Farmaajo blames Somali president for political crisis, cites constitutional breaches, partisan rule
Farmaajo’s remarks were amplified by a joint statement from 16 prominent Somali politicians, including former leaders Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Hassan Ali Khayre, and Mohamed Hussein Roble.
Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of plunging the nation into a deepening political crisis through deliberate constitutional violations and exclusionary governance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Farmaajo warned that Somalia’s fragile stability is at risk as factionalism and the misuse of state resources threaten to derail the country’s democratic progress.
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Farmaajo highlighted multiple violations of the Transitional Federal Constitution, mentioning Articles 50, 65, 87, and 92, which describe the president's duty to maintain national unity and keep important groups like the National Consultative Forum (NCC) and the Speaker of Parliament neutral.
“All of these articles clearly outline the president’s duty to safeguard the constitution, uphold national unity, and preserve the neutrality of institutions,” Farmaajo said. “The president’s actions are taking us in the opposite direction.”
The former president’s criticism comes amid growing controversy surrounding the launch of President Hassan’s Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP).
Critics, including Farmaajo, allege the party was formed using state resources and government influence, blurring the line between state and party.
“The illegal use of public resources, including the national army, state media, and civil servants, to prop up the ruling party’s campaigns is unacceptable,” Farmaajo declared, calling it a betrayal of public trust.
Farmaajo’s remarks were amplified by a joint statement from 16 prominent Somali politicians, including former leaders Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Hassan Ali Khayre, and Mohamed Hussein Roble.
Undermining Somalia’s federal system
The group accused President Hassan of undermining Somalia’s federal system by turning the NCC into a partisan platform, sidelining key federal member states like Jubbaland and Puntland. They also criticised the appointment of federal officials to JSP leadership roles, arguing it violates the principle of neutrality in public office.
“The unilateral decisions being taken, including suspending the provisional constitution, dismantling key national commissions, and excluding federal states from consultations, are plunging the country into an avoidable crisis,” Farmaajo warned, echoing the concerns of his fellow critics.
He urged the president to restore the NCC, re-engage with absent regional governments, and prioritise consensus-building to avoid further polarisation.
The mounting backlash underscores the challenges facing President Hassan as Somalia approaches a pivotal moment in its democratic journey.
With the country preparing for universal suffrage and the finalisation of its constitution, the growing divide between Mogadishu and regional governments threatens to overshadow these milestones.
Farmaajo called for free and fair regional elections led by current state leaders rather than those dictated by the capital.
“We need leadership that unites, not divides,” he said.
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