Somalia struggles for freedom

Somalia's current constitutional crisis arose because President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who interestingly holds a dual Somali-United States citizenship, is now in office without an electoral mandate after his term expired on 8 February 2021.

The lower house of parliament voted overwhelmingly to extend his term by two years, a move that sparked widespread opposition led by two former presidents and renowned political figures.

Talks for holding elections between the federal government and regional leaders began in March, but broke down in early April, as the two houses of parliament clashed on the status of President Farmajo.

Mobilization of clan militias began, exposing divisions within Somali security forces, and Mogadishu witnessed violent clashes on April 25.

Local and international pressure forced Farmajo to ask the lawmakers to cancel the presidential term extension, leading to a consultative national meeting led by the Somali prime minister.

These tensions, created by Farmajo's clinging to power, have undermined development gains, impacted ongoing conflict dynamics, and disrupted fragile peace processes. Additional pressures, such as Covid-19 made a country like Somalia even more vulnerable to shocks and setbacks.

Finally, Somalia’s Federal States have reached an agreement that will now see the horn of Africa nation hold its elections within the next 60 days.

During the talks led by Somalia Prime Minister Mohammed Roble, the leaders revealed that the consensus was struck after a mutually acceptable solution was agreed upon to end the national electoral impasse for the interest of the country and her citizens.

The Somali government, which has a poor record when it comes to press freedom in the country, says it will play its part in reducing fake news during the polls by giving access to journalists in the voting centers so they can get firsthand information.

Somalia was scheduled to hold elections last year, but the polls never happened due to complications, political disputes, and continuous security threats by al-Shabab militants.