamper with the country’s democratic institutions would undermine the progress made in recent years. Somalia has made significant strides in its journey towards stability and democracy, and any attempts to reverse these gains would be a setback for the country and its people.
The former leaders’ call on President Hassan Sheikh to uphold the Constitution and protect the people of Somalia is a timely reminder of the importance of respecting democratic norms and institutions. The statement serves as a warning to those who would seek to undermine the country’s democratic gains and calls for a renewed commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the country’s institutions.
